Uppal will lead an independent office tasked with empowering small businesses. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) said the role ‘will be crucial to supporting small businesses resolve disputes with larger businesses and will help drive a culture change in payment practices’.

The commissioner and his team will provide general advice and information to small businesses on matters such as resolving disputes, including signposting small businesses to existing support and dispute resolution services, which will be delivered through the commissioner’s website.

Uppal, who has MP for Wolverhampton from 2010 to 2015, has 20 years’ experience as a small business owner in the real estate sector.

He said: ‘Running your own business can be a very lonely experience and my priority will be ensuring small firms feel supported as well as helping to create an overall impression that business isn’t necessarily cut throat.’

Greg Clark, business secretary, said: ‘I am delighted to announce Paul Uppal as the first small business commissioner. His extensive experience as a small business owner makes him perfectly suited to champion the interests of small business and bring about a change in culture that will create a level playing field for everyone.’

The office of the small business commissioner is expected to be operational by the end of 2017.

Report by Pat Sweet