- Square has joined pledge to ensure that small businesses are treated fairly and not unduly impacted by restrictions to cashflow and payments.
- The Pledge forms part of guidance published by the Small Businesses Commissioner in October 2025 which aims to support small businesses going digital through online marketplaces and payment providers.
- Small Business Commissioner welcomes Square at roundtable with the Small Business Minister, Blair McDougall MP.
Square, the largest business technology platform serving all kinds of businesses, today joins other leading online marketplaces and payment providers who have signed the pledge that promotes fair treatment for small businesses with regards to cashflow and payments. As part of the Pledge, providers are required to undertake checks to ensure they are complying with a wide range of regulations, which can result in funds being withheld from small businesses
The 10-point pledge includes commitments to communicate effectively with small businesses when funds are withheld, support them understanding their obligations and to deal with complaints or issues as swiftly as possible. Current signatories of the Pledge include; ebay, PayPal, Tesco, B&Q, Temu, OnBuy, Fruugo, SumUp and Stripe.
Brought together by the Small Businesses Commissioner, the guidance accompanying the pledge sets out the terms under which businesses may have their funds withheld, including the regulations under which the platforms operate. It also advises small businesses how they can effectively navigate this and avoid situations where their funds are withheld.
John O’Beirne, CEO & Executive Director of Squareup International Ltd said:
“Small businesses are the backbone of the UK economy, and at Square we believe it’s critical that they’re paid fairly and on time. That’s why we welcome the Small Business Commissioner’s new fair treatment pledge and guidance, which brings much-needed clarity, transparency and consistency around cash-flow and payment processes.
Square is committed to helping merchants get paid quickly and reliably – and when exceptions or regulatory holds arise, to communicate clearly and work with them to resolve issues swiftly. We’re proud to stand alongside other payment providers and marketplaces in supporting small businesses’ right to predictable, responsible payment practices, enabling them to focus on growth and serving their customers.”
Emma Jones, the Small Business Commissioner said:
“I’m delighted to see Square join the Pledge and show real leadership and commitment to treating small businesses fairly. Online marketplaces and payment providers can help boost small business productivity, but they are also under a wide range of legal obligations which can often impact small businesses access to their funds.
This guidance, along with the pledge made by these companies, will help to ensure small business know their rights, have the support they need, understand what factors influence the withholding of funds and help them make the most of the opportunity going digital brings.”