General Election 2024: Enterprise Nation comments on Labour Party's small business plan

Commenting on the Labour Party's small business plan, Enterprise Nation founder Emma Jones said:

"The Labour Party's small business plan is promising, and we're pleased to see clear emphasis on supporting start-ups and entrepreneurs.

"The pledge to replace the outdated business rates system with a fairer model is encouraging and aligns with our members' asks, outlined in our small business manifesto.

"Going further to tackle the scourge of late payments and requiring large businesses to better-report on their payment practices will provide much-needed transparency and support for small enterprises.

"Opening up competition for public contracts to ensure at least one SME is shortlisted in tenders represents a vital opportunity for small businesses and is one of our key asks to government. Winning government contracts acts like an accelerator for small firms and could be transformative.

"Labour's plan to boost exports through a clear trade strategy and targeted advice will help our members reach new markets and revitalise their expansion plans.

"Guaranteeing access to banking services on the high street through the acceleration of banking hubs is a positive step forward and could form part of a wider regeneration of our high streets to enforce landlords to throw open empty shops, reinstating our high streets as a community hub powered by small businesses.

"We look forward to seeing the detailed proposals in the forthcoming manifesto."

We're tracking the small business policies in political party manifestos here.