Enterprise Nation founder Emma Jones appointed as government's new small business commissioner

Emma Jones CBE, founder of Enterprise Nation, has been announced as the government's new small business commissioner, the role focused on tackling late payments and unfair payment practices.

Emma will take up the role on 23 June following the completion of Liz Barclay's four-year term as the current commissioner.

Late payment is a major issue affecting small businesses, with Enterprise Nation's Small Business Barometer finding that 23% of small firms are often paid late, and recent Sage research showing that the UK's smallest businesses are owed an average of £42,000 in overdue invoices.

The Labour government has announced various measures to tackle the problem, including the new Fair Payment Code which launched in December 2024, with around 300 businesses signing up so far.

Liz Barclay also helped design potential future legislative measures to tackle late payments and long payment terms, with a government consultation set to be published soon.

Small business minister Gareth Thomas said:

“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, and today’s appointment is a crucial part of that process.

"And I want to thank Liz Barclay for her work over the past four years as commissioner, during which time she has worked tirelessly in supporting the nation's small businesses.

"In her new position, Emma will be a key player in tackling late payments and long payment terms for small businesses and the self-employed. This government is committed to tackling this problem, which has for too long been a scourge for small businesses."

New small business commissioner Emma Jones CBE 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 (OSBC), 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."

Aaron Asadi, Enterprise Nation's new chief executive, said:

"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 businesses 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.  

"She has driven this business forward while being instrumental in creating a connected entrepreneurial community in the UK and advocating for increased support for digital transformation among SMEs through pioneering initiatives like Tech Hub and the SME Digital Adoption Taskforce. 

"We want to thank Emma for everything she has fought for, and everything she has relentlessly achieved for small businesses through 20 brilliant years here at the helm of Enterprise Nation. 

"We wish Emma every success in her new role - may her passion for empowering entrepreneurs continue to inspire and drive meaningful change. We can't wait to see what happens next!"

Small business advice for dealing with late payment

• How small business owners are dealing with late payment

• Tips to help small businesses get paid on time