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Consumer advocacy organisation Which? convened a major roundtable in Parliament last week, bringing together regulators, industry leaders, comparison websites and consumer groups to discuss urgent concerns over consumer harm in the home and travel insurance markets.
Airbnb has announced a new partnership with the Women’s Aid Federation of England and the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) to provide free, safe emergency accommodation for survivors of domestic abuse across London. The initiative aims to relieve pressure on specialist refuges, which remain in extremely high demand, particularly during the winter months.
The Driving International Trade Conference is set to return on 26 March 2026, promising a full day of insights, discussions and practical support for UK exporters. The annual event, recognised for bringing together policymakers, industry leaders and high-growth businesses, will once again focus on strengthening the UK’s position on the global stage.
Today, these topics are centre stage at Labour Conference, thanks to our events, those hosted by SME4Labour, and other groups like the Co-op and Community Union. There is now recognition that there are as many people in self-employment as there are in the public sector — and that they need a voice too. As the policy lead for the self-employed, I’d like to provide a short report.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has urged Labour MPs to rally behind her Budget, warning the party must “stick together” to win the next election. Speaking to Labour’s Parliamentary Party on Monday, she said MPs may like “90–95%” of the plan but must accept it “as a package”, joking that “you can’t pick the cola bottles and reject the fruit salad”.
Customers are increasingly choosing to support local businesses because they want authenticity, connection and a sense of community. Independent shops and creators offer personal service, real stories and unique products that feel more meaningful than mass produced alternatives. Many people enjoy knowing their money has a direct impact on their local area, which creates a powerful emotional reward. This sense of belonging, combined with values driven buying behaviour, is reshaping how people make purchasing decisions. Supporting local has become more than a transaction. It is a choice rooted in identity, loyalty and shared community purpose.
Short form video has become one of the most powerful drivers of growth for small businesses. Platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts are transforming how local entrepreneurs reach customers, build visibility and compete with larger brands. What was once optional is now essential. Businesses that create authentic and engaging short videos are gaining attention that traditional marketing could never match.
Local politics plays a crucial role in shaping the environments where small and medium-sized enterprises operate. While national policy sets broad rules, local councils influence the everyday realities of doing business through planning decisions, economic strategies, and investment in infrastructure. The way local authorities allocate commercial space, support entrepreneurship, and design transport or high street improvements can directly impact SME visibility, affordability, and long-term growth. By prioritising community engagement, business support services, and regeneration, local governance helps create thriving local economies where small businesses have the conditions they need to innovate, attract customers, and build sustainable futures.
TikTok has become one of the most powerful tools for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to grow their visibility and reach global customers. Its algorithm gives local businesses the ability to go viral without large budgets, helping them expand into international markets through simple, creative video content. From product demos to behind-the-scenes clips, SMEs are using TikTok to build strong communities, increase online sales, and develop trend-driven products in real time. As customer behaviour shifts toward short-form content, TikTok is reshaping the entire SME landscape and creating new opportunities for global growth and digital success.
