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First Small Business Commissioner Named
October 14, 2017 -
Paul Uppal has been named the first small business commissioner by the secretary of state for business.
The government created the post in a bid to empower small businesses in the UK and drive a culture change in payment practices.
Small businesses will be connected with support services and receive advice on how to resolve disputes with larger businesses.
Uppal is a former Conservative MP for Wolverhampton South West and was a Member of Parliament. He has 20 years of experience as a small business owner in the real estate sector and will be based in Birmingham.
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) secretary Margot James previously said candidates for the role needed to have “credibility with both small and large businesses”, be able to advise parties in resolving disputes and to act as a national spokesperson for small businesses affected by payment issues.
“[Uppal’s] extensive experience as a small business owner makes him perfectly suited to champion the interests of small business and bring about a change in culture that will create a level playing field for everyone,” Business Secretary Greg Clark said.
“His ambition to tackle unfair payment practices will help support our goal to create an economy that works for all…I look forward to working with him in the future,” he said.
The Federation of Small Business (FSB) said the new role was “much needed” and they called for “meaningful” change to SMEs.
FSB national chairman Mike Cherry said, “The hard work now begins to make a real difference and address the billions of pounds owed to small businesses by large customers. If successful, this could see the beginning of the end for Britain’s poor payment culture.
“While the office will be up and running by the end of the year, we want to make sure he has the powers and the resources to resolve these kind of disputes,” he added.
Economia
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