The Labour Party will today [Sunday 8 October] host its first
Small Business Sunday at annual conference in Liverpool – with a
promise that the voice of small business will be “integral to a
Labour government”.
The event – which has attracted hundreds of small businesses
from across the country, as well as the Federation of Small
Business and British Chambers of Commerce - is a further
demonstration of the party’s commitment to SME growth. The day
promises to be a celebration of the contribution of small
businesses and allow their voice to be at the heart of the
party’s mission to for the UK to have the highest growth in the
G7.
Labour has previously set out ambitious plans to support small
businesses, including:
- replacing business rates with a system for the 21st century;
- action to tackle the scourge of late payments;
- creating a level playing field for smaller firms to access
public contracts.
Today's event will also discuss a host of
other policy issues, ranging from exports and skills to planning
and access to finance.
This year's Conference will also boost local businesses in
Liverpool. For the first time it will ensure that
procurement measures boost social enterprises, such
as Homebaked in Anfield, a local bakery that
reinvests in community projects.
Opening the event, Shadow Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds
will pledge to bring the voice of small businesses to the heart
of Government decision making.
, Shadow Secretary of
State for Business and Trade, is expected to say:
“Labour knows the value of small businesses, who are not just the
lifeblood of our communities but essential to our economic
success. Listening to the voice of small business
is integral if the next Labour Government is to
succeed. That is why Labour will ensure small business is
represented on the Industrial Strategy council.
“With Labour, small businesses will get the firm economic
foundation they need to thrive, with action to tackle late
payments, business rates reform and make it easier for small
businesses to win public contracts.”
Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair, Federation of Small
Businesses said:
“Labour is right to put small businesses at the heart of decision
making – with small businesses and Government working hand in
hand, we can ensure a prosperous future for the UK.
“Tackling late payment and business rates is exactly what small
businesses are looking for – while opening up public procurement
will see Government itself benefit from the talents of all those
working in small businesses across the country.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
- SME Sunday is a half-day event focused on the key issues
facing small and medium sized businesses across the country.
- The day will be an opportunity for the small and medium sized
business community to hear directly from the Labour Party on
issues that matter to them, featuring round-table discussions on
a range of business themes and Q&A sessions with key shadow
ministers and external speakers.
