The new Small Business Commissioner, Emma Jones CBE, commented: “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.”

Emma will assume the position on 23 June 2025, as Liz Barclay’s four-year tenure as Commissioner draws to a close.

During her time in the role, Liz Barclay helped shape and launch the new Fair Payment Code, which was introduced in December 2024. Since its introduction, more than 300 businesses have signed on as Fair Payment Code awardees, pledging to pay their suppliers promptly. Liz also contributed significantly to the development of proposed legislative steps aimed at addressing late payments and extended payment terms, with a major consultation expected in the coming months.

In her new post, Emma will take on a central role in confronting the ongoing challenge of late payments and long payment terms facing small businesses and the self-employed. This Government is committed to tackling this problem, which has for too long been a scourge for small businesses. Research has found that in 2024, SMEs were owed on average £21,400 in late payments.

The Small Business Commissioner serves a crucial function in championing the interests of the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses. The office works to ensure that small firms are treated fairly in their dealings with larger companies and are able to access the support necessary for growth. It also offers practical tools and guidance to help resolve payment disputes and navigate wider commercial pressures.

Emma’s appointment strengthens the Government’s broader efforts to cultivate a fair and supportive environment in which small businesses can prosper. These enterprises continue to be instrumental to job creation, economic resilience, and the vitality of communities throughout the UK.

The Government has already introduced a series of measures aimed at supporting small firms:

• A refreshed Board of Trade was launched earlier this year, with a renewed focus on helping smaller businesses expand
• A wide-ranging consultation on late payments is due to follow
• In 2023, the Treasury extended business rates relief for hospitality, while the Business Secretary unveiled a new Business Growth Service designed to streamline access to official advice and support for SMEs

Aaron Asadi, CEO, Enterprise Nation, commented on the news: “We could not be more proud of Emma and every remarkable thing she has achieved leading Enterprise Nation.

“This vital role gives her a new platform to continue doing what she does best – cheerleading and championing the UK’s startup and small businesses community – this time from the heart of government.

“Emma is a powerful entrepreneurial force in the UK. She is a campaigner and a connector who has helped reshape the landscape for startups and small firms, giving them tools, visibility, and a compelling voice. 

“She has driven this business forward while being instrumental in creating a connected entrepreneurial community in the UK and advocating for increased support for digital transformation among SMEs through pioneering initiatives like Tech Hub and the SME Digital Adoption Taskforce.

“We want to thank Emma for everything she has fought for, and everything she has relentlessly achieved for small businesses through 20 brilliant years here at the helm of Enterprise Nation.

“We wish Emma every success in her new role – may her passion for empowering entrepreneurs continue to inspire and drive meaningful change. We can't wait to see what happens next!”

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.”

For more startup news, check out the other articles on the website, and subscribe to the magazine for free. Listen to The Cereal Entrepreneur podcast for more interviews with entrepreneurs and big-hitters in the startup ecosystem.