News

22.06.2026 Britain's Builders — The Winners
The 9th SME4Labour Annual Excellence Awards. 16 categories · 28 winners · London.
Calls for a national conversation on AI based on trust, skills and sharing the gains 05.10.2026 Calls for a national conversation on AI based on trust, skills and sharing the gains
Speakers at a full-house SME4Labour fringe said AI can already improve public services, but that trust, digital inclusion and fair sharing of the benefits must come first.
Industrial strategy must cut input costs and open up finance for small businesses 05.10.2026 Industrial strategy must cut input costs and open up finance for small businesses
Speakers at a full-house SME4Labour and Allica Bank panel said the strategy will be judged on whether it lowers the cost of doing business and widens access to finance beyond London.
Affordable, high-quality homes are key to building public support, housing panel hears 05.10.2026 Affordable, high-quality homes are key to building public support, housing panel hears
Speakers at a full-house SME4Labour fringe called for more affordable homes, a return to council house building and developments that bring communities with them.
Guaranteed-price contracts and statutory targets could help secure Britain\'s food supply 05.10.2026 Guaranteed-price contracts and statutory targets could help secure Britain\'s food supply
Speakers at a full-house SME4Labour fringe said food security cannot be delivered through slogans, warning of tired farms and a fragile supply chain.
Gareth Thomas says Swiss-style EU deal would transform road haulage 05.10.2026 Gareth Thomas says Swiss-style EU deal would transform road haulage
Speakers at a full-house SME4Labour and Road Haulage Association panel said easing trade friction with the EU is now a priority, with agrifood, driver rules and border systems all in play.
McCluskey: clean power will give small businesses control over energy prices 05.10.2026 McCluskey: clean power will give small businesses control over energy prices
The Energy Minister told a packed SME4Labour and E.ON breakfast that the 2030 clean power goal is as important for small firms as for households, as E.ON warned bills can stay high even when wholesale prices fall.
Weekly SME4Labour Briefing: Labour opens practical support for energy costs, skills and innovation 05.10.2026 Weekly SME4Labour Briefing: Labour opens practical support for energy costs, skills and innovation
Monday 5 October 2026: manufacturing electricity-cost relief is open, mayors will lead local apprenticeship services, the Pathways to Work fund closes on 26 October, and departments have published SME procurement plans.
Clapham and Brixton Hill CLP Autumn Fundraiser 05.10.2026 Clapham and Brixton Hill CLP Autumn Fundraiser
Join us on Tuesday 3rd November 2026 from 6.30pm for the Clapham and Brixton Hill CLP Autumn Fundraiser at Troia Southbank. Tickets from £45.
Help shape the future of small business: join SME4Labour’s Advisory Board 04.10.2026 Help shape the future of small business: join SME4Labour’s Advisory Board
SME4Labour is inviting applications to join our Advisory Board, bringing together people with the experience, ideas and commitment to help small businesses thrive.
Weekly SME4Labour Briefing: Labour using procurement and investment to support jobs and growth 28.09.2026 Weekly SME4Labour Briefing: Labour using procurement and investment to support jobs and growth
Monday 28 September 2026: utility and maritime procurement expectations, Keep Britain Working SME testing, a UK-Philippines export-finance route, Project Gigabit delivery, automotive and lithium investment, and Greater Manchester Warm Homes supplier appointments.
Weekly SME4Labour Briefing: UK's 250th banking hub and clearer rules for employers 21.09.2026 Weekly SME4Labour Briefing: UK's 250th banking hub and clearer rules for employers
Monday 21 September 2026: the UK's 250th banking hub opens in Chepstow, employers get advance clarity on flexible-working rules from autumn 2027, new HMRC deadline tools go live, and Liverpool City Region considers a £5.5 million solar and battery fund.
Weekly SME4Labour Briefing: Labour opening routes into innovation, exports and simpler administration 14.09.2026 Weekly SME4Labour Briefing: Labour opening routes into innovation, exports and simpler administration
Monday 14 September 2026: a £7.8 billion UK Space Strategy, faster Self Assessment registration, £167 million of UKEF-backed UK supply contracts, openings at Bristol Temple Quarter, lower DBS fees from October, and the UK–US SME Dialogue in Cardiff.