Labour faces a crucial test at its conference, needing to regain the trust of business leaders wooed before the election. Initial pro-business pledges have soured following a Budget that raised employers' National Insurance and the National Living Wage significantly. While the government highlights new tech investments, many smaller businesses feel overlooked and burdened by increased costs and new employment regulations, leading to caution about future investment and hiring.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.