LONDON mayoral candidate, Tory Steve Norris, has launched his fourth policy review, entitled Business London', which outlines how he will put business at the heart of the Mayor's agenda.

The policy review examines how London's business needs have been ignored over the past four years and how this could put at risk the future success of the capital.

Business London' sets out ideas designed to tackle the high crime levels, failing transport infrastructure and lack of skills in the workforce that have reduced the attractiveness of the capital for business.

Speaking at the launch of Business London', Mr Norris said: "Livingstone has simply ignored business for the past four years.

"But without a thriving business and entrepreneurial sector, no city can survive. I will replace the Mayor's ridiculous Annual Conference with an event that sells London to the world.

"We need a serious programme of action to sort out the capital's problems so that London can out-compete cities in the UK and abroad. The Mayor also needs to set his own personal example in running City Hall if any business was run the way Livingstone runs City Hall it would be bankrupt by now."

Four of the key proposals included in Business London' include: Putting business at the heart of the Mayor's agenda in places like Hounslow': Mr Norris believes the Mayor should use his planning powers to encourage the development of business hubs in the suburbs to reduce pressure on the transport network. Business, he believes, should be consulted by every mayoral agency about the costs and benefits of new initiatives. The Mayor should hold an Annual Business Conference to promote London to the world, as well as quarterly meetings with the leaders of London's business community.

Zero tolerance towards crime against businesses': Mr Norris said: "The Mayor must ensure that the police do not treat crimes against business as "second class offences".

With 40,000 burglaries of commercial premises last year, crime imposes huge costs on business. The Mayor must support the formation of retail crime partnerships in every major shopping centre in London."

Skills training for London's unemployed and unskilled workforce': Mr Norris believes: "that too many Londoners lack the basic skills that are needed in a modern economy. The London Development Agency is a shambles under Livingstone.

"The Chief Executive has resigned and all the directors bar one have been fired. It is currently ineffective, incompetent and rudderless. The Mayor should bring in world class talent from business to run the LDA.

"The LDA should divert funds away from property development and into education and training."

A transport system that meets the needs of a modern business city': According to Mr Norris, "Transport delays cost City of London businesses alone £230 million a year, as well as increasing stress for employees.

"The Mayor should introduce those changes to the tube, such as air conditioning and extended hours, that will deliver a 21st century service; he should abandon the congestion charge that has damaged shops and restaurants in the centre of London so badly and is one of the few taxes ever to run at a loss.

"He should negotiate a no strike agreement with the tube unions who are otherwise prepared to hold Londoners to ransom."