Government appoints new interim Small Business Commissioner

Phillip King has been appointed the interim Small Business Commissioner.

King will head the independent Office of the Small Business Commissioner in Birmingham. It was launched in December 2017 to ensure fair payment practices for Britain’s small businesses and support them in resolving their payment disputes with larger businesses and bring about culture change. To date, it has recovered over £6.5m owed to small businesses.

King was chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Credit Management (CICM), which is responsible for administering the voluntary Prompt Payment Code. Signatories to the Code sign up to pay 95% of invoices in 60 days, with an ambition to move toward 30-day payment terms.

The Government says it will shortly recruit for a permanent Small Business Commissioner.

Small Business Minister Kelly Tolhurst said: “In Philip, small businesses will have a real champion with a proven track record of tackling late payments. This is an important time for the Office of the Small Business Commissioner as we seek to strengthen its powers and Philip is absolutely the right person to lead it at this time.”

King said: “I am delighted to have been appointed interim commissioner and given the privilege of directly supporting the government in helping small businesses to prosper and grow.

“Recognising the needs of businesses both large and small is an essential part of resolving potential conflict. I would encourage small businesses to engage with the commissioner’s office at the earliest opportunity.”