The Office of the Small Business Commissioner (OSBC) has supported small businesses to recover more than £1 million in overdue late payments through its enquiry service in the first half of this financial year.

The OSBC is an independent body funded by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade to tackle overdue payments and unfavourable payment practices in the private sector. Small businesses that have an unresolved payment dispute with a larger customer can reach out to the OSBC for support.

This success for the OSBC comes as the UK Government’s Commercial Payments Bill makes its way through Parliament. This is the most significant legislation to tackle late payments in over 25 years, which will give the UK the strongest legal framework on late payments in the G7. seeking to concludes its journey through the House of Lords to the House of Commons for the final stages of debate. The measures include a 60-day payment cap, mandatory interest on late payments and new powers for the Small Business Commissioner.

One small business contacted the OSBC asking for support with an overdue payment. They had completed the work contracted, unpaid, and concerned about how to secure the money owed without damaging the relationship with their client.

The founder said: “Our case worker at The Office of the Small Business Commissioner listened and immediately understood our situation. They gathered info and then immediately got to work - with a successful outcome in a matter of days. Throughout, we felt supported, informed and never judged. They were incredibly mindful of our relationship with the client, which was a very welcome surprise. Fabulous service.”

Emma Jones

We are on a mission to cut the precious hours too many small firms spend chasing debt. The current situation is harming cash flow and limiting their capacity to focus on growth, and we want to change that.

I am proud of the work my team has done to deliver for small businesses, ensuring they get paid money owed and ultimately making life easier for founders. I will continue working with the UK Government as the Commercial Payments Bill progresses to ensure that fair and prompt payment becomes the norm for UK businesses.