To ask the Minister for the Economy what plans he has to appoint a small businesses champion.

There are no plans to make such an appointment at present. However, I recognise the significance of small businesses to the Northern Ireland economy. This is reflected in the regular engagement I and my Department have with the Federation of Small Businesses and other organisations that represent small businesses.

My officials have also engaged with the UK Small Business Commissioner, who has a particular role in tackling the problem of late payments to small businesses and is very willing to champion businesses in Northern Ireland. They have discussed promoting her work in championing the rights of small businesses in our economy, and encouraging the development of digital education amongst small business owners.