The Enterprise Bill has received Royal Assent and has become the Enterprise Act. It is hoped that the package of measures in the Act will help the government deliver on many of its commitments, from cutting red tape and tackling late payment to boosting the quality and quantity of apprenticeships.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is calling on the government to prioritise the appointment of the Small Business Commissioner which is due to be confirmed in the summer as part of the act. The body will be crucial in helping to tackle late payment practices.
FSB national chairman Mike Cherry said: “The new Small Business Commissioner must have the confidence and respect of the entire business community and the strength to take on large businesses where necessary. The Government should now lay out a timetable so that businesses are clear on when the Commissioner will be in post…
“This Commissioner has the potential to make a real impact on addressing bad practice across the UK economy’s payment culture. However, the role must have a clear focus on tackling supply chain bullying, and sufficient powers to intervene and resolve late payment disputes in a timely and effective way.”
