In an exclusive column, Emma Jones CBE discusses her work tackling late payment practices, offering practical insights to help small businesses get paid what they’re owed.
A large company not paying a small business in their supply chain is a story that I hear too often, but this isn’t always the way it ends.
Contracts with large companies can be a huge win for small businesses, and I’ve seen it drive growth for many SMEs.
I recently met with a small creative agency that couldn’t praise two of their biggest customers enough. Those big contracts had enabled them to employ local young talent and expand their business. They were also paid on time and enjoyed the work – that is how business should be.
Having a good payment culture takes leadership and commitment. I hear every day about new businesses joining the Fair Payment Code who value having a fair payment culture – not just because it is the right thing to do, but because good cash flow is good for business.
I talk to investors who look at good payment performance as an indicator of a business worth investing in. On the other hand, I also speak to businesses that have a blacklist of companies they won’t work with, as they have a terrible payment history.
The bottom line is – payment performance matters at every level.
Heathrow Airport are one business we have worked with whose commitment to fair payment doesn’t stop at their front door. They also ask their suppliers to join the Fair Payment Code to build a supply chain-wide culture where prompt payment is the norm.
Changing culture is not easy, but if a good payment culture is going to deliver for your business, then surely it’s a no-brainer.
- Do they report their payment practices to the Government? You can search and read the reports the company has submitted.
- Are they on the Fair Payment Code? You can search and even download the full list to see who has been awarded.
- Have other businesses worked with them? Ask around, talk to your business networks, and search online.
Emma Jones CBE – Small Business Commissioner
Emma Jones advocates for SMEs in the UK, ensuring they receive the resources they need to grow. With a degree in Law and Japanese, Emma has spent the last 25 years founding and leading multiple ventures, including Enterprise Nation and StartUp Britain, before being appointed as the Small Business Commissioner for the Department for Business and Trade in June 2025.
