Emma Jones appointed as new Small Business Commissioner to lead late payment crackdown

Emma Jones CBE has been appointed as the new Small Business Commissioner, succeeding Liz Barclay when her term ends on 23rd June 2025.

Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation, will take on the role with a focus on addressing late payments and improving the business environment for the UK’s 5.5 million small firms.

Small Business Minister Gareth Thomas said: “I’m delighted that in Emma Jones’s appointment, we have someone who has long championed small firms and entrepreneurs right across the UK.

“I am confident that her passion and expertise will ensure small firms have a powerful advocate fighting in their corner.

“As part of our Plan for Change, I’m determined to make the UK the world’s best place to be an SME, tackling late payments, improving access to finance and getting more small firms exporting around the world – and today’s appointment is a crucial part of that process.

“And I want to thank Liz Barclay for her work over the past four years as Commissioner, during which time she has worked tirelessly in supporting the nation’s small businesses.”

Barclay’s tenure included the launch of the Fair Payment Code in December 2024, with over 300 businesses signing up to commit to prompt supplier payments.

She also contributed to the design of possible future legislation to reduce late and extended payment terms, ahead of a consultation expected later this year.

Jones said: “Having done it myself, I know the commitment it takes to start and grow a successful business.

“Founders tell me they are time poor and spending too many precious hours on non-productive work like chasing debt.

“This is limiting their capacity to focus on growth and we want to change that. Through the Office of the Small Business Commissioner, we will make life easier for small business owners by leveraging technology to speed up payments and access to support.

“This work will be delivered in partnership with Government and industry with a shared desire to enable founders to focus on what they do best and retain the UK’s status as a great place to start and grow a business.”

Research from 2024 showed SMEs were owed an average of £21,400 in late payments. The Office of the Small Business Commissioner offers support to help businesses resolve disputes and access practical advice.

The announcement forms part of wider Government efforts to improve the SME landscape, including business rates relief, a new Business Growth Service, and a reformed Board of Trade focused on small firm support.