New Small Business Commissioner appointed to tackle late payments

Emma Jones CBE, founder of Enterprise Nation, has been announced as the new Small Business Commissioner, and will take a leading role in tackling late payments and unfair payment practices that face many SMEs.

Jones will take over from outgoing commissioner, Liz Barclay on 23rd June. Liz Barclay concludes her four-year term in the position after an instrumental role in designing and delivering the new Fair Payment Code which launched in December 2024. Over 300 businesses have already become Fair Payment Code awardees with a commitment to paying their suppliers quickly.

Small Business Minister Gareth Thomas said: 

“I’m delighted that in Emma Jones’s appointment, we have someone who has long championed small firms and entrepreneurs right across the UK. I am confident that her passion and expertise will ensure small firms have a powerful advocate fighting in their corner.“

Speaking of outgoing commissioner, Liz Barclay, he added:

 “I want to thank Liz Barclay for her work over the past four years as Commissioner, during which time she has worked tirelessly in supporting the nation’s small businesses.”

In her new position, Emma will be a key player in tackling late payments and long payment terms for small businesses and the self-employed. A consultation on proposed future legislation is set to be published in the coming months.

New Small Business Commissioner Emma Jones CBE said: 

“Having done it myself, I know the commitment it takes to start and grow a successful business. Founders tell me they are time poor and spending too many precious hours on non-productive work like chasing debt. This is limiting their capacity to focus on growth and we want to change that.

“Through the Office of the Small Business Commissioner, we will make life easier for small business owners by leveraging technology to speed up payments and access to support.

“This work will be delivered in partnership with government and industry with a shared desire to enable founders to focus on what they do best and retain the UK’s status as a great place to start and grow a business.”

The Small Business Commissioner plays a vital role in supporting the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses by working to ensure they are treated fairly by larger companies and can access the support they need to thrive. The office also provides practical advice and resources to help small businesses resolve payment disputes and navigate commercial challenges.