Political opinion with Alison Bennett MP: PVL UK - much more than 'just stickers'

In Mid Sussex, we are fortunate to have many innovative businesses whose work reaches far beyond our local area. One of these is PVL UK, a Burgess Hill company that plays a vital but often overlooked role in public safety across the country.

PVL produces the livery for around 75–80 per cent of the UK’s emergency service vehicles. Although they joke that their work is “just stickers”, their high‑visibility designs - including the neon Battenberg pattern seen on police cars - have been instrumental in preventing accidents and protecting both emergency workers and the public. Their products are used across the UK and around the world, demonstrating the global impact of this local business. 

Despite their success and strong reputation, PVL is now facing unnecessary challenges following recent changes to government procurement rules. The 2023 Procurement Act was intended to make it easier for SMEs to win contracts and compete fairly. Unfortunately, the reality has been very different. PVL has told me that too many organisations within the supply chain are failing to follow the rules properly, particularly when it comes to making payments on time. This creates significant cash‑flow pressures that fall hardest on smaller businesses, even when they are delivering high‑quality work exactly as required. 

What makes this especially frustrating is that PVL prides itself on operating fairly, transparently, and responsibly. They follow the rules, maintain high standards, and treat their suppliers properly. They want to hire local people, stay rooted in their community, and give back by continuing to grow and succeed. Yet the current system does not reward this approach. Instead, it risks placing responsible businesses at a disadvantage compared with those willing to stretch payment terms or manipulate the system in ways that undermine the whole purpose of the reforms. This has already led to some businesses writing off debts when work goes unpaid, and others — including long‑established firms — collapsing entirely. 

If the government is serious about supporting economic growth, backing SMEs, and keeping British innovation on British soil, it must ensure that businesses like PVL are not pushed abroad by avoidable red tape and weak enforcement. Once Parliament returns, I will be raising these concerns with ministers and pressing for a procurement system that works for the small businesses that keep our country running safely.