The Labour Party Annual Conference 2025

SME4LABOUR CONFERENCE RECEPTION

Speakers:

• Hamish Falconer MP, Minister for the Middle East and North Africa
• Dame Siobhain McDonagh MP, MP for Mitcham and Morden
• Bill Esterson MP, MP for Sefton Central
• John Grady MP, MP for Glasgow East
• Noah Law MP, MP for St Austell and Newquay
• Michael Lawrence, Asia House

Host:  Ibrahim Dogus, SME4Labour

The SME4Labour Conference Reception brought together parliamentarians, business leaders, and entrepreneurs for an evening centred on strengthening the relationship between government and the UK’s small business community. Hosted by Ibrahim Dogus, the reception highlighted both the economic importance of SMEs and their growing influence within Labour’s policy agenda.

Opening the event, Ibrahim Dogus emphasised the scale and impact of SME4Labour’s presence at conference, noting the organisation’s extensive programme of events and its role in ensuring that small business voices are heard at the heart of policymaking. He underlined a central message echoed throughout the evening: SMEs are not only the backbone of the British economy, but also vital to community life, innovation, and job creation.

Speakers reinforced the importance of SMEs to Labour’s wider growth mission. John Grady highlighted the diversity and dynamism of local business communities, stressing their role in generating wealth, employment, and social value. He positioned SMEs as essential partners in delivering public services and economic renewal. Similarly, Bill Esterson drew on his own background in small business to underline the natural alignment between Labour values and enterprise, pointing to initiatives such as the Warm Homes Plan as examples of how government policy can create opportunities for SMEs while addressing national challenges like energy efficiency.

A strong theme throughout the reception was the need for partnership between government and business. Dame Siobhain McDonagh praised SME4Labour’s role in bridging this gap, noting how effectively it ensures that MPs remain connected to the realities faced by small businesses. This sentiment was echoed by Noah Law, who highlighted the critical role SMEs play in regional economies such as Cornwall, particularly in emerging sectors like critical minerals and green industry supply chains.

The international dimension of SME growth was also a key focus. Michael Lawrence and Hamish Falconer both emphasised the increasing global opportunities available to SMEs. They pointed to strengthening trade links with regions such as the Middle East and North Africa, alongside evolving geopolitical dynamics, as areas where UK SMEs can expand and compete. Falconer highlighted that even the smallest firms are now operating globally, demonstrating the need for government support in navigating international markets.

Across all contributions, a consistent narrative emerged: SMEs must be central to Labour’s strategy for economic growth, both domestically and internationally. This includes improving access to finance, strengthening skills pipelines, supporting innovation, and ensuring that small businesses can engage more effectively with public procurement and global trade opportunities.

The reception closed on a note of optimism and collaboration. The collective message was clear—through sustained partnership between government, organisations like SME4Labour, and the business community, the UK can build a more resilient, inclusive, and growth-driven economy where small businesses are empowered to thrive both at home and on the global stage.