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UK Late Payments Report - (updated 2022-11-26 )



Background


Since 2017, large UK businesses are obliged to file a publicly available Payment Practice Reports at least twice a year. The hope was that by forcing companies to become more transparent on their payment practices and policies, smaller companies would benefit by getting paid sooner and therefore reduce the risk of bankruptcy.

Businesses that must file Payment Pracice Reports statisfy two of the following conditions:
  • over £36 million in turnover
  • over £18 million on its balance sheet
  • over 250 employees

    • Roughly 7,000 UK business meet these criteria and must file reports. This figure varies over time.



    Impact of Mandatory Payment Practices Reporting


    Ignoring 2017 when few companies submitted reports, there has need negligeable improvement in key payment indicators since reporting became mandatory for large businesses.

    Digging deeper into the data, if we examine the different business cohorts (where each cohort represents all the busnesses that started filing reports in a particular year) separately, we see that performance has been laregly flat over the years.

    Average days to pay by cohort


    Cohort 201720182019202020212022
    2017 43.840.342.041.640.641.1
    2018-36.936.337.136.235.4
    2019--35.136.234.833.8
    2020---38.236.433.1
    2021----36.334.6
    2022-----31.8



    Worst payers


    Here we rank the 100 worst payers, measured by average days taken to pay an invoice, and % of invoices not paid within agreed terms.

