17/06/2026
đˇ Could tougher late payment rules be on the way?
For many small businesses, getting paid on time isn't just frustrating, it can have a serious impact on cashflow, growth, and day-to-day operations.
The Government's proposed Small Business Protections Bill has now been laid before Parliament and includes several measures aimed at tackling late payments from larger organisations.
Proposed changes include:
âď¸ A 60-day cap on payment terms for large businesses paying small suppliers
âď¸ Mandatory interest on late payments at 8% above the Bank of England base rate
âď¸ New powers for the Small Business Commissioner to investigate poor payment practices and fine persistent offenders
âď¸ Greater transparency from large companies around their payment performance
âď¸ Protection against withheld retention payments in construction contracts
For many SMEs, these changes could be a significant step towards fairer payment practices and improved cashflow certainty.
The Bill still needs to progress through Parliament before becoming law, but it's certainly one to watch.
đ Read the full article to learn more about the proposed legislation and what it could mean for your business.