The UK government has published proposals for a Small Business Commissioner to help tackle payment disputes and other unfair practices.

A consultation paper issued on 26th July sets out how this new role could lead a culture change in how small businesses resolve disputes with larger companies.

According to small business minister Anna Soubry, small businesses are owed £26bn in late payments and spend huge proportions of their turnover chasing payment.

The Small Business Commissioner’s main tasks will be to provide information and general advice, and offer mediation to resolve disputes with other businesses quickly and easily. This will preserve important commercial relationships without the need to go to court.