Find out more about how we engage with stakeholders with an interest and expertise in the SME sector to share insight and expertise, including detail about the role of our SME advisory group. 

On this page

  1. Advisory group
  2. Expert Panel
  3. Sharing information about our approach

We receive support in our work with small businesses from a range of external experts who – while they don’t decide individual cases – offer us their expertise on a range of industry specific issues and help inform our wider policy approach. 

Advisory group

To support our overall work, we established an SME advisory group, made up of experts who can bring a unique perspective of the SME landscape. Our advisory group includes representatives from small businesses, trade bodies and financial services, providing us with useful insight and support, highlighting the concerns of small businesses and the challenges they face.

This group meets twice each year to provide context of the SME market, as well as flagging concerns held and challenges faced by SMEs in relation to financial services. 

SME advisory group terms of reference (PDF 51KB)

    • Caroline Wayman, Financial Ombudsman Service 
    • Annette Lovell, Financial Ombudsman Service
    • Tim Archer, Financial Ombudsman Service
    • David Bainbridge, Financial Ombudsman Service 
    • Mike Conroy, UK Finance 
    • John Davies, Association of Alternative Business Finance 
    • James Dalton, Association of British Insurers
    • Hannah Essex, British Chambers of Commerce
    • Graeme Fisher, British Business Bank
    • John French, Consumer Council for Northern Ireland
    • Simon Goldie, Finance and Leasing Association
    • Philip King, Small Business Commissioner 
    • Alexis Lay, Federation of Small Businesses
    • Lindsey Loxley, Women in Business Network 
    • Martin McTague, Federation of Small Businesses 
    • Claire Walker, British Chambers of Commerce 

     

The group does not consider individual disputes. This work remains the role of our independent ombudsman staff. 

 

Advisory group meeting minutes

Expert Panel

Our small business team is supported in their work by a panel of external experts from the small business sector. The panel provides specialist advice on the structures and practices of small businesses, including the financial products they use and the areas in which they operate. Members of the panel act in an advisory role – they don’t make decisions on behalf of our ombudsmen.

Sharing information about our approach

Our work gives us an unique insight into how complaints arise, and how this might be avoided – and so we’re always working to share our insight. As well as our engagement work, we publish details about what we’ve seen. Here are some recent case studies to help demonstrate how we approach complaints covering a range of financial products and services.