Emma Jones CBE, the renowned founder of Enterprise Nation and one of the UK’s most vocal champions of small businesses, has been appointed as the new small business commissioner. She will take up the role on 23 June, succeeding Liz Barclay, who completes her four-year term at the end of this month.
The role of the small business commissioner is central to addressing one of the most persistent issues facing SMEs: late payments. According to Enterprise Nation’s own Small Business Barometer, 23% of small firms are regularly paid late, while recent research from Sage estimates the UK’s smallest businesses are owed an average of £42,000 in overdue invoices—a financial drag that stifles growth, limits cash flow, and pushes some businesses to the brink.
Jones’s appointment comes at a critical time for the UK’s small business landscape. With more than 5.5 million SMEs making up 99.9% of the UK’s business population, tackling late payment practices has become an economic priority. The Labour government has already launched a Fair Payment Code, introduced in December 2024, with 300 companies signed up so far. Further legislative proposals—co-designed by Barclay—are expected to be set out in an upcoming government consultation.
Small business minister Gareth Thomas hailed the appointment, saying: “I’m delighted that in Emma Jones’s appointment, we have someone who has long championed small firms and entrepreneurs right across the UK. I am confident that her passion and expertise will ensure small firms have a powerful advocate fighting in their corner.”
“As part of our Plan for Change, I’m determined to make the UK the world’s best place to be an SME—tackling late payments, improving access to finance and getting more small firms exporting around the world. Today’s appointment is a crucial part of that process.”
He also paid tribute to outgoing commissioner Liz Barclay, thanking her for “tirelessly supporting the nation’s small businesses” throughout her tenure.
In her new post, Jones is expected to play a key role in delivering policy-driven and tech-enabled solutions to support the UK’s self-employed and small business community. Known for her practical, no-nonsense approach to entrepreneurship and SME support, she is determined to help business owners spend less time chasing invoices and more time focused on growth.
Speaking on her appointment, Emma Jones said: “Having done it myself, I know the commitment it takes to start and grow a successful business. Founders tell me they are time-poor and spending too many precious hours on non-productive work like chasing debt. This is limiting their capacity to focus on growth—and we want to change that.” “Through the Office of the Small Business Commissioner, we will make life easier for small business owners by leveraging technology to speed up payments and access to support. This work will be delivered in partnership with government and industry, with a shared desire to enable founders to focus on what they do best and retain the UK’s status as a great place to start and grow a business.”
Jones founded Enterprise Nation in 2005 to provide support and resources for startups and small firms. Under her leadership, the organisation has become one of the UK’s most influential voices for entrepreneurs, helping thousands of founders navigate everything from funding and digital adoption to exports and public procurement.
Reacting to her departure, Enterprise Nation’s new chief executive Aaron Asadi paid tribute to Jones’s legacy: “We could not be more proud of Emma and every remarkable thing she has achieved leading Enterprise Nation. This vital role gives her a new platform to continue doing what she does best—cheerleading and championing the UK’s start-up and small business community, this time from the heart of government.” “Emma is a powerful entrepreneurial force in the UK. She is a campaigner and a connector who has helped reshape the landscape for startups and small firms, giving them tools, visibility, and a compelling voice. We wish Emma every success in her new role—may her passion for empowering entrepreneurs continue to inspire and drive meaningful change.”
Over her 20 years at Enterprise Nation, Jones has led groundbreaking initiatives such as Tech Hub, the SME Digital Adoption Taskforce, and various national campaigns aimed at increasing the visibility and resilience of British startups. Her appointment as commissioner gives her a renewed mandate—this time within government—to address systemic challenges and help unlock the full potential of the UK’s entrepreneurial economy.
As the new small business commissioner, Emma Jones takes on a role that is not only about dispute resolution and policy influence—but about restoring trust, speed, and fairness in business relationships. For the UK’s vast and diverse community of small business owners, her appointment is likely to be welcomed as a bold and positive step forward.
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Emma Jones CBE appointed UK small business commissioner to tackle late payments and champion SMEs
