Applications are open to become the UK’s first Small Business Commissioner — a high-profile role supporting small businesses in payment disputes with their larger customers.

The successful candidate will provide general advice and information, handle complaints about payment issues and direct small businesses to existing dispute resolution services.

The latest BACS payment-processor report shows that nearly half of the UK’s SMEs experience late payment, with £26.3 billion owed to them in total. Applications are open until 13 March.

Small Business Minister Margot James (pictured) said: “We all rely on the UK’s 5.5 million SMEs for jobs, goods and services. An unfair payment culture that hurts these firms has no place in an economy that works for us all.

“This is why we are looking for an exceptional individual to help smaller firms resolve payment disputes and champion a culture change in how businesses work together.”

Mike Cherry, chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “I was delighted to be invited by the Government to be part of the selection process for the Small Business Commissioner.

“There is simply no excuse for a business culture where supply-chain bullying or poor payment practice are acceptable. FSB research shows that poor-payment practice is on the rise, causing 50,000 business ‘deaths’ each year.