    Average Days to Pay - 100 worse payers


    Rank Company Name Company Number Sector (SIC) Average days to pay
    1 MINSTER LAW LIMITED 04659625 Solicitors 540
    2 TUI UK TRANSPORT LIMITED 01014599 Other service activities not elsewhere classified 283
    3 SUTTON MAINTENANCE LIMITED 02367656 Combined facilities support activities 242
    4 ERNST & YOUNG (ASIA-PACIFIC) SERVICES LIMITED 07239694 Accounting and auditing activities 220
    5 AKER SOLUTIONS ANGOLA LIMITED 00320535 Manufacture of other special-purpose machinery not elsewhere classified 217
    6 ERNST & YOUNG (EMEIA) SERVICES LIMITED 06613918 Accounting and auditing activities 176
    7 CANARY WHARF LIMITED 01971312 Development of building projects 170
    8 CARPENTERS LIMITED 06532413 Solicitors 160
    9 LONGSAND LIMITED 04598955 Other information technology service activities 151
    10 ISG INTERIOR SERVICES GROUP UK LIMITED 02989004 Other specialised construction activities not elsewhere classified 141
    11 ENI ELGIN/FRANKLIN LIMITED 03772746 Extraction of crude petroleum 139
    12 COCA-COLA EUROPACIFIC PARTNERS PLC 09717350 Manufacture of soft drinks; production of mineral waters and other bottled waters 135
    13 BEIN IP LIMITED 09055669 Television programme distribution activities 134
    14 DNATA CATERING UK LIMITED 08005515 Other retail sale not in stores, stalls or markets 134
    15 ALPEK POLYESTER UK LTD 07108602 Manufacture of other chemical products not elsewhere classified 131
    16 KENNEDYS LAW LLP OC353214 ne Supplied 131
    17 RAIL GOURMET U.K. LIMITED 03052537 Take-away food shops and mobile food stands 127
    18 SHERATON HOTELS (U.K.) LIMITED 03114981 Hotels and similar accommodation 127
    19 NATIONAL EXHIBITION CENTRE LIMITED (THE) 00979395 Activities of head offices 124
    20 RECKITT BENCKISER HEALTHCARE INTERNATIONAL LIMITED 02741587 Manufacture of household and sanitary goods and of toilet requisites 122
    21 DIGITASLBI LIMITED SC177425 Advertising agencies 122
    22 VIRGIN HOLIDAYS LIMITED 01873815 Tour operator activities 120
    23 MARRIOTT HOTELS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED 01673907 Other business support service activities not elsewhere classified 120
    24 AB INBEV UK LIMITED 03982132 Manufacture of beer 118
    25 COLUMBIA PICTURES CORPORATION LIMITED 00242372 Motion picture distribution activities 118
    26 RECKITT BENCKISER (UK) LIMITED 03982446 Manufacture of household and sanitary goods and of toilet requisites 117
    27 DRAX HYDRO LIMITED 08654218 Trade of electricity 115
    28 ARDAGH METAL BEVERAGE TRADING UK LIMITED 07832417 Combined office administrative service activities 114
    29 BALL BEVERAGE PACKAGING EUROPE LIMITED 02554348 Other service activities not elsewhere classified 113
    30 ADARE INTERNATIONAL LIMITED 01610897 Printing not elsewhere classified 113
    31 SPIE LIMITED 06275653 Other business support service activities not elsewhere classified 113
    32 IGNIS INVESTMENT SERVICES LIMITED SC101825 Financial intermediation not elsewhere classified 112
    33 BOMBARDIER TRANSPORTATION UK LTD 02235994 Manufacture of railway locomotives and rolling stock 111
    34 ANRITSU EMEA LIMITED 05744468 Other service activities not elsewhere classified 110
    35 ARRIVA RAIL NORTH LIMITED 04337712 Passenger rail transport, interurban 108
    36 YOUGOV PLC 03607311 Market research and public opinion polling 107
    37 CARLSBERG SUPPLY COMPANY UK LIMITED 08626420 Manufacture of beer 106
    38 KIMBERLY-CLARK EUROPEAN SERVICES LIMITED 04071548 Financial intermediation not elsewhere classified 106
    39 DOBBIES GARDEN CENTRES LIMITED SC010975 Other business support service activities not elsewhere classified 105
    40 PRADA RETAIL UK LIMITED 03299599 Retail sale of clothing in specialised stores 105
    41 TAKEPAYMENTS LIMITED 03102137 Other information technology service activities 104
    42 LRC PRODUCTS LIMITED 00698371 Manufacture of basic pharmaceutical products 103
    43 LIONS GATE INTERNATIONAL MEDIA LIMITED 10486810 Motion picture distribution activities 102
    44 3M UNITED KINGDOM PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY 01123045 Manufacture of paints, varnishes and similar coatings, mastics and sealants 102
    45 VODAFONE GLOBAL ENTERPRISE LIMITED 02844851 Other telecommunications activities 102
    46 PETROFAC (MALAYSIA-PM 304) LIMITED 03418736 Extraction of crude petroleum 101
    47 MONDELEZ UK CONFECTIONERY PRODUCTION LIMITED 00474310 Manufacture of cocoa and chocolate confectionery 100
    48 AVIS BUDGET UK LIMITED 00802486 Other service activities not elsewhere classified 100
    49 PTS GROUP LIMITED 02219435 Agents involved in the sale of timber and building materials 99
    50 TATA STEEL UK LIMITED 02280000 Manufacture of basic iron and steel and of ferro-alloys 99
