Written question asked by Douglas Carswell (UK Independence Party) on Wednesday, 8 March 2017, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 March 2017 (named day). It was answered by Margot James (Conservative) on Monday, 13 March 2017 on behalf of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Small Businesses: Credit

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to support small and medium-sized enterprises in accessing extended credit terms.

Answer: Extended credit terms from suppliers can help businesses to meet their working capital needs, as can prompt payment from customers. While payment terms are a matter for each business to negotiate with their trading partners, the Government is committed to ensuring that all businesses and entrepreneurs across the UK are able to access the finance and support they need to grow and have the right conditions to invest long-term, as set out in the Industrial Strategy Green Paper.

Secondary information