The SME4Labour Excellence Awards 2025 – Meet the Finalists

We are proud to announce that the finals of the 8th SME4Labour Excellence Awards are now open!

Since their launch, the SME4Labour Excellence Awards have grown into one of the most important events in the Labour calendar. They recognise the achievements of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurs, trade unions, Labour representatives, and community leaders who work tirelessly to support their communities, grow the economy, and strengthen the Labour movement.

These awards celebrate the values of fairness, innovation, collaboration, and opportunity. Each year, they highlight the incredible diversity of contributions being made — from entrepreneurs building businesses with vision and resilience, to trade associations shaping industries, to councillors and parliamentarians leading with integrity and commitment.

Why These Awards Matter

SMEs are the backbone of the UK economy. They provide jobs, drive growth, and foster innovation in every corner of the country. SME4Labour was founded to ensure that the voices of SMEs are heard in the political process, and that the Labour Party remains a champion of enterprise, fairness, and opportunity.

Through these awards, we celebrate not only individual and organisational achievement but also the vital partnership between Labour and the SME sector. The finalists embody the very best of this collaboration, working towards a stronger and more inclusive economy for all.

Voting Now Open

The semi-final stage saw thousands of people cast their votes to support nominees across 17 categories. Now, the finalists have been confirmed — and it’s your turn to help decide the winners!

🗳️ How to Vote:

  • You can vote for up to 3 finalists in each category.

  • You don’t need to vote in every category — but we encourage you to take part as much as possible.

  • Voting closes at midnight on 1st October2025.

👉 Cast your votes here: Vote in the SME4Labour Excellence Awards

Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony

The winners will be announced at the SME4Labour Annual Gala Dinner, which promises to be an evening of recognition, networking, and celebration.

📅 Date: Tuesday, 4th November 2025
📍 Venue: Sheraton Grand London Park Lane, Piccadilly, London W1J 7BX
Time: 17:00 – 23:30
👔 Dress Code: Lounge suit / Cocktail dress

🎟️ Tickets: Secure your place now via the official link: Book Tickets Here
📩 Sponsorship enquiries: Please contact [email protected]

The Gala Dinner will bring together Labour politicians, business leaders, trade unionists, and community representatives. It is not only a chance to celebrate excellence but also an opportunity to strengthen the bonds between the Labour Party and the SMEs that power our economy.

Full List of Finalists

SME Business and Trade Association of the Year

  • British Beer and Pub Association
  • Federation of Master Builders
  • National Federation of Fish Friers
  • Road Haulage Association
  • Short Term Accommodation Association
  • Trade Association Forum
  • Wine and Spirits Trade Association

Entrepreneur of the Year

  • Atta Haq
  • Ben Howlett
  • Christian Klapp
  • Jim Murphy
  • Karl Hick
  • Katie Perrior
  • Kevin McKeever

Trade Union of the Year

  • ASLEF
  • Community Union
  • CWU
  • GMB
  • UNISON
  • UNITE THE UNION
  • USDAW

Councillor of the Year

  • Cllr Adam Hug
  • Cllr Claire Holland
  • Cllr Gavin Callaghan
  • Cllr Liam Robinson
  • Cllr Muhammed Butt
  • Cllr Sabia Kamali
  • Cllr Simon Hackett

MP of the Year

  • Bill Esterson MP
  • Chris Webb MP
  • Dan Tomlinson MP
  • Dawn Butler MP
  • Emily Thornberry MP
  • Mike Reader MP
  • Rosena Allin-Khan MP

Cabinet Member of the Year

  • Darren Jones MP
  • Heidi Alexander MP
  • John Healey MP
  • Jonathan Reynolds MP
  • Pat McFadden MP
  • Steve Reed MP
  • Yvette Cooper MP

London Assembly Member of the Year

  • Anne Clarke AM
  • Joanne McCartney AM
  • Len Duvall AM
  • Leonie Cooper AM
  • Marina Ahmad AM
  • Sem Moema AM
  • Unmesh Desai AM

Welsh Senedd Member of the Year

  • Eluned Morgan MS
  • Hannah Blythyn MS
  • Jenny Rathbone MS
  • Julie Morgan MS
  • Ken Skates MS
  • Sarah Murphy MS
  • Vikki Howells MS

Member of Scottish Parliament of the Year

  • Anas Sarwar MSP
  • Claire Baker MSP
  • Foysol Choudhury MSP
  • Mercedes Villalba MSP
  • Monica Lennon MSP
  • Rhoda Grant MSP
  • Sarah Boyack MSP

Elected Mayor of the Year

  • Andy Burnham
  • Claire Ward
  • Helen Godwin
  • Richard Parker
  • Sadiq Khan
  • Steve Rotheram
  • Tracy Brabin

CLP of the Year

  • Aberafan Maesteg CLP
  • Bristol North West CLP
  • Clwyd East CLP
  • Peckham CLP
  • Pontefract
  • Reading West and Mid Berkshire CLP
  • Rutherglen CLP

Socialist Society of the Year

  • Disability Labour
  • Jewish Labour Movement
  • Labour business
  • Labour movement for Europe
  • Labour Women's Network
  • SERA- Labour’s Environment Campaign
  • The Society of Labour Lawyers

Friends Group of the Year

  • 1987 Committee
  • Labour Asians Society
  • Labour Climate and Environment Forum
  • Labour Cypriot Society
  • Labour friends of Bangladesh
  • Labour friends of Kosova and Balkans
  • Labour Friends of Palestine and Middle East

Council of the Year

  • Brent Council
  • Cambridge City Council
  • Cardiff Council
  • Manchester City Council
  • Nottingham City Council
  • Plymouth City Council
  • Preston City Council

Peer of the Year

  • Baroness Ayesha Hazarika
  • Baroness Dianne Hayter
  • Baroness Luciana Berger
  • Lord Charlie Falconer
  • Lord David Blunkett
  • Lord Maurice Glasman
  • Lord Sonny Leong

Rising Star of the Year

  • Chris Curtis MP
  • Johanna Baxter MP
  • Josh MacAlister MP
  • Kanishka Narayan MP
  • Natalie Fleet MP
  • Torsten Bell MP
  • Zubir Ahmed MP

Job Creator of the Year "

  • Coffi Lab
  • Daisy Green
  • DCS Group
  • Gü Desserts
  • Homebaked Bakery
  • JUBEL Beer
  • Montirex
  • Thatcher’s Cider
  • Tom Kerridge
  • Trueform Manufacturing & Technologies Group