Small Business, Late Payments, and the Digital Economy
Emma Jones CBE, Small Business Commissioner, discusses the systemic barriers holding back UK SMEs — from persistent late payment culture in supply chains to the uneven digital divide between large enterprises and smaller suppliers to government.
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Show notes
How can small businesses use AI and digital technology to become more productive, competitive and resilient?
In this episode of The Digital State Podcast, Paul Scully and Asad Ansari are joined by Emma Jones CBE, Small Business Commissioner, to explore how technology is changing the landscape for SMEs across the UK.
The conversation looks at the growing accessibility of artificial intelligence, how smaller businesses can adopt new technology without large budgets or specialist teams, and where digital tools can make the biggest practical difference.
Emma also discusses some of the wider challenges facing SMEs, including late payments, cash flow, access to opportunities and the relationship between small businesses and government.
The discussion explores what more can be done to help entrepreneurs embrace technology, improve productivity and compete effectively in an increasingly digital economy, while ensuring innovation translates into genuine commercial value.
At the heart of the episode is a simple question:
Can AI and technology help level the playing field for Britain's small businesses?
Hosts
- Paul ScullyFormer MP & Minister for Technology
- Asad AnsariManaging Partner, Mayfair IT Consultancy