
Championing Cutting Edge Innovation, Startups and SMEs
The voice of Innovation Startups and SMEs at Westminster

The voice of Innovation Startups and SMEs at Westminster
The UK startup ecosystem is a vibrant and dynamic force, across various industries and sectors.
However, startups and SMEs face persistent obstacles: limited funding, scaling challenges, regulatory burdens, and talent drain. Without structural support, the UK risks losing its competitive edge as innovators move abroad for better opportunities.
The All Party Parliamentary Group for UK Innovation Startups and SMEs (APPG-ISS) provides a clear opportunity to address these challenges and championing startups and SMEs in Parliament and showcasing the benefits that these businesses bring to UK plc.
Startup funding in the UK fell to £16.2 billion in 2024, a 35% drop from 2022. Access to venture capital is tighter compared to hubs like San Francisco, leading to a “brain drain” of talent and capital. Access to government funding is characterised by an overtly bureaucratic, costly and time-consuming approach – negotiating a complex political environment between different departments and agencies.
The UK excels at producing innovative ideas but often struggles to scale startups into global organisations, risking becoming an “incubator economy” where ideas are born but economic benefits flow abroad.
Startups face a race against time and resourcesto turn ideas into market-ready products. Common issues include limited expertise, lack of advanced tools, and difficulty adapting quickly to market demands.
Rising costs, political uncertainty, and complex regulations make the UK a tougher environment for startups. Inflation and elevated service sector prices continue to squeeze margins.
Many founders report stronger investor interest abroad, leading to loss of skilled workers and entrepreneursto other ecosystems. Competition in sectors like AI, fintech, and green energy is fierce, requiring startups to differentiate quickly.
Breaking into established industries is difficult without strong networks or partnerships. Startups often lack the credibility to secure early customers.
The APPG holds events throughout the year connecting Parliamentarians with those with hands on experience of creating Startups and SMEs - we facilitate and nurture the exchange of ideas at the heart of Westminster.
We advocate for policy changes that benefit small and medium-sized enterprises. The APPG ensures that the needs of Startups and SMEs are represented in legislative discussions.
The APPG hosts networking events to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and industry leaders. The APPG offers invaluable opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Martin Wrigley MP (Lib Dem), Chair
George Freeman MP (Con)
Samantha Niblett MP (Labour)
Daniel Aldridge MP (Labour)
Lauren Edwards MP (Labour)
Josh Babarinde MP (Lib Dem)
Bob Blackman MP (Conservative)
James Wild MP (Conservative)
Steve Race MP (Labour)
Edward Morello MP (Lib Dem)
Helen Maguire MP (Lib Dem)
Gurinder Singh Josan MP (Labour)
Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP (Labour)
Sir Julian Lewis MP (Con)
Lord Clement-Jones (Lib Dem)
Sian Berry (Green Party)
Lord Porter (Con)
Lord Lucus (Con)
Lord Naseby (Con)
Lord Lansley (Con)
Lord Mott (Con)
Lord Jamieson (Con)
Baroness Neville-Rolfe (Con)
Baroness Garden of Forgnal (Lib Dem)
Lord Cromwell (Cross Bench)
Lord Cameron of Dillington (Cross Bench)
The APPG for UK Innovation Startups and SMEs welcomes interest for any company or organisation who would like to get involved and support its work.
Contact:
The Secretariat for the APPG is provided by Capital Counsel (www.capitalcounsel.co.uk) registered with the Office for the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists.
Sign up to hear our latest news.
This is not an official website of the House of Commons or the House of Lords. It has not been approved by either House or its committees. All-Party Parliamentary Groups are informal groups of Members of both Houses with a common interest in particular issues. The views expressed in these webpages are those of the group.
Copyright © 2026 APPGISS - All Rights Reserved.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.