Labor has collected more than $1 million from company executives and lobbyists in a business blitz over the past two days, adding to its election war-chest at the same time it takes aim at the “big end of town” with its tax policy.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten used the Labor business conference in Sydney to assure corporate Australia that he could work with “friends” in business even as he acknowledged their differences on policy.

The remarks came at a lunchtime address during a two-day event that was attended by at least 100 delegates at a cost of $11,000 each, a big fundraiser for the party as well as a networking opportunity for business.

The event, which offered a chance to meet Labor frontbenchers, has raised more than $1 million. Credit:AAP

The Liberal Party is preparing for a similar event in Sydney at the end of this month, when it will charge $12,500 for each place, while the Nationals have scheduled a conference in Canberra from August 17 that will also have business observers.