Philip King has been appointed as the interim small business commissioner, the Government has confirmed.

The small business commissioner's office aims to ensure fair payment practices become the norm for the UK's SMEs.

Since being set up in 2017, the office has helped small businesses claim more than £6.5 million from payment disputes with larger businesses.

Kelly Tolhurst, small business minister, said King is "a real champion for small businesses, with a proven track record of tackling late payments".

Mike Cherry, chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, said:

"We welcome the appointment of an interim small business commissioner. Using his name-and-shame powers should make a real difference."

King added:

"I am delighted to have been appointed interim commissioner and given the privilege of directly supporting the Government in helping small businesses to prosper and grow.

"Recognising the needs of businesses, both large and small, is an essential part of resolving potential conflict."

The Government could announce a wider package of reforms, including a tougher prompt payments code, in the Spring Budget on 11 March 2020.

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