25/05/2025
Supporting SMEs Through Change: Reflections from the SME4Labour Roundtable at the House of Commons
By Amimul Tanim – Executive Member, SME4Labour
21 May 2025
On 21st May 2025, I had the privilege of attending the SME4Labour roundtable discussion at Committee Room 6 of the House of Commons, where policy experts, business leaders, and community representatives came together to discuss the current challenges and opportunities facing UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The evening centred around the Employment Rights Bill, a proposed legislative framework aimed at enhancing workers' rights in areas such as flexible working, pay transparency, and dismissal procedures (Gov.uk, 2025). While the Bill has laudable goals, the discussion highlighted a key concern: there has been little awareness or practical guidance available for SMEs on how to navigate these changes.
Many SME owners, particularly in retail, hospitality, and local services, are already dealing with increased costs, staff shortages, and compliance burdens (FSB, 2024). Adding new obligations without adequate transitional support could unintentionally damage the very businesses that keep our communities thriving.
In contrast, the government’s recent UK-EU trade agreement, announced on 19 May 2025, was launched with detailed communication and support for businesses. The deal includes reduced checks on food exports and mutual cooperation on carbon markets, with the potential to deliver nearly £9 billion in economic benefits by 2040 (BBC News, 2025). The rollout of this deal showed what strong government-business communication can look like—and why SMEs expected the same approach with domestic legislation like the Employment Rights Bill.
During the roundtable, I asked the panel: what more can be done to ensure SMEs are properly informed and not disproportionately burdened by incoming legislation? Labour must play a leadership role not only in drafting fair policy, but also in ensuring it reaches and supports those who will be most affected.
Despite concerns, the event left me optimistic. The tone was constructive, and there was clear recognition that SMEs are not just economic players—they are community builders, employers, and innovators. With the right guidance and meaningful engagement, our small businesses can adapt and thrive.
SME4Labour remains committed to making sure these businesses are represented, listened to, and given a fair chance to grow in a changing landscape
