In May the Altrincham & Sale Chamber of Commerce invited Small Business Commissioner Paul Uppal to Trafford. The aim was to speak to members and non-members at a social Open Evening for the business community. It started with networking whilst guests enjoyed Gin and Jeffrey’s flavoured Tonic from Chester courtesy of co-owner Steve Frehley. The food was supplied by Paul and Georgie Grzesiak owners of Uplift Coffee Shop, which they told us they had only been open two weeks prior at Stretford Mall.
Paul took up an invitation which was held at Robins & Day Car Dealership in Sale who are dealers for the PSA Group – a French multinational manufacturer of Peugeot, Citroën, Vauxhall and DS brands. The showroom on Washway Road supplies both the domestic and fleet marketplace with the Peugeot brand and newly separated Citroën and DS brands. Next Graham Weywell from DS Motors talked about his views on how the motor trade industry has changed massively in the last ten years, and how important it is to connect with local businesses. As a French-owned company the challenge has recently been to differentiate the two standalone brands of Citroën and DS.
Next to speak was Paul Uppal who addressed the businesses attendees and said the office was there to support small businesses experiencing poor payment practices and problems from larger companies. The service is free for any small business to use and is funded directly by Government. “Business can be very lonely. Late payments are often seen as the rough and tumble of business. This is not acceptable.” The service is free to use – it is there to level the playing field. So often, it’s not seen as a priority issue for many, but for those who rely on cashflow it’s crucial. The service is free confidential and offers anonymity, it champions the 30-day payment terms and is committed to dismiss the culture of late and delayed payment practice. The office can act on behalf as many small business owners lack the confidence to negotiate or confront larger businesses.
To find out more visit www.smallbusinesscommisioner.gov.uk
Look out for the next Social Open Evening on the Chamber website www.altrinchamchamber.co.uk or Eventbrite.