    51 SAFRAN SEATS GB LIMITED 00278391 Other manufacturing not elsewhere classified 98
    52 TENNENT CALEDONIAN BREWERIES UK LIMITED SC362352 Wholesale of wine, beer, spirits and other alcoholic beverages 98
    53 MITIEFM SERVICES LIMITED 02820560 Activities of head offices 97
    54 HITACHI RAIL LIMITED 05598549 Passenger rail transport, interurban 97
    55 L&Q NEW HOMES LIMITED 04828168 Buying and selling of own real estate 96
    56 DAVID LLOYD CLUBS LIMITED 10565274 Operation of sports facilities 96
    57 LEXINGTON CATERING LIMITED 03428444 Other business support service activities not elsewhere classified 96
    58 TRAVELPORT INTERNATIONAL LIMITED 01254977 Other reservation service activities not elsewhere classified 95
    59 TELEFONICA UK LIMITED 01743099 Wireless telecommunications activities 95
    60 BUREAU VERITAS SOLUTIONS MARINE & OFFSHORE LIMITED SC380777 Other professional, scientific and technical activities not elsewhere classified 95
    61 PLATINUM INTERNATIONAL LIMITED 04397197 Wholesale trade of motor vehicle parts and accessories 95
    62 PPG ARCHITECTURAL COATINGS UK LIMITED 00436135 Manufacture of paints, varnishes and similar coatings, mastics and sealants 93
    63 HERTZ EUROPE LIMITED 01008739 Other service activities not elsewhere classified 93
    64 FERRARIS PISTON SERVICE LIMITED 04148298 Wholesale trade of motor vehicle parts and accessories 92
    65 MERIDIAN HOTEL OPERATIONS LIMITED 08335267 Hotels and similar accommodation 92
    66 MOLSON COORS BREWING COMPANY (UK) LIMITED 00026018 Manufacture of beer 92
    67 CROWN PAINTS LIMITED 06624576 Manufacture of paints, varnishes and similar coatings, mastics and sealants 92
    68 PLEXUS CORP (UK) LIMITED SC146948 Manufacture of other electrical equipment 91
    69 SOLVAY SOLUTIONS UK LIMITED 00036833 Manufacture of other chemical products not elsewhere classified 91
    70 MARKEN LIMITED 01485138 Other transportation support activities 91
    71 VUE ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED 04699504 Motion picture projection activities 91
    72 STER CENTURY (UK) LIMITED 03347110 Motion picture projection activities 91
    73 CMBC SUPPLY LIMITED 08626420 Manufacture of beer 91
    74 DS SMITH PAPER LIMITED 00058614 Manufacture of paper and paperboard 91
    75 NOKIA UK LIMITED 02650571 Other telecommunications activities 91
    76 TENNENT'S NI LIMITED R0000299 Wholesale of wine, beer, spirits and other alcoholic beverages 90
    77 E ENTERTAINMENT UK LIMITED 04625146 Television programme distribution activities 90
    78 JOHN DEWAR AND SONS LIMITED 00613551 Distilling, rectifying and blending of spirits 90
    79 IESA LIMITED 04188491 Wholesale of other intermediate products 90
    80 CCEP GROUP SERVICES LIMITED 08819390 Activities of head offices 90
    81 SMITH & WILLIAMSON LLP OC369631 ne Supplied 89
    82 BUREAU VERITAS BUILDING CONTROL UK LIMITED 03460854 Other professional, scientific and technical activities not elsewhere classified 89
    83 KELLOGG COMPANY OF GREAT BRITAIN,LIMITED 00199171 Manufacture of other food products not elsewhere classified 89
    84 WESTBRIDGE FOODS LIMITED 03443712 Other food services 89
    85 ARCONIC MANUFACTURING (GB) LIMITED 00633328 Aluminium production 89
    86 FORGED SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED 00158672 Forging, pressing, stamping and roll-forming of metal; powder metallurgy 89
    87 PARTS ALLIANCE GROUP LIMITED 01779084 Retail trade of motor vehicle parts and accessories 88
    88 UNITED BISCUITS (UK) LIMITED 02506007 Manufacture of rusks and biscuits; manufacture of preserved pastry goods and cakes 88
    89 KUHN FARM MACHINERY(U.K.)LIMITED 00996289 Wholesale of agricultural machinery, equipment and supplies 88
    90 KERRY INGREDIENTS (UK) LIMITED 00329695 Manufacture of other food products not elsewhere classified 88
    91 THE NET-A-PORTER GROUP LIMITED 03820604 Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet 87
    92 STAPLETON'S (TYRE SERVICES) LIMITED 00332098 Wholesale trade of motor vehicle parts and accessories 87
    93 MEDIABRANDS LIMITED 00773961 Advertising agencies 87
    94 MONDELEZ UK R&D LIMITED 03841804 Other research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering 87
    95 GE GRID SOLUTIONS (UK) LIMITED NI027892 Manufacture of non-electronic measuring, testing etc. equipment, not for industrial process control 86
    96 GREENCORE PREPARED MEALS LIMITED 00298325 Manufacture of other food products not elsewhere classified 86
    97 GREENCORE GROCERY LIMITED 01754279 Manufacture of prepared meals and dishes 86
    98 SANTANDER UK OPERATIONS LIMITED 04137550 Financial intermediation not elsewhere classified 85
    99 GALDERMA (U.K.) LIMITED 00715401 Wholesale of pharmaceutical goods 85
    100 TAYLOR SHAW LIMITED 06576188 Other food services 85



