Emma Jones appointed as new Small Business Commissioner to lead late payment crackdown
The Government has named Enterprise Nation founder Emma Jones CBE as the UK’s next Small Business Commissioner, with a focus on tackling late payments and supporting SMEs.
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.
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