Small Business Face‑Off: Three Parties Go Head‑to‑Head for Entrepreneur Votes
Picture this: a packed arena in central London, entrepreneurs clutching their laptops and coffee, while the Conservative, Labour, and Liberal Democrat heavyweights line up for a Question Time‑style showdown on June 17. It’s not your usual stiff‑upper‑lip debate – think more energy‑driven Slack meetings, with a dash of UK political flair.
Who’s in the Ring?
- Kevin Hollinrake MP – Minister of State, Department for Business and Trade (Conservatives)
- Jonathan Reynolds – Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Labour)
- Sarah Olney – Treasury & Business & Industrial Strategy Spokesperson (Lib Dems)
The trio will lay down their small‑business playbooks, answering swirling questions from the audience. They promise to touch on everything from timely payments to high‑street lease hacks.
Why Small Firms Matter (And Why the Parties Care)
Tina McKenzie, MBE, Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) thinks small firms are the heartbeat of every UK community. “From hairdresses to adult social care providers,” she says, “they’re a powerful voting bloc that’s both smart and loud.” Her verdict? “Candidates must get straight to the point and bring bold, growth‑driven plans – that’s the ticket to future prosperity.”
Emma Jones, CBE, CEO of Enterprise Nation, echoes that sentiment. She adds, “Our starters and small businesses are the next government’s secret sauce. We need straight answers about payment delays, business rates, affordable offices, tech, investment and exports. They have a winning mindset – securing their vote is huge for any political winner heading to Number 10.”
The Big Behind‑the‑Scenes Partners
- Enterprise Nation
- Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
- Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW)
Iain Wright, ICAEW Managing Director, sees this event as a litmus test for the small‑business community’s spirit and future hopes. “We hear that launching a venture can feel like plugging a hole in a ship,” he says. “To keep the UK the best place to start, run and grow a business, the next government must create a productive, sustainable, resilient economy.” His recipe? A more competitive tax system, more investment in skills, less red‑tape, and a better‑targeted regulation framework.
What To Expect From The Debate
- Real‑time answers to pressing questions from entrepreneurs.
- Clear, actionable policy outlines for each party.
- A platform for small businesses to influence the next Parliament’s priorities.
So if you’re a small‑biz owner, a startup founder, or just a curious reader, mark your calendar for June 17. This isn’t just a political spectacle – it’s a chance to shape tomorrow’s business arena.
