A year as small business commissioner: progress, pressure points and priorities

Over the past year, one message has come through louder than any other. Whether I am speaking to manufacturers, retailers, tech founders or family businesses, small businesses are not asking for special treatment. They are asking for fair treatment. Above all, they want to be paid on time.

That simple expectation has shaped my first year as small business commissioner.

Having started and grown my own business, I know how much time and energy can be spent not just on growth, but on managing cashflow, navigating administration and overcoming unnecessary barriers. Too often, business owners are forced to spend valuable hours chasing payments instead of serving customers or planning their next step.

That is why my priority has been clear from day one: champion small businesses, improve payment practices and help founders spend more time growing their businesses.

Progress

Over the past twelve months, the Office of the Small Business Commissioner has returned more than £1.5 million in unpaid invoices to small businesses. That is money they had already earned and should never have had to chase.

I have also met more than 5,000 businesses and stakeholders across the UK. Those conversations have shaped our priorities, ensuring work is grounded in the everyday experiences of entrepreneurs and focused on the issues that matter most.

Improving payment culture has remained central to everything we do. The Fair Payment Code now includes more than 680 organisations, from major banks to large corporates. More importantly, it reflects a growing recognition that paying suppliers on time is not simply good business practice; it is a fundamental part of doing business responsibly.

We have also supported reforms progressing through Parliament that are designed to strengthen accountability and encourage fairer payment practices. Together, these steps represent more than incremental progress. They signal a shift towards making fair treatment of small businesses the expectation, not the exception.

Pressure points

Despite that progress, the pressures I hear from business owners remain remarkably consistent.

Late payment continues to be one of the biggest challenges. I know from experience that one overdue invoice can have a ripple effect, delaying investment, slowing recruitment and diverting valuable time away from customers and growth.

Time is another precious resource. Founders want simpler processes and practical support that helps them focus on running their businesses rather than navigating unnecessary complexity. Every hour we can give back to business owners is time they can invest in innovation, customers and growth.

Access to opportunity also remains high on the agenda. Small businesses want a fair chance to win contracts, enter new markets and scale their ideas. Their ambition is clear. Our job is to ensure the business environment supports that ambition.

Priorities

So as I look forward to the next 12 months, there is clearly plenty of work to be done:

We will continue to support the Late Payments Bill as it progresses through Parliament. The Bill proposes maximum payment terms, mandatory interest on late payments and stronger powers for the Office of the Small Business Commissioner. You can find out what the Bill could mean for your business on our website.

I am currently leading a work stream for the UK Government’s Regulatory Taskforce, as Ministers look to reduce the regulatory burden on small businesses, freeing you are to focus on growth.

We will continue working with cloud accounting providers, online marketplaces and payment platforms to explore how technology can help businesses get paid faster.

If you are currently experiencing late payment, please contact our casework team. We will see if we can help you get the money you are owed.

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