ACCA calls on Small Business Commissioner to settle overdue debts

The UK government has appointed Emma Jones as the new Small Business Commissioner (SBC), a move welcomed by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), which called her arrival “a significant step” in tackling persistent late payment issues faced by SMEs.

Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation, takes on the role at a time when late payments continue to place serious strain on small firms.

Established under the Enterprise Act 2016, the Office of the Small Business Commissioner was created to address poor payment practices in the private sector and improve cash flow for small businesses.

In a statement, ACCA said the appointment brings renewed impetus to an area that remains a significant barrier to SME growth.

“Emma has a tough job in dealing with ongoing and systemic late payment practices,” said Glenn Collins, Head of Technical and Strategic Engagement at ACCA.

“Our members running businesses and advising firms know that poor payment practices continue to have a detrimental – and sometimes fatal – impact on the small and growing business sector.”

The appointment comes ahead of the government’s anticipated consultation on reforms to the Prompt Payment Code and the launch of a new small business strategy.

Gemma Gathercole, Strategic Engagement Lead at ACCA, said: “We’ve always been strong supporters of the OSBC and in consultation with our members will continue to work constructively with the OSBC. In particular, we look forward to seeing the strategy and the consultation.”

Jones succeeds Liz Barclay, who stepped down earlier this year after leading several initiatives aimed at improving payment culture in the UK business landscape.

ACCA paid tribute to Barclay’s work, noting that the new commissioner would need strong ministerial support to make progress.

“Appointing Emma Jones is a significant step in the right direction,” said Collins, “but she needs the support of ministers and government departments to see progress.”