The SME4Labour Women’s Achievement Awards marked an inspiring evening dedicated to honouring the women who are driving innovation, strengthening communities, and powering growth across the UK’s small and medium-sized enterprise sector. This landmark event celebrated the extraordinary impact women business leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers make every day — and reaffirmed Labour’s commitment to building a fairer, more inclusive economy.

Hosted in the Jubilee Room by Claire Hazelgrove MP (Filton and Bradley Stoke), the reception set the tone for a night that was both celebratory and forward-looking. Claire Hazelgrove MP, a champion of inclusive growth and community empowerment, spoke passionately about the essential role SMEs play in Britain’s economic future and the importance of supporting women’s leadership at every level.

 Speakers

Guests heard from a powerful panel of voices from across the Labour movement and the SME community:

• Emily Darlington MP — Member of Parliament

• Tonia Antoniazzi MP — Member of Parliament

• Rhiannon Davies, representing the Labour Women’s Network

Each speaker highlighted the critical contributions women make to the UK economy, the structural barriers that remain, and Labour’s role in ensuring women entrepreneurs and leaders have the support, visibility, and opportunities they need to thrive.

Strengthening the Partnership Between Labour and SMEs

The Women’s Achievement Awards reinforced the mission of SME4Labour: to give small and medium-sized businesses a strong voice at the heart of politics, and to deepen their partnership with the Labour Party.

This inaugural event marked more than a celebration — it served as a strategic forum to strengthen Labour’s relationship with women-led businesses and to advance the shared vision of a fairer, more dynamic economy.

A Vision for a More Inclusive Economic Future

By recognising the achievements of women across the SME sector, the evening affirmed Labour’s commitment to:

• championing inclusive economic growth,

• supporting women in leadership,

• backing entrepreneurs and innovators, and

• ensuring SMEs remain central to Britain’s economic strategy.

The event closed with a renewed sense of purpose: to continue building an economy where women’s contributions are recognised, valued, and supported — and where SMEs are empowered to drive national prosperity.