The success of small and medium-sized enterprises will be critical to this Labour Government’s first mission to kickstart economic growth and make the UK the fastest-growing major economy by the end of our first term in government. Labour’s manifesto also included the ambition to make the UK the best place to start and grow a business. SMEs already account for nearly two-thirds of UK employment, nearly 17 million jobs, and half of turnover in the UK private sector.
In this context, the work that SME4Labour has been undertaking since 2015, supporting Labour candidates by organising meetings, roundtables, receptions, and numerous fundraising dinners, has been fundamental to building our party’s relationship and trust with small businesses. I welcome SME4Labour’s positive contribution and impact and look forward to continuing to work with colleagues in SME4Labour and the wider business community to support the delivery of our economic goals.
Douglas Alexander MP
Member of Parliament for Lothian East
Minister of State for Business and Trade