A LEADING North-west business group says public sector bodies should follow the Government’s pledge to pay small firms within 10 days rather than 30 days.

Private Sector Partners (PSP) North-west, represents more than 100,000 firms regionally. Its leader, businessman Len Collinson, said he is determined to see the 10-day pledge adopted across the public sector.

When it was announced in October, Business Secretary Peter Mandelson committed central Government and regional development agencies to the 10-day pledge.

The UK’s four million small and medium-sized businesses employ about 13.5 million people — a third of the UK workforce. Small firms contribute more than 50 per cent of UK turnover.