SMALL TECH, BIG IMPACT: POLICY IDEAS TO DELIVER LABOUR’S GROWTH MISSION
- Date: September 30, 2025 at 12:00 - 1pm
- Location: SME4Labour POD (Arena Room - Thames), ACC Liverpool Kings Dock Street, Liverpool, L3 4FP
The Labour Party Annual Conference 2025
SME4Labour and App Association fringe: SMALL TECH, BIG IMPACT: POLICY IDEAS TO DELIVER LABOUR’S GROWTH MISSION
Speakers:
- Blair McDougall MP, Minister for Small Business and Economic Transformation
- Kanishka Narayan, Minister for AI and Digital Government
- William Fish - Manulytica
- Caroline Laurenson– Founder, Kindspace
Chair: Stephen Tulip, ACT
Small technology firms are increasingly recognised as a critical engine of economic growth, and this panel explored how targeted policy interventions can unlock their full potential in delivering Labour’s growth mission. Chaired by Stephen Tulip, the discussion brought together policymakers and founders to examine the realities facing early-stage tech businesses and the reforms needed to support them.
Opening the session, Blair McDougall emphasised the central role of small businesses in the UK economy, highlighting that they account for the overwhelming majority of firms and a significant share of employment. He underlined the government’s focus on improving access to finance, strengthening research and development investment, and addressing a critical gap in support for companies transitioning from startup to scale-up. A forthcoming “scale-up service” aims to provide more tailored, concierge-style guidance to help high-growth firms navigate this phase.
Founder perspectives grounded the discussion in real-world challenges. Caroline Laurenson outlined how her company leverages smart home technology and AI to support vulnerable individuals, particularly in social housing. Despite strong outcomes and proven impact, she highlighted structural barriers in public procurement, where strict financial thresholds prevent smaller, innovative firms from bidding for contracts. This disconnect between innovation and access to opportunity remains a key obstacle to growth.
William Fish provided insight into the complexities of hardware innovation, particularly the opaque costs associated with standard essential patents. He argued that uncertainty around intellectual property pricing limits investment confidence and creates disproportionate challenges for startups. Both founders stressed that beyond funding, clearer regulatory frameworks and fairer market access are essential for scaling innovation.
Arriving during the session, Kanishka Narayan reinforced the government’s commitment to positioning the UK as a global hub for tech innovation. He highlighted recent investments in compute infrastructure and emphasised the importance of fostering a strong ecosystem of capital, talent and community. Crucially, he noted that small businesses must be at the heart of this vision, with policy tools ranging from procurement reform to regulatory innovation being deployed to support them.
A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the need to move beyond a narrow focus on venture capital and “unicorn” status as the sole measure of success. Panellists advocated for a broader definition of growth—one that values sustainable businesses, societal impact, and strong customer relationships. There was also a clear call for greater collaboration between startups, large organisations, and educational institutions to drive meaningful innovation.
Looking ahead, success for the UK’s small tech sector will depend on creating an environment where early-stage companies can access customers, navigate regulation with clarity, and scale without disproportionate barriers. Bridging the gap between policy ambition and operational reality will be essential to ensuring that small tech delivers a genuinely big impact on the UK economy.
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Bios :
Blair McDougall MP is the Member of Parliament for East Renfrewshire, elected in 2024. He serves as a Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Business and Trade. His extensive career in political strategy and campaigning includes his role as Chief Executive and Campaign Director for the successful Better Together campaign during the 2014 Scottish independence referendum. He has also served as a Special Adviser in the governments of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown across multiple departments, including the UK's Foreign Office.
Kanishka Narayan was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 7 September 2025. Kanishka is the Labour MP for the Vale of Glamorgan, after a career in senior government and private sector roles. In government, Kanishka advised ministers on domestic public policy, as Senior Adviser at the Cabinet Office and as Expert Adviser to Britain's Environment Secretary. He also advised the Labour Party frontbench as Head of Tech Policy.
Gordon McKee MP, MP for Glasgow South: Gordon McKee is the Labour MP for Glasgow South, having been elected in July 2024. He is a member of the International Development Select Committee and recently visited Ukraine on his first delegation as a new MP. Having previously developed software, he has a keen interest in the intersection of technology and national security.
William Fish, Founder of Manulytica: William Fish is the founder of Manulytica, a technology company specialising in applying AI and machine learning to legacy manufacturing equipment. His work focuses on providing cost-effective, retrofit solutions that enable manufacturers to digitise their operations and improve efficiency. With over 20 years of experience in information and operational technology, and with an MBA from Leeds University Business School, William brings a wealth of practical expertise in engineering, computer science, and business development. His company is based in the UK’s industrial heartland, giving him a unique perspective on how tech can revitalise traditional industries.
Caroline Laurenson, Founder of Kindspace: Caroline is the founder of Kindspace, a company that utilises voice technology to promote wellbeing and support. With a professional background as an engineer and project manager, she combines technical expertise with a creative and empathetic approach. Her work, including the "Create Your Kindspace" podcast, focuses on the intersection of technology and mental health, exploring how digital tools can foster human connection and self-care. She offers a unique perspective on the ethical and social dimensions of technology and its potential for positive societal impact.
Stephen Tulip, UK Country Manager, ACT | The App Association: Stephen Tulip serves as the UK Country Manager for ACT | The App Association, an organisation that advocates on behalf of the global app ecosystem. His role involves working with policymakers to ensure that the legislative and regulatory environment supports the growth and success of small tech businesses. He is a frequent commentator on a range of technology policy issues, including competition law, intellectual property, and data regulation. Stephen’s expertise provides a crucial bridge between the innovators on the ground and the government bodies responsible for shaping the digital economy.
Event summary
- Date: September 30, 2025 at 12:00 - 1pm
- Location: SME4Labour POD (Arena Room - Thames), ACC Liverpool Kings Dock Street, Liverpool, L3 4FP
- Contact name: SME4Labour team
- Contact email: [email protected]
- Ticket price: Free
- RSVP: RSVP using the form below.