As Commissioner, Mr Uppal will lead an independent office
tasked with empowering small businesses. The role will be
crucial to supporting small businesses resolve disputes
with larger businesses and will help drive a culture
change in payment practices.
Mr Uppal and his team will provide general advice and
information to small businesses on matters such as
resolving disputes, including signposting small
businesses to existing support and dispute resolution
services, which will be delivered through the
commissioner’s website. His priorities will reflect his
20-year experience as a small business owner in the real
estate sector, where he saw how even sound businesses
could struggle when faced with a culture of late payment
by customers.
Mr Uppal said:
“Running your own business can be a very lonely
experience and my priority will be ensuring small firms
feel supported as well as helping to create an overall
impression that business isn’t necessarily cut throat.
“In fact, successful businesses are built on integrity,
entrepreneurial spirit and trusting relationships and I
want to highlight that Britain can be the best place in
the world for new entrepreneurs to establish and grow
their own businesses.”
Business Secretary, , said:
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy,
providing jobs and opportunities across the country. I am
delighted to announce as the first Small
Business Commissioner. His extensive experience as a
small business owner makes him perfectly suited to
champion the interests of small business and bring about
a change in culture that will create a level playing
field for everyone.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy,
providing jobs and opportunities across the country.
Supporting Britain’s 5.5 million small businesses is at
the heart of this Government’s Industrial Strategy, and
his ambition to tackle unfair payment practices will help
support our goal to create an economy that works for all.
I wish Paul luck in his new role, and I look forward to
working with him in the future.”
The appointment of the SBC builds on the Government’s
programme of support for small business, since 2010
including:
-
British Business Bank programmes supporting £3.4
billion of finance to over 59,000 smaller businesses;
-
over 50,000 Start-Up Loans worth almost £340 million;
-
a network of 39 local growth hubs which make it
easier for start-ups and existing businesses to
access the support they need; and
-
an additional business rates package, announced at
the Spring Budget, providing £435m of further support
for businesses facing significant bills in England.
The office of the Small Business Commissioner is expected
to be operational by the end of 2017.
