Applications are open to become the UK’s first small business commissioner, a high profile role supporting small businesses in payment disputes with their larger customers, which forms part of government initiatives to tackle late payment issues
Recent findings from the payment processor Bacs report that nearly half of the UK’s small-to-medium sized businesses experience late payment, with £26.3bn owed to them in total.
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), says the successful candidate will provide general advice and information, handle complaints about payment issues and direct small businesses to existing dispute resolution services.
Applications opened on 12 February 2017 and run until Monday 13 March 2017. BEIS says it is seeking candidates who have credibility with both small and large businesses; can advise parties in resolving disputes; and who have an appetite to become a national spokesperson for small businesses affected by payment issues.
The final appointment decision will be made by the secretary of state, supported by a panel which will include Mike Cherry, the national chairman at the Federation of Small Businesses.
Margot James, small business minister, said: ‘We all rely on the UK’s 5.5m small and medium sized businesses for jobs, goods and services, and an unfair payment culture that hurts these firms has no place in an economy that works for all. This is why we are looking for an exceptional individual to help smaller firms resolve payment disputes and champion a culture change in how businesses work together.’
The small business commissioner will be paid between £120,000 and £130,000 a year and is expected to be based in Birmingham.
Details of the role and how to apply are here
