Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to support SME suppliers to supermarkets.

Small and medium-sized businesses that supply directly to supermarkets covered by the Groceries Supply Code of Practice are supported by the work of the Groceries Code Adjudicator, who ensures they are treated lawfully and fairly. The Government is also acting to tackle the late payment culture across all sectors. At Spring Statement 2018, my rt. hon. Friend Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a call for evidence on how to eliminate unfair payment practices to small businesses, which will seek views on how the Government can go further to deliver a fair payment culture.

More widely, small and medium-sized businesses in England can access support through GOV.UK and the Business Support Helpline and, through our Industrial Strategy, we will continue to back them to grow and create jobs by providing an environment in which they can thrive.