In this edition:

• March with the Commissioner

• Get the Money Moving

• Guidance and Resources

• FUEL Roadshow

6 minute read

Fair Payment Celebration: Emma hosted 100+ Fair Payment Code Awardees, partners, and the Secretary of State for Business and Trade to celebrate Awardees commitment to building a fairer payment culture.

March with the Commissioner

March has been a significant month for  businesses in the UK as the UK Government confirmed their intent to progress a number of legislative measures designed to tackle late payments. These include new powers for the Small Business Commissioner to levy financial penalties against large businesses who are persistent late payers. It was a privilege to host an event this week, where the Secretary of State for Business and Trade announced these coming changes. We also celebrated the 550+ businesses who have achieved a Fair Payment Code Award and some amazing individuals who have advocated for a fairer payment culture in their own organisations and beyond. Thanks to all who could join us and to all the fantastic Fair Payment Code Awardees for your commitment!

In other news this month:

• Elite Business: I hosted a panel at Elite Business Live, highlighting the breadth of support available for small businesses from UK Government. It was great to be joined by the Department for Business and Trade, British Business Bank, the Growth Hub Network and an alumna from the Help to Grow: Management programme. See what support is available for your business via business.gov.uk.

• SME Safari: And of course, I was delighted to hold our latest SME Safari in Liverpool. Working closely with Downtown in Business, we met with small businesses dealing with the challenges of the high street, collaborating in a local Business Improvement District, and a manufacturing firm running a successful apprenticeship scheme. Thanks to all those businesses who hosted and spoke with us. These trips are becoming increasingly valuable for policy-makers and hopefully for those businesses who get a direct line to government.

• Meet our new Board Members: I am also delighted to say that, following a public appointment process, we have appointed two new members to our Advisory Board. Abigail Whittaker, Chief of Staff at Funding Circle, and Ryan Shorthouse, Founder Bright Blue, will work with me and my team to provide expert advice on all aspects of our operations, including the Fair Payment Code, our advice and support service, and governance. Abigail and Ryan bring a wealth of experience at a critical time as we prepare for the new powers announced (LINK - gov.uk press release) by the UK Government.

I will keep you updated as legislation progresses. See more regular updates on OSBC activities via my weekly LinkedIn newsletter.

Emma Jones

Small Business Commissioner

This month, we launched a new ‘Get the Money Moving’ webinar series.

The series sees Emma interview high profile guests on topics ranging from how they are implementing fair payment practices in their own businesses, through to views and moves to build a positive payment culture across the UK. 

For this first episode, Emma interviewed CEO of Checkatrade, Jambu Palaniappan, to discuss how using technology can get trades businesses paid quicker.

We’ll release a new episode each month. Subscribe to our Youtube channel to catch episode as it drops.

This year, we at the Office of the Small Business Commissioner are working to refresh and publish new guidance for small businesses, such as knowing your rights when it comes to getting paid and managing the mental health impact of late payments.

This month’s guide sets out the different types of businesses to help small businesses consider what set-up and structure might best work for them.

FUEL Roadshow

FUEL Roadshow is a new national finance and funding roadshow for business leaders and entrepreneurs delivered by the business support organisation, UMi. Taking place across 7 UK locations throughout 2026, FUEL is a practical, no-nonsense event designed to help business leaders take action.

Whether you’re starting out, looking at your next move, or seeking investment, grants, or finance, FUEL brings everything  into one place, all in one day.

Register now: www.fuelroadshow.co.uk

Locations: Edinburgh . North East . Midlands . Wales . Yorkshire . South East . 

North West