The Labour Party Annual Conference 2025

SME4Labour and Checkatrade fringe: TOOLS FOR GROWTH: REVEALING WHAT BRITAIN’S TRADESPEOPLE NEED TO BOOST BUSINESS

Speakers:

• Sonia Kumar MP, MP for Dudley
• Amanda Martin MP, MP for Portsmouth North
• Emma Grant , Head of Trade Engagement, Checkatrade
• Ryan Wain, Executive Director, Tony Blair Institute

Chair: Matt Dathan, The Times' Home Affairs Editor 

“Tools for Growth” explored the vital role tradespeople play in Britain’s economy and the support they need to expand their businesses. Using insights from Checkatrade’s new research, the panel highlighted the challenges facing the country’s 900,000-strong trades workforce, from rising material costs and skills shortages to late payments and tool theft.

Emma Grant opened the discussion, emphasising that the traditional “white van man” stereotype no longer reflects modern tradespeople, who are diverse, technologically savvy, and entrepreneurial. Checkatrade’s research surveyed 850 tradespeople nationwide, revealing their aspiration to grow businesses, embrace new technology, and contribute to the UK’s net-zero targets. Tradespeople were identified as a crucial voter group, with political influence rising in key sectors and regions.

Ryan Wain highlighted the strategic importance of tradespeople, describing them as both “barometers and catalysts” for national growth. He stressed that supporting this group is essential for reversing decline in the economy, unlocking innovation, and achieving government missions.

Sonia Kumar and Amanda Martin outlined current government initiatives, including investments in apprenticeships, localised contracting, tackling late payments, and enhancing community business support. Both emphasised the need for pragmatic solutions to reduce regulatory and tax burdens while fostering opportunities for skilling, reskilling, and technological adoption.

Panelists discussed how digital transformation and AI adoption can empower tradespeople to streamline administrative tasks, improve efficiency, and grow businesses. Sonia Kumar called for more accessible business and digital literacy hubs, while Amanda Martin highlighted the need for practical interventions such as a nationally coordinated tool-theft database, reflecting real-world challenges faced by tradespeople.

The session concluded with a call for comprehensive, evidence-based government policies that recognise tradespeople as the entrepreneurial backbone of the UK economy. By addressing barriers, modernising support, and enabling innovation, the government can ensure that tradespeople thrive while contributing to broader economic and societal goals.