I launched the ‘Be Fair – Pay on Time’ campaign in June 2011 as a result of a constituent struggling to keep his small haulage company afloat due to late payments by a very well-known top company he supplies.
Over the last year I have been raising awareness of the issue through a Westminster Hall debate and speaking at various conferences, working with the ICM, FPB and FSB. In addition Oldham MBC has now committed to signing up to the Prompt Payment Code.
On 5th July I called on 75 FTSE 100 companies not already signed up to the PPC to do the right thing and to commit to signing this by 31st August.
I was delighted to be joined by Philip King, Chief Executive of the Institute of Credit Management and also by Shadow Business Secretary Chuka Umunna MP as well as represenatives from 30 different local businesses and stakeholders organisations.
We held an extremly productive roundtable discussion on how to support local business and employment in Oldham East and Saddleworth. I appreciate all of those who took the time to attend and share their valuable contributions.