Small businesses across the UK have reclaimed £10 million in overdue invoices with assistance from the Office of the Small Business Commissioner, marking a significant milestone in the fight against late and unfair payment practices by larger companies.
Almost £1 million of the total was recovered in the current financial year, including more than £500,000 in December 2025 alone, signalling a faster pace of enforcement and resolution than in previous years.
Established in 2017 under the Enterprise Act 2016, the Small Business Commissioner’s office supports small firms facing unpaid invoices or unfair payment practices. The office reviews enquiries, investigates formal complaints, and engages directly with larger organisations to recover outstanding funds.
The problem of late payments remains widespread. Government research estimates that delayed invoices cost the UK economy around £11 billion annually and contribute to the closure of roughly 4,000 businesses each year — nearly 38 firms a day. Earlier this year, ministers launched a consultation on strengthening the powers of the Small Business Commissioner as part of a broader effort to tackle late payment culture.
One small IT business said intervention from the Commissioner was decisive after months of unsuccessful attempts to recover an overdue invoice from a large travel company. “We’re incredibly grateful to the Small Business Commissioner for helping us recover a long-overdue payment after many failed attempts via email, phone calls and website forms,” a company spokesperson said. “Being a microbusiness of just four people, we simply weren’t on their radar. Thanks to the SBC’s support, we were able to make payroll this month.”
Emma Jones, the Small Business Commissioner, said the £10 million milestone highlighted both the scale of the problem and the impact of timely intervention. “Over £10 million retrieved for small firms, with almost £1 million recovered this financial year alone — three times the amount secured last year,” she said. “Late payment is not only bad for business, it also takes a serious toll on founders’ mental health as they worry about paying bills and keeping their business going.”
Jones urged more small firms to come forward when they face delayed payments, noting that the office can only act when disputes are raised. The Commissioner’s office continues to work to resolve cases efficiently and ensure small businesses receive the money they are owed.
Small businesses with unresolved payment disputes that they cannot settle directly are encouraged to contact the Small Business Commissioner for advice and support. The office provides guidance to help firms recover funds while protecting their financial stability and enabling them to focus on growth.
