Date: Monday, 28 April 2025
Location: House of Commons, Committee Room 5
Hosted by SME4Labour | Chaired by Rosie Wrighting MP

SME4Labour was pleased to host a critical panel discussion in Parliament on the policy priorities and economic strategies needed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK. The event brought together senior MPs, industry leaders, and policy experts for a compelling discussion on how to unlock inclusive growth through SME-focused policymaking.

Chaired by Rosie Wrighting MP, the panel featured Bill Esterson MP, Chair of the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee; Emily Wallace, Vice Chair of SME4Labour; and Kevin McKeever, Managing Director at Lowick. The session focused on issues such as business rates reform, late payment practices, workforce skills, and SME access to public procurement.

Speakers reflected on key findings from SME4Labour’s 2025 report, “The Backbone of Britain: Policy Strategies for Strengthening SMEs”, emphasising the need to amplify SME voices across Labour policymaking as the party gears up for government.

The conversation highlighted how, with the right political attention and policy tools, SMEs can help drive growth, improve regional equality, and power a fairer, greener economy.