Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of our economy and employ millions of people across the country. That’s why I’m proud to support SME4Labour and the work they do to strengthen relations and understanding between SMEs, the self-employed and the Labour Party.
Supporting SMEs and the self-employed is vital in ensuring our economic recovery from COVID-19 and Labour has an important role to play in developing and campaigning for policies that will enable small and medium-sized businesses to thrive. While the Government has neglected freelancers and the self-employed when it comes to financial support, Labour has made their voices heard and lobbied on their behalf.
In Lewisham, our Labour Council has been working closely with local businesses to understand the challenges they face and how best we can support them, recognising the enormous contribution they make to our local economy. We’ve also become the first local authority to launch an annual census of our independent and Black-owned businesses, helping to maintain the vibrancy of our high streets.
As we look towards the next general election, I know SME4Labour will be vital in shaping our vision for small and medium-sized businesses and the self-employed under a future Labour Government,
Cllr Amanda de Ryk
Lewisham Borough Council