GROUPS representing small businesses have joined forces to lobby for a day to recognise the importance of the smallest firms in driving the UK economic recovery.

The Forum of Private Business (FPB), Wanobe.com and The Business Woman’s Network have come together to call for a ‘micro business day’, which would mark the role of enterprises with fewer than 10 staff.

Jane Bennett, head of campaigns at the FPB, which provides the secretariat to the All-party Parliamentary Micro Business Group, said: “The jobs that will drive economic growth are expected to be created in micro businesses, so it is important that we place the political spotlight squarely on them and make sure it stays there – that is why we are calling for a micro business day to highlight the crucial role played by the UK’s smaller businesses.

“It is time for the Government to stop talking micro and thinking macro and instead focus on the real issues of the smallest businesses.”

According to the payment body Bacs, small firms in the UK are owed approximately £24bn in outstanding invoice payments, causing major problems for their cash flow.

“Late payment is a huge issue, particularly for small businesses. While it is pleasing that the smallest micro businesses seem to be leading the way in minimising the problem, others are less able to do so – perhaps because employment law bureaucracy means they simply have less time to chase outstanding payments.”

David Noble, managing director of the online business knowledge market Wanobe.com, said: “A major problem facing the UK’s micro businesses is how to chase money owed to them without upsetting a customer relationship – and possibly losing business as a result.

“It is a dilemma micro businesses must solve every day, and their creativity and perseverance in dealing with such issues, which enables them to survive and retain employees, is what makes them the real heroes in our marketplace.”

According to figures from business data group Experian, North East businesses are waiting an average of 24.42 days for payment beyond their agreed terms.

The region was around the middle of the table. Firms in the North West were waiting the longest – around 36.72 days beyond their agreed terms – while the South West had the best record, waiting an average of 18.18 days beyond terms.