Small Businesses in Rugby could be eligible for support from the Small Business Commissioner according to local MP and former businessman Mark Pawsey.
To help tackle what has been described as a ‘culture of late payments,’ the Government has created the Office of the Small Business Commissioner, headed up by former small business owner Paul Uppal. The Small Business Commissioner will have the power to investigate complaints made by small businesses regarding payment issues between small business suppliers and can make recommendations on how the parties should resolve their disputes.
Businesses with fewer than 50 employees can call on the Small Business Commissioner to adjudicate on disputes between themselves and larger businesses, as well as providing advice and signposting for other issues small businesses find themselves struggling to deal with. It is estimated that in total, late payments cost the UK economy £2.5 billion every year.
Mark said:
“It’s simply not acceptable for small businesses to be at risk of failing due to late payments. I am delighted that the Government has appointed Paul Uppal to the post of Small Business Commissioner and I know he will be a champion for small businesses thriving right across the country, including here in Rugby.”
Mark continued:
“As the former owner of a small business here in Rugby, I know only too well how difficult it can be when payments are made late. This can create cash flow problems and put what would otherwise be a successful business in a great deal of trouble. The Small Business Commissioner will be able to provide an impartial complaint handling service which will support small businesses in disputes with their larger customers.”
Mark concluded:
“As well as the taking evidence from the Small Business Commissioner as part of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Select Committee I have also met with local bodies including the Federation of Small Businesses and the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub to discuss what more we can do to support small businesses here in Rugby. Ensuring that small businesses are paid fairly and on time will be a great boost to the UK’s economy and I would encourage any local business struggling with late payments to get in touch with Paul and his team to see how they can help.”
More information about the Small Business Commissioner can be found at: