CICM boss King appointed interim small business commissioner

King will head the Independent Office of the Small Business Commissioner (SBC) in Birmingham. It was launched in December 2017 to ensure fair payment practices for Britain’s small businesses and support them in resolving their payment disputes with larger businesses and bring about culture change.

To date, it has recovered more than £6.5m owed to small businesses. Sue Chapple, who is currently the CICM’s director of strategic relationships, will assume the role of interim CICM chief executive until a permanent successor is recruited.

King said: “The CICM has worked tirelessly with government agencies to support small businesses and change attitudes to late payment. Whereas I am sad to be leaving the CICM after more than fourteen years at the helm, that is tempered by the privilege of directly supporting the government industrial strategy and giving small businesses the support they need to prosper and grow.

“Recognising the needs of all businesses both large and small is an essential part of resolving potential conflict and preventing issues from occurring in the first place. Poor behaviour should be identified and called out, and I would actively encourage small businesses to engage with the commissioner’s office at the earliest opportunity if there is a problem, but it is important too that we highlight examples of best-practice to which others should aspire.”

Peter Whitmore, chair of the CICM executive board, said: “Philip has played a vital role in projecting the work of our professional members in enabling the success of their own businesses and supporting the wider business economy.

“His appointment reflects the importance of keeping the cash flowing. In his time leading the CICM, Philip has helped transform the Institute to achieve Chartered status and elevate the critical importance of best-practice credit management and professional credit managers in the minds of government and other key influencers, including the media. We wish him well.”