Small and medium sized enterprises have a low profile but a vital role in the UK economy providing employment, training, innovation and flexibility in times of change. Their health and vitality will be essential during the challenging Brexit transition and this means that they will need all the help a government can provide in terms of physical and digital infrastructure as well as a financial environment in which market disruptions can be weathered. The Labour party has outlined a number of relevant policies including investment plans and the establishment of a national investment bank. Bill Esterson MP, the Shadow Minister for Small Business will lead a discussion on these proposals and what more needs to be done.

The party conferences promise to be exceptionally interesting this year. At Labour’s Liverpool conference, the Industry Forum will be co-hosting, with Labour Business and FleishmanHillard Fisburn, a business reception for the Shadow Treasury and BEIS teams. Should be a great chance to meet the shadow ministers and catch up on the latest Labour thinking on key topics affecting the business community.

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There are many issues currently facing the UK concerning transport. These relate to rail ownership and electrification, outsourcing risks in the light of the Carillion collapse, the expansion of Heathrow, the transition to renewable energy for road vehicles, the balance of regional investment in transport infrastructure, air pollution, and measures to encourage and safeguard cycling. All of these have business implications at a time when there is a need raise our economic game to cope with Brexit. Lilian Greenwood MP, Chair of the Transport Select Committee, will give her views on such topics and lead a discussion about what needs to be done.

The UK construction industry has much about which to be proud but its image continues to be damaged by media stories of incompetent builders, dissatisfied buyers of new build homes and, recently, the serious questions raised by the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety set up in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. This meeting will discuss the practicalities and benefits of implementing new proposals for licensing builders from the Federation of Master Builders. Speakers who will kick-off the discussion are:

· Brian Berry – CEO of Federation of Master Builders

· Rebecca Long Bailey MP - Shadow Business Energy and Industrial Strategy Minister

· Melissa Dowler – Director, Bell Phillips, Architects.

Come and join the meeting to add your expertise and experience to the discussion.

Many business people are concerned about the unclear objectives and challenging timetable of the current Brexit negotiations. Uncertainty about future trading arrangements with the EU, and the speed with which trade with non-EU countries can realistically be increased, affect planning for investment and staff recruitment and deployment. If transition does not happen in a timely and smooth fashion it could adversely impact individual companies and the UK economy as a whole. Labour’s policies on Brexit differ from those of the Government, particularly in respect of the Customs Union. Barry Gardiner MP, Shadow Secretary of State for International Trade, will discuss the difficulties faced by businesses and ideas for safeguarding international trade through the transition period and beyond.

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The full implications for the UK of Brexit and the Trump era are not yet clear. How issues of our future relationships with the European Union, the United States, China, India and other nations are resolved will have a bearing on our ability to make beneficial and timely trade arrangements. This has great significance for businesses operating in the UK that are currently faced with potentially major changes in trade patterns affecting their longterm investment decisions. Military alliances will, hopefully, remain stable despite Brexit although defence companies could find that access to markets, supply chains, and development partnerships are affected. Tom Tugendhat MBE MP, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee will discuss his views of such issues and how they may unfold.

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