Gareth Thomas MP confirmed as government's new small business minister

The government’s new small business minister is Gareth Thomas.

The MP for Harrow West was appointed to the role of parliamentary under-secretary of state for services, small business and exports in the Department for Business and Trade by new prime minister Keir Starmer.

In the build up to the General Election, the Labour Party made several commitments to support small businesses including replacing business rates with a "fairer" system, tackling late payment, helping small businesses win more public sector contracts, reviving high streets and improving access to finance.

Supporting small businesses is one of four commitments in new business secretary Jonathan Reynolds’ plan for Labour's first 100 days in power. They also include pledges to:

• "deliver a new mission-driven industrial strategy with partnership at its core"

• "reset our trade relations and champion British exports"

• "make work pay by delivering a new deal for working people" 

Based on the needs and concerns of our community of over 120,000 members, Enterprise Nation has published a detailed small business manifesto for the new government and four key asks.

The other ministers in the Department for Business and Trade are:

• Douglas Alexander: Trade policy and economic security

• Sarah Jones: Industry

• Justin Madders: Employment rights, competition and markets

• Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: Future economy and online safety

The new small business minister

Gareth Thomas has been the Labour MP for Harrow West since 1997.

Enterprise Nation is currently delivering Harrow Digital Bootcamps, a government-funded programme helping entrepreneurs in Harrow build a thriving digital business.

He has held various government roles including being a minister focused on trade and international development under former Labour prime minister Gordon Brown.

In opposition, the MP, who campaigned for the UK remaining in the EU, had roles including shadow minister for higher education and science , shadow minister for civil society, and shadow minister for Europe.

Thomas retained his seat in the 2024 General Election with a majority of 6,642.

Responding to a post on X, formerly Twitter, by Enterprise Nation, Gareth Thomas said:

“SMEs are at the core of our economy and I'm looking forward to putting our plans into action to boost growth and significantly benefit small businesses up and down the country.”

Enterprise Nation’s reaction to new small business minister

Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation, said:

"Enterprise Nation welcomes the appointment of Gareth Thomas MP as the new small business minister.

"With economic growth front and centre of the government's priorities, it is abundantly clear the nation's small businesses and entrepreneurs will have a significant role to play in making this happen.

"We back the pledges made in Labour's manifesto ahead of the election, and these reforms resonate with our members' priorities, as outlined in our small business manifesto. But we are now eager to see action and progress. 

"For example, the commitment to reform the outdated business rates system is a welcome step towards a fairer model for all businesses.

"The promise to guarantee access to banking services on the high street, through accelerated banking hubs, is another positive move that could contribute to broader high street regeneration efforts through a thriving local independent sector.

"In particular, we look forward to seeing the government's plans to tackle late payments.

"Taken together, these initiatives have the potential to significantly support small business growth and success.

"We look forward to working closely with Gareth Thomas to help flesh out these proposals, and bring the government's mission for economic growth to life. 

"We stand ready to offer our expertise and represent the voices of entrepreneurs and small businesses as these important policies are developed and implemented."