SME4Labour's contribution to the Labour Party's general election success cannot be understated. Much will rightly be made of Rachel Reeves's progress in winning the trust of the City, but her recognition that SMEs are the lifeblood of our economy and the primary engine of growth has been every bit as significant.
SME4Labour provides that connection between the Labour leadership and all those innovative everyday businesses that create the wealth and jobs on which communities such as mine in Aberafan Maesteg depend. Their wide-ranging events provide important forums for business leaders to share ideas and for Labour to develop policy.
I have been delighted to have been involved in important conversations on steel, modern manufacturing and the green energy transition, and how Port Talbot can be a pioneer for Floating Offshore Wind. This year I have been particularly encouraged by SME4Labour's partnership with Labour Renaissance on a 10-step plan to help small businesses grow, supported by policy experts.
The Labour Government's 'Securonomics' agenda - driven by our Green Prosperity Plan, Johnny Reynolds' industrial strategy, and an ambition to make, buy and sell more in Britain - will make the forum SME4Labour provides even more valuable moving forward.
Stephen Kinnock MP
Member of Parliament for Aberafan Maesteg