The Labour Party Annual Conference 2025

SME4Labour and Meta Reception: FUELLING THE FUTURE: NEXT GENERATION SMALL BUSINESSES, AI AND LABOUR'S GROWTH AGENDA

Speakers:

• Kanishka Narayan MP, AI Minister
• Casey Calista, Meta
• Chris Yiu, Director of Public Policy at Meta
• Nataly Fleet MP, MP for BolsoverJohn Grady MP, MP for Glasgow East Noah Law, MP for St Austell and Newquay

Host: Dawn Butler MP, MP for Brent East

The reception “Fuelling the Future: Next Generation Small Businesses, AI and Labour's Growth Agenda” brought together policymakers, tech innovators, and entrepreneurs to explore the transformative potential of open-source AI across the UK economy. Hosted by Dawn Butler MP, the event highlighted how technology, policy, and small business growth intersect to drive opportunity and innovation.

Key Themes:

• AI for UK Growth: Speakers emphasised how AI adoption can enhance productivity, entrepreneurship, and regional economic growth, creating high-value jobs and competitive businesses across the country.
• Open-Source and Sovereignty: Open-source AI offers a secure, homegrown layer of the tech stack, empowering businesses while protecting national data and priorities.
• Empowering SMEs: Practical applications of AI lower barriers to entry, enabling small businesses to innovate, scale, and compete globally.

Highlights:

• Meta’s Demonstration: Attendees experienced the Llama AI in action, showcasing personalised takeaways and real-world applications for businesses.
• Accessibility in Action: Guide Dogs presented Meta Ray-Bans, demonstrating how AI can enhance accessibility for people with visual impairments.
• Policy Insights: Labour MPs discussed initiatives such as the Youth Guarantee, reflecting the government’s commitment to supporting young people and local communities through technology and innovation.

The event concluded with a call to action for attendees to explore AI’s potential, network with experts, and contribute to shaping a progressive, innovation-driven economy. By connecting small businesses, policymakers, and cutting-edge technology, the session demonstrated the collective power of open-source AI to fuel the UK’s future.