Buckinghamshire could become a “working-age ghost town” in the next generation if action is not taken to boost its job market, according to a leading voice in business.

Philippa Batting, managing director of Bucks Business First, says predicted population changes and property price rises could lead to a skills shortage and force people from the area.

Exclusively for the Bucks Free Press, she warned that a drop in the number of working age people by five per cent could make it hard for businesses to find the qualified workers they need.

She said: “The Buckinghamshire business community is a well-oiled machine with different sized and shaped cogs turning every day to keep every business running and as many people as possible in either education, employment or training.

“This outcome relies on myriad factors and those mentioned in this article are part of the same machine that is in danger of turning Buckinghamshire into a working-age ghost town within a generation.

“It is clear that the cost of housing is becoming less and less inviting for young people thinking of living, working and starting a family here.

“Those of working age could become less likely to view Buckinghamshire as a place to live, work and move to, leaving our businesses suffering as a result.

“It is vital that we ensure Buckinghamshire is the best place to do business in the country, so that we can offer the next generation of business owners and employees a place where they can thrive.”

Buckinghamshire’s population is estimated to grow by almost 55,000 by 2026, according to the Office for National Statistics.

But less than a third of this growth will come via working age people, with residents in their 20s and 40s predicted to fall in number across the county.

And while working age residents made up 62 per cent of Buckinghamshire’s population in 2014, this is estimated to fall to 57 per cent by 2031.

To add to the problems, private rents in Buckinghamshire are among the highest in England, with Wycombe district in the top 20 per cent in the country for private rental prices.

Average house prices in Buckinghamshire rose by 10 per cent in the last year, compared to 6 per cent nationally.

And Mrs Batting stressed that while Bucks residents’ disposable household income levels are high, they have been below the national rate of growth 10 times in the last 13 years.

Despite the challenges, she said her organisation will fight to get the best deal for firms in Bucks, She said: “Through business support team, grant funding schemes, free workspaces across the county and plenty more, we are determined to ensure that Buckinghamshire is a place for everyone to live, work, dream and prosper.”

Bucks Business First is a pro-business group which exists to help businesses in the county thrive. It lobbies on their behalf and helps bid for lucrative contracts and infrastructure improvements.

Check out the full BBF column in this Friday's Talking Business, only in the BFP