Basildon For Business - Help for small businesses experiencing payment issues with a larger business
The Small Business Commissioner can help small businesses who are experiencing payment issues with a larger business
The Small Business Commissioner will investigate complaints from small businesses (a company with less than 50 employees) which are experiencing late payment and poor payment practice when dealing with a larger business (a company with more than 50 employees). The Small Business Commissioner can make non legally binding recommendations for the resolution of these types of payment disputes.
In cases where it is found to be appropriate, the Small Business Commissioner may also publish a report on the circumstances of a complaint. This report will be available to the public and in most cases it will include the identities of all parties involved in the complaint.
Types of complaint the Commissioner can assist with
There are specific rules in relation to the types of complaint the Commissioner can assist with;
- complaints must relate to late or non-payment by a larger business to a smaller business
- the dispute must not be contractual
- the dispute must not be subject to or have been previously determined via the court process.
In cases where complaints fall outside the legal scope of the complaint scheme, the Office of the Small Business Commissioner will still do as much as possible to resolve any dispute. This will include putting small businesses in touch with alternative support and dispute resolution services.
Small Business Commissioner contract and invoice advisory service
The Office of the Small Business Commissioner can also assist small businesses by checking contracts and providing advice on getting invoices right. The Commissioner's office is independent but appointed by Government. It is impartial and free to use on a non-risk basis.