    Percentage invoices not paid within agreed terms - 100 Worse payers

    Rank Company Name Company Number Sector (SIC) % invoices not paid within terms
    1 ENI PAKISTAN LIMITED 00151940 Extraction of crude petroleum 100
    2 ELQ INVESTORS VIII LTD 09182214 Financial intermediation not elsewhere classified 100
    3 VALERO EQUITY SERVICES LTD 02203164 Activities of other holding companies not elsewhere classified 100
    4 PETROFAC (MALAYSIA-PM 304) LIMITED 03418736 Extraction of crude petroleum 100
    5 WT FILM PRODUCTIONS LIMITED 04532727 Motion picture production activities 100
    6 NBCUNIVERSAL INTERNATIONAL NETWORKS HOLDINGS LIMITED 05308744 Activities of head offices 100
    7 PENTLAND GROUP (TRADING) LIMITED 11439197 Dormant Company 100
    8 CAIRN ENERGY HYDROCARBONS LIMITED SC172470 Extraction of crude petroleum 100
    9 RWE RENEWABLES UK ROBIN RIGG EAST LIMITED 03568724 Production of electricity 100
    10 CME OPERATIONS LIMITED 07306335 Other business support service activities not elsewhere classified 100
    11 FIL PENSIONS MANAGEMENT 02015142 Financial intermediation not elsewhere classified 100
    12 BRADY P&C LIMITED 10935300 Activities of other holding companies not elsewhere classified 100
    13 ENI JPDA 03-13 LIMITED 02664257 Extraction of natural gas 100
    14 UNIVERSAL PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTIONS LIMITED 08329779 Video production activities 100
    15 PRINCIPAL CATERING CONSULTANTS LIMITED 02419830 Event catering activities 100
    16 VACHERIN LIMITED 04516461 Other food services 100
    17 CARLSBERG MARSTON'S BREWING COMPANY LIMITED 00078439 Manufacture of beer 99
    18 CATERMASTERS CONTRACT CATERING LIMITED 03820136 Other food services 99
    19 COMPANY OF COOKS LTD. 03395673 Licensed restaurants 99
    20 ENSEMBLE COMBINED SERVICES LIMITED 07459986 Licensed restaurants 99
    21 CH & CO CATERING LIMITED 02613820 Licensed restaurants 99
    22 PUBLIC RESTAURANT PARTNER LIMITED 05111519 Licensed restaurants 99
    23 HOST MANAGEMENT LTD 04759938 Event catering activities 99
    24 GATHER & GATHER LIMITED 03610591 Event catering activities 99
    25 THE BROOKWOOD PARTNERSHIP LIMITED 03271727 Other food services 99
    26 ABSOLUTELY CATERING LIMITED 06313610 Other food services 99
    27 HARBOUR & JONES LIMITED 05016914 Event catering activities 99
    28 INSPIRE CATERING SCOTLAND LLP SO301918 ne Supplied 99
    29 CROWN CHICKEN LIMITED 04760487 Raising of poultry 99
    30 BECKETT'S FOODS LIMITED 02257171 Retail sale of meat and meat products in specialised stores 99
    31 ASD LIMITED 01370600 Wholesale of metals and metal ores 99
    32 CONCERTO GROUP LIMITED 02063425 Other service activities not elsewhere classified 98
    33 CLAAS EASTERN LTD 02917927 Other retail sale not in stores, stalls or markets 98
    34 CARLSBERG UK LIMITED 00078439 Manufacture of beer 98
    35 PRO-PAK FOODS LIMITED 03556653 Manufacture of prepared meals and dishes 98
    36 ADARE INTERNATIONAL LIMITED 01610897 Printing not elsewhere classified 98
    37 DINGBRO LIMITED SC079886 Sale of other motor vehicles 98
    38 ROADCHEF MOTORWAYS LIMITED 01123082 Retail sale of automotive fuel in specialised stores 98
    39 ROADCHEF LIMITED 01713437 Activities of head offices 98
    40 THOMPSON AERO SEATING LIMITED NI032654 Manufacture of other transport equipment not elsewhere classified 97
    41 ARRIVA RAIL NORTH LIMITED 04337712 Passenger rail transport, interurban 97
    42 EUROCAPS LIMITED 02878879 Manufacture of other food products not elsewhere classified 97
    43 CREATIVEVENTS LIMITED 03365722 Event catering activities 97
    44 PTS GROUP LIMITED 02219435 Agents involved in the sale of timber and building materials 97
    45 TRAVIS PERKINS PLC 00824821 Non-specialised wholesale trade 97
    46 AMERICOLD WHITCHURCH LTD 01550927 Freight transport by road 96
    47 CDL HOTELS (U.K.) LIMITED 02729520 Hotels and similar accommodation 96
    48 AGRO MERCHANTS WHITCHURCH LTD 01550927 Freight transport by road 96
    49 DOBBIES GARDEN CENTRES LIMITED SC010975 Other business support service activities not elsewhere classified 95
    50 CREATE FOOD LIMITED 02857354 Event catering activities 95
    51 UNISYS LIMITED 00103709 Business and domestic software development 95
    52 CH & CO CATERING GROUP LIMITED 09505062 Activities of head offices 95
    53 NEWPORT WAFER FAB LIMITED 04338966 Manufacture of electronic components 95
    54 GB RAILFREIGHT LIMITED 03707899 Freight rail transport 95
    55 ST ANDREW'S HEALTHCARE 05176998 Residential care activities for learning difficulties, mental health and substance abuse 95
    56 NUVIAS (UK & IRELAND) LIMITED 01695813 Wholesale of computers, computer peripheral equipment and software 95
    57 LAMEX AGRIFOODS LIMITED 02021105 Non-specialised wholesale trade 95
    58 JAMES CROPPER PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY 00030226 Manufacture of paper and paperboard 95
    59 WORKING TITLE FILMS LIMITED 02755827 Motion picture production activities 95
    60 ROADCHEF DEVELOPMENT HOLDINGS LIMITED 03745584 Activities of head offices 95
    61 THE FIRST MILK CHEESE COMPANY LIMITED 05893846 Butter and cheese production 94
    62 MENZIES DISTRIBUTION SOLUTIONS LIMITED 03805401 Freight transport by road 94
    63 ABBEY LOGISTICS GROUP LIMITED 02484251 Freight transport by road 94
    64 BLUE BOAR MOTORWAYS LIMITED 00637848 Retail sale of automotive fuel in specialised stores 94
    65 UNISYS EUROPE LIMITED 09799479 Business and domestic software development 94
    66 JAMES WALKER & CO. LIMITED 02432592 Manufacture of other rubber products 94
    67 ATALIAN SERVEST LIMITED 06355228 Combined facilities support activities 94
    68 MELITTA UK LTD. 01243964 Other manufacturing not elsewhere classified 94
    69 BAXI HEATING UK LIMITED 03879156 Manufacture of central heating radiators and boilers 93
    70 THE CO-OPERATIVE ACADEMIES TRUST 07747126 Primary education 93
    71 ERNST & YOUNG (ASIA-PACIFIC) SERVICES LIMITED 07239694 Accounting and auditing activities 93
    72 PORK FARMS LIMITED 05998346 Manufacture of other food products not elsewhere classified 93
    73 THOMPSON AND CAPPER LIMITED 00235815 Manufacture of basic pharmaceutical products 93
    74 FIRST MOTORWAY SERVICES LIMITED 03126731 Hotels and similar accommodation 93
    75 KATSOURIS BROTHERS LIMITED 00824300 Non-specialised wholesale trade 93
    76 IVCC 06719882 Research and experimental development on biotechnology 93
    77 CORIN LIMITED 01910453 Manufacture of medical and dental instruments and supplies 92
    78 JAMES CROPPER SPECIALITY PAPERS LIMITED 04690555 Manufacture of paper and paperboard 92
    79 SANDICLIFFE GARAGE LIMITED 00452840 Sale of new cars and light motor vehicles 92
    80 MACNAUGHTON BLAIR LIMITED NI023032 Agents involved in the sale of timber and building materials 92
    81 ABBEYFIELD SOCIETY (THE) 00574816 Other accommodation 92
    82 THE CDA GROUP LIMITED 02621460 Manufacture of electric domestic appliances 92
    83 TRUMPF LASER UK LIMITED 03290610 Manufacture of optical precision instruments 92
    84 ERIKS INDUSTRIAL SERVICES LIMITED 03142338 Manufacture of bearings, gears, gearing and driving elements 92
    85 CRANSWICK COUNTRY FOODS (BALLYMENA) NI071259 Processing and preserving of meat 91
    86 PPD GLOBAL LTD 01564604 Other research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering 91
    87 PORK FARMS CASPIAN LIMITED 09104836 Manufacture of other food products not elsewhere classified 91
    88 LONDON TARA HOTEL LIMITED 01005559 Hotels and similar accommodation 91
    89 TELEPERFORMANCE LIMITED 02060289 Other telecommunications activities 91
    90 PROSEAL UK LIMITED 03493138 Manufacture of other special-purpose machinery not elsewhere classified 91
    91 GUALA CLOSURES UCP LIMITED SC119026 Manufacture of other plastic products 90
    92 LAMEX FOODS EUROPE LIMITED 00875838 Non-specialised wholesale of food, beverages and tobacco 90
    93 BELRON UK LIMITED 