"We were elected on a mandate to fix the foundations and deliver change – with our number one mission to drive economic growth.

Small and medium-sized businesses are central to this mission. They bring life to our high streets; jobs to our communities; and world-class goods and services which sustain our economy.

I see first-hand in my own constituency, and in visits across the country, the impact of thriving SMEs on the communities around them. It is clear that supporting working people goes hand in hand with enabling small and medium enterprises to thrive.

That’s why in this Labour Government’s first Budget, I set out a wide range of measures to support SMEs – including an increase to the Employment Allowance.

SME4Labour has worked tirelessly to champion small and medium-sized businesses, ensuring that the issues and opportunities which they encounter are at the heart of our policy development.

My message to small and medium enterprises is clear. We will do all we can to see you succeed – for jobs, for opportunities, and for growth. Because when SMEs succeed, Britain succeeds."

Rachel Reeves MP Chancellor of the Exchequer