Government expert to outline action to end pain caused by late payments

Late payment difficulties faced by small businesses will come under the spotlight at a meeting in Peterborough.

Jacquie Moore, casework manager for the Government’s Office of the Small Business Commissioner, will join a panel of experts to discuss the issue which has left many small enterprises struggling to survive.

The problems will be raised at economic development company Opportunity Peterborough’s bondholder breakfast on April 30 at the Park Inn, in Bourges Boulevard. The Commissioner supports small businesses to resolve payment disputes with larger organisations. Late payments will be one of a number of issues arising from the results of the annual Rawlinsons’ Greater Peterborough Business Survey that will be examined by the panel. Ms Moore said: “I’m really looking forward to finding out the results of the Greater Peterborough Business Survey, particularly in relation to how payment timeframes are impacting business productivity. “Payment delays mean small businesses may struggle to cover their costs efficiently and grow their operations, which in turn has a negative impact on the wider UK economy.” Tom Hennessy, chief executive of OP, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Jacquie Moore. Peterborough is one of the country’s most entrepreneurial cities and small businesses make up the vast majority of enterprises in the city.”

Jacquie Moore.