BURT CALLS FOR COUNCILS AND RETAIL GIANTS TO PAY ON TIME TO HELP SMALLER SUPPLIERS
November 17, 2008 12:31 PM
Speaking in the House of Commons yesterday, Liberal Democrat shadow minister for small business, Lorely Burt MP called for councils and retail giants to follow the government's lead and cut payment times to suppliers for goods and services.
Mrs Burt said the Government should be commended for introducing a ten-day payment target for goods and services procured by central government departments.
"Small and medium businesses are already experiencing extreme cash flow problems as the recession bites. Not only are orders drying up, but customers are taking longer and longer to pay, forcing many small businesses to the wall," said Lorely.
"I commend the government's target to pay within ten days as a way of helping to tackle the problem, but would like assurances that the new ruling will not only benefit the largest companies, but also the smaller suppliers and sub-contractors at the bottom of the supply chain.
"I am trying to persuade Solihull Council to take the same approach and to make procurement processes less complex, making it possible for smaller businesses inside the borough to pitch successfully for council contracts.
The Solihull MP also highlighted the responsibility of retailing giants like Boots and Tesco who she said have extended payment times and "need to feel some heat from the Government to join them in their approach."
What would you like to do next?
-
Subscribe for updates
Follow the party's activity on...
- Twitter:
- Liberal Democrats
- Facebook:
- Liberal Democrats
- YouTube:
- Liberal Democrats