Stewart Golf CEO Resigns as “Export Champion” Over Frustrations with Labour’s Business Policies

Mark Stewart, CEO of Stewart Golf, a Gloucestershire-based manufacturer of electric golf buggies, has resigned from his position as one of the government’s “export champions,” citing dissatisfaction with what he describes as Labour’s “anti-business policies” under Sir Keir Starmer and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves.

Stewart, whose company exports half of its £7 million turnover to the United States, expressed frustration over what he sees as a growing climate of hostility towards small businesses in the UK. His resignation follows recent government announcements aimed at bolstering economic growth, including new airport expansion plans, updated regulations, and investments in technology clusters.

“I can’t be part of this,” Stewart told The Times after returning from a business trip to the US. “Every turn, there’s something that makes life more difficult for people trying to run small businesses like mine. I don’t feel we’re being supported or encouraged even to try and be better.”

Stewart specifically pointed to comments made by Labour’s shadow chancellor, who had criticized the UK’s business environment during a recent trip to China. The entrepreneur accused Labour leadership of undermining British optimism, saying, “Between you and the boss [Starmer], all you’ve done is talk down the UK.”

The 45-year-old CEO also expressed concern over government proposals for stricter employment rights and tax reforms that could negatively impact businesses, especially small and family-run enterprises. Stewart voiced particular dismay over the planned measures to impose higher taxes on family business asset transfers, an issue that has sparked concern among other small business owners. “I don’t want to be worrying about day-one employment rights. I want to be making great golf trolleys and trying to sell them,” he added.

Stewart was one of around 400 “export champions” appointed by the Department for Business and Trade to help expand UK exports. While he acknowledged the good intentions of the program, Stewart said that the policies and regulations surrounding it had become a burden that led to his decision to step down.

Not all export champions share Stewart’s views, however. Adam Sopher, co-founder of luxury popcorn brand Joe & Seph’s, has chosen to stay in the role, citing the opportunity to influence policy as a reason for remaining involved. Despite facing rising national insurance contributions and other cost increases, Sopher believes the government could do more to support small businesses’ expansion into Europe.

In response to Stewart’s resignation, a Department for Business and Trade spokesperson thanked him for his contributions but reaffirmed the government’s commitment to economic growth, stating, “Britain is back, open for business, and we’re focused on widening opportunities for businesses to export and break into new markets.”

Stewart’s departure highlights growing tensions between small exporters and government policies that they feel hinder competitiveness, despite high-profile efforts aimed at stimulating economic growth. Whether these new initiatives will address concerns from key figures in the SME sector remains to be seen.