Emma Jones CBE, the esteemed founder of Enterprise Nation and a prominent advocate for small businesses in the UK, has been appointed the new small business commissioner. She will assume the role on 23 June, taking over from Liz Barclay, whose four-year term concludes at the end of this month.
The small business commissioner plays a crucial role in tackling the persistent issue of late payments faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). According to Enterprise Nation’s Small Business Barometer, 23% of small businesses are habitually paid late. Further research by Sage reveals that the UK’s smallest businesses are owed an average of £42,000 in overdue invoices, significantly hindering growth, limiting cash flow, and pushing some firms to the edge.
Jones’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the UK’s small business sector. With SMEs accounting for over 99.9% of the UK’s business landscape, addressing late payment practices is an economic imperative. The Labour government has already implemented a Fair Payment Code, introduced in December 2024, with 300 companies committed so far. Additional legislative proposals, co-designed by Barclay, will feature in an upcoming government consultation.
Small business minister Gareth Thomas expressed his approval of the appointment, stating: “I’m delighted that in Emma Jones’s appointment, we have someone who has long championed small firms and entrepreneurs throughout the UK. 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—addressing late payments, enhancing access to finance, and increasing the number of small firms exporting globally. Today’s appointment is a crucial component of that process.” He also paid tribute to outgoing commissioner Liz Barclay, acknowledging her tireless support for the nation’s small businesses.
In her new role, Jones is expected to spearhead policy-driven and technology-enabled solutions to support the UK’s self-employed and small business community. She is widely recognised for her practical, straightforward approach to entrepreneurship and SME support, and aims to help business owners spend less time chasing invoices and more time on growth initiatives.
Commenting on her appointment, Emma Jones stated: “Having done it myself, I understand the dedication required to start and grow a successful business. Founders tell me they are time-poor, often spending too much time on activities like chasing debt. This limits their capacity for growth—a situation we want to change.” “Through the Office of the Small Business Commissioner, we will strive to simplify life for small business owners by using technology to expedite payments and support access. This initiative will be delivered in collaboration with government and industry, united in the goal of enabling founders to focus on their strengths and maintaining the UK’s reputation as an excellent place to start and grow a business.”
Jones established Enterprise Nation in 2005 to offer assistance and resources to startups and small businesses. Under her leadership, the organisation has become a significant force for entrepreneurs in the UK, aiding thousands of founders with funding, digital adoption, exports, and public procurement challenges.
Enterprise Nation’s new chief executive Aaron Asadi honoured Jones’s contributions, stating: “We could not be prouder of Emma and her remarkable achievements at Enterprise Nation. Her new role provides a platform to continue championing the UK’s start-up and small business community, this time from within the government.” “Emma is a formidable entrepreneurial force in the UK. As a campaigner and connector, she has reshaped the landscape for startups and small firms, furnishing them with tools, visibility, and a powerful voice. We wish Emma every success in her new role and hope her enthusiasm for empowering entrepreneurs continues to inspire and drive meaningful change.”
Throughout her 20-year tenure at Enterprise Nation, Jones led ambitious initiatives such as Tech Hub, the SME Digital Adoption Taskforce, and national campaigns enhancing the visibility and resilience of British startups. Her appointment as commissioner offers a fresh mandate within the government to confront systemic challenges and unlock the potential of the UK’s entrepreneurial economy.
As the new small business commissioner, Emma Jones assumes a role that not only involves dispute resolution and policy influence but also the restoration of trust, efficiency, and fairness in business relationships. Her appointment is likely to be embraced by the UK’s broad and varied community of small business owners as a positive and assertive advancement.
