Posted on 22nd May 2026 by Penny Gibbs
Late payments are something that affect us personally as a smaller business. Like many SMEs, cash flow can sometimes become incredibly challenging, to the extent that we find ourselves juggling personal finances simply to ensure payroll is covered and the business keeps moving forward.
The Federation of Small Businesses got in touch asking whether I would like to attend a celebratory event at Number 10 after the King’s Speech announcement about new legislation to protect small businesses from late payments. I was absolutely delighted to attend on behalf of small businesses everywhere.
It was also reassuring to spend time with a number of other business owners who all shared very similar frustrations and experiences. Different industries, different businesses, but so many common challenges.
The day itself started in classic British fashion – windy, rainy and cold. I can honestly say that by the time we reached Downing Street, I was quite desperate to get inside the iconic black door and out of the wind.
The first thing I noticed was Larry the cat, comfortably asleep in the window to the right-hand side of the famous front door, curled up on a pillow completely unbothered by the weather outside. Larry is now 18 years old and apparently still brings “presents” in the form of mice from time to time.
After introductions, our hosts gave us a tour of Number 10 itself, which was fascinating. We saw:
This room was surprisingly plain. Our hosts explained this is intentional so everyone stays focused on the discussions. Designers shaped the famous boat-shaped table so the Prime Minister can maintain eye contact with everybody in the room.
One detail I particularly enjoyed learning was that ministers are only given pencils during meetings because pens have a tendency to “go walkies”. Peter Kyle also joked that the chairs are not remotely comfortable and that the room becomes quite unpleasant during the summer months.
The press briefing room was another moment that felt strangely surreal. During Covid, it became one of the most recognisable rooms in the country. Boris Johnson would deliver daily announcements and the nation tuned in for updates.
Although they have since created a more purpose-built briefing room, standing there really took me back to those difficult days.
One unusual feature was a window positioned directly above a fireplace – apparently hugely impractical because the heat can affect the bonding in the glass.
The state rooms themselves were incredibly impressive, with grand pillars, ornate ceilings and so much history surrounding every corner. We were shown a full collection of the 2012 Olympic medals and I even got to hold an Olympic torch.
Picture by Simon Dawson and 10 Downing Street
The team offered us refreshments in the White State Drawing Room, used for major international engagements where the Prime Minister stands before the fireplace alongside visiting dignitaries. We also had the opportunity to discuss what the proposed late payment legislation would actually mean in practice for small businesses like ours.
For colleagues and campaigners who have supported this movement for more than seven years, it genuinely felt like a hugely significant moment.
During one conversation with Peter Kyle, I was explaining Euro-Matic’s water-filled floating ball technology and how it could potentially transform parts of the UK water system through improved water quality and reduced evaporation.
Mid-conversation, I suddenly turned to my left to find Sir Keir Starmer walking into the room accompanied by photographers and a cameraman.
Sir Keir spoke with the group and, importantly, it felt like everyone was genuinely able to speak openly about the realities and challenges of running a business.
Shortly afterwards, we continued speaking at length with Peter Kyle and Varun Chandra about export opportunities, particularly within the Middle East, and the ways government support could help UK businesses grow internationally.
There were also wider discussions around:
What stood out most was the clear commitment from the FSB to continue championing small business voices and ensuring we are heard collectively.
One small detail that stayed with me was the staircase lined with portraits and photographs of every Prime Minister. We were told that whenever a new Prime Minister takes office, every single picture has to be shuffled down slightly to make room for the next addition. Apparently, there is space for another hundred portraits yet – who knows what happens next.
Before we knew it, the event was over and we were back outside on Downing Street. I managed to get a photograph by the famous black door.
Nearby, rows of journalists waited for ministers to arrive, ready to shout questions the moment they appeared.
What an incredible opportunity and certainly an experience I will never forget.
Helena King, Commercial Director
