Paul Uppal, an ex conservative MP, has been appointed as Small Business Commissioner (SBC). This role will focus on empowering small businesses and providing guidance and support for the 5.5 small businesses in the UK. His role will be crucial in tackling some of the biggest problems faced by small business owners, such as late payments from big businesses.
Paul Uppal may have been a politician but he does have some relevant experience, which could be the reason he has landed such a huge role. He is also a co-founder of a successful small business, therefore he can really relate to small business owners. Uppal co-founded his company Pinehurst Securities which is a property firm.
Mr Uppal made his first official statement as the Commissioner for small business: “Running your own business can be a very lonely experience and my priority will be ensuring small firms feel supported as well as helping to create an overall impression that business isn’t necessarily cut throat.”
“In fact, successful businesses are built on integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and trusting relationships and I want to highlight that Britain can be the best place in the world for new entrepreneurs to establish and grow their own businesses.”
Some of the biggest issues the small business face today include late payments from large businesses, the hesitancy in funding small businesses and the rising costs of running a business. These are the issues that Mr Uppal will need to address and tackle as he takes on the role.
He added that on top of his role as SBC he also wants to help create the “impression that business isn’t necessarily cut throat.”
“In fact, successful businesses are built on integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and trusting relationships,” he said. “I want to highlight that Britain can be the best place in the world for new entrepreneurs to establish and grow their own businesses.”
Mike Cherry, FSB National Chairman also made a statement regarding the role of the Small Business Commissioner. He said: “There is far too much supply-chain bullying by big businesses. Their small suppliers are often messed around with lengthy delays in payments, underhand changes to contracts or forced to sign unfavourable agreements. Fifty thousand small businesses a year are killed off by late payments. The hard work now begins to make a real difference and address the billions of pounds owed to small businesses by large companies. If successful, this could see the beginning of the end for Britain’s poor payment culture”.
It seems that the new SBC has plenty to keep him busy, with some big issues that need to be addressed and tackled.
More small business news here.
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