SME4Labour held its 9th Annual Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony on Monday 22 June 2026 at the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square. With more than 700 guests in attendance, it was one of the largest events in our history.

Guests travelled from across the United Kingdom, bringing together ministers, MPs, mayors, councillors, trade union leaders, business owners, entrepreneurs and Labour supporters. We were delighted to welcome Small Business Minister Blair McDougall MP, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram and Leader of Liverpool City Council Cllr Liam Robinson, alongside many other parliamentary and local government colleagues.

The evening celebrated the contribution small and medium-sized enterprises make to the economy, to local communities and to public life. Our awards recognised outstanding businesses and individuals from across the country, while the night gave attendees from every sector the chance to exchange ideas, build new partnerships and reflect on the opportunities and challenges facing the UK.

Speakers throughout the evening highlighted the shared goals of business and politics, and the atmosphere in the room reflected optimism, determination and a strong vision for the future. The event was also an occasion to pay tribute to Sir Keir Starmer, with thanks expressed for his years of support for SME4Labour and his service to the Labour Party and the country.

The gala stood as a testament to the relationships SME4Labour has built over nine years between business, politics, trade unions and communities, and closed with a message of collaboration and solidarity for the years ahead.

The success of the 9th Annual SME4Labour Gala Dinner would not have been possible without the continued support of our members, sponsors, partners, volunteers and friends. Our Chair, Cllr Ibrahim Dogus, thanked all supporters and said we look forward to welcoming everyone again at future events.