His bill intends to strengthen current legislation protecting small businesses from the sometimes devastating impact of late or missing payments by public sector bodies, guaranteeing they are paid promptly for goods and services.

The Lagan Valley MLA has said: “Small businesses are the beating heart of Northern Ireland’s economy, and if they are to not only survive, but actually be able to thrive, they need to be supported and protected in the eyes of the law.

“There are a number of ongoing issues for every small business that this bill aims to address, including missing and delayed payments from public sector bodies, often due to simple, otherwise avoidable administrative problems. This bill will also protect sub-contractors down the public sector supply chain, and ensure transparency of public sector payment data.

“Cashflow is an issue that’s faced by every small business and anyone self employed, it limits the ability for the business to pay their own suppliers, but government should not be adding to the problem. I’ve seen first-hand the detrimental impact late and missing payments can have on small businesses, and the mental toll it can take on owners whose livelihoods are left at the mercy of much larger, more powerful bodies.

“This isn’t fair, it needs to change, and that’s what my bill sets out to achieve for small business owners in NI.”