Commission launched to combat “unacceptable” treatment of small firms

THE government has announced plans to help tackle unfair treatment of small businesses with a new Commissioner to investigate complaints.

As part of the government’s Enterprise Bill, the Small Business Commissioner will champion the sector and provide support to smaller firms.

The government will introduce measures to launch a small business conciliation service and aim to resolve disputes with bigger companies.

The Small Business Commissioner will handle disputes relating to late payment and other supply chain practices that put small businesses at a disadvantage.

They will be able to use this data to name and shame those behaving badly and celebrate those leading the way by paying promptly.

It will have the power to investigate complaints, provide access advice, support and mediation services.

Small Business Minister Anna Soubry said: “The Government is backing small businesses to grow and create more jobs and opportunity.

“Small businesses are owed £26 billion in late payments and spend millions more chasing down money they have already earned through hard work. This is simply unacceptable – it limits their growth and productivity, and can put an otherwise successful business at risk.

“The Small Business Commissioner will tackle the imbalance of bargaining power between small suppliers and large customers, and encourage them to get round the table and sort out disputes at a fraction of the cost of going to court.

“It will also provide advice, investigate complaints and see where further action is needed to clamp down on unfair practices.”