Small businesses are the beating heart of West Cumbria’s economy – from pubs and cafés to manufacturers and family-run shops. They employ local people, keep our high streets alive, and drive the community spirit that makes our area special. But too often, they are being choked by a simple injustice: not being paid on time.
Late payments are one of the biggest complaints I hear from local business owners. Far too often, large companies drag their heels when it comes to paying smaller suppliers. Across the UK, an estimated £26 billion is owed in late payments at any given time. It’s a scandal that costs the economy billions and leads to the closure of around 14,000 small businesses every year – that’s 38 a day.
That’s why the Labour Government is taking tough action. We’ve already legislated to require large companies to report on their payment practices in their annual reports, shining a light on bad behaviour. We’ve also launched a Fair Payment Code, encouraging big firms to set an example by paying suppliers quickly and fairly. And we’re now consulting on further measures to ensure small businesses are paid promptly and that persistent late payers face real consequences.
I want West Cumbrian businesses to have their say. If you’ve been affected by late payments, I want to hear from you: joshmacalister.uk/business. Your experiences will help me make the case in Parliament for stronger protections and fairer treatment for local entrepreneurs.
But tackling late payments is just one part of our plan to rebuild the local economy. The Labour Government has reformed business rates, making the system fairer for small firms and giving high streets a fighting chance. Here in West Cumbria, many hospitality businesses are already benefitting from enhanced rate relief, easing the pressure after years of rising costs and helping them to invest, create jobs, and keep our towns vibrant and welcoming for residents and visitors alike.
To make sure local voices are heard, I’m launching a new West Cumbria Business Forum – a space for business owners, entrepreneurs and local employers to share their experiences directly with me and shape Labour’s agenda for growth in our area. Whether it’s access to finance, fair taxation or investment in skills, I want this forum to be a partnership between local businesses and their MP. You can sign up at joshmacalister.uk/business, where you can also find details of the event I’m hosting for local SMEs with Google Digital Garage in Workington on Friday 14th November.
When small businesses are paid on time and given fair support, money flows through our local economy, jobs are created, and communities thrive. Together, we can build a fairer, stronger economy for West Cumbria – one where good businesses are rewarded, not penalised, for doing the right thing.
Josh MacAlister MP 