The announcement of the next small business commissioner has been made, with a former broadcaster for the BBC and journalist set to take on the job.

Liz Barclay has spent years fighting in the corner of small firms and customers on issues such as finance. As part of her work, she presented the “You and Yours” consumer affairs programme on Radio Four. She will be taking over the role from Philip King, who served as commissioner on a temporary basis.

The role of small business commissioner was introduced five years ago as a bid to clamp down on the late payments that have a damaging effect on the cash flow of small firms. This is a major issue, with cash flow being one of the areas that a small business accountant in Goole or anywhere else most commonly has to help such firms with.

Barclay will be moving into the role just as it seems set to become more powerful. The government carried out a consultation last year over whether to allow the commissioner to introduce investigations and fines as punishments for those who are repeatedly late in paying small firms for products or services. The results of it are expected to be published this year.

Speaking to Small Business, Barclay said:

“People who have already delivered goods and services have to be able to turn their attention to their next client and next order rather than chasing up late payments and worrying about their cash flow.”

Barclay will start in the job on 23rd June.