The Association of Independent Professionals and the Self
Employed, IPSE, held an expert roundtable Thursday 24 September to discuss the
Government's proposals for a Small Business Commissioner, which is part of the
Enterprise Bill currently passing through Parliament.
The need for a Small Business Commissioner is made clear by new research from
IPSE, which shows that almost three quarters (71 per cent) of disputes
self-employed workers had with clients were because of late payment,
and that only about a third (37.9 per cent) who were in dispute with
their agency were satisfied with the way their dispute was resolved.
IPSE was joined by Mark Brennan, the Australian Small Business Commissioner,
representatives from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the
Government's ambassador for the self-employed, David Morris MP. The meeting
included a discussion on the lessons the UK can learn from the Australian
Commissioner and how the service would tackle the worst offenders of late
payment.
IPSE Chief Executive Chris
Bryce said: "A Small Business Commissioner will give businesses
in the UK an independent body to help defend and settle their disputes outside
the court room. The Commissioner should be the first point of call for all
business disputes, and have the power to name and shame clients who
unreasonably refuse to cooperate on payment issues. If set up in the right way
it will provide a cost effective and easy to use resolution service.
"It is essential that the Commissioner plays a central role in driving a
culture change amongst businesses that pay late and which treat the smallest of
small business and the self-employed poorly. For this to happen it is crucial
for the Government to provide a Commissioner that resembles the Australian
system, which is easy to use, cost-effective and powerful."
Australian Small Business
Commissioner, Mark Brennan, said: "It's heartening and pleasing
that the UK has looked at Australia's experience when establishing a Small
Business Commissioner for the business community. I commend IPSE for the
pivotal role they have played in progressing the agenda for the establishment
of a Commissioner."
David Morris MP,
Government ambassador for the self-employed, said: "The
development of a UK Small Business Commissioner is another example of the
Government backing small businesses to grow and create more jobs and
opportunities. The Commissioner would help small businesses handle disputes
over late payment and other supply chain practices which hit them especially
hard. Whoever the Government appoints as Commissioner must have credibility and
gravitas".
Business Advice for all UK firms from starting a business to flotation
Small Business Commissioner to improve UK payment culture, says IPSE
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Post Date: September 24th, 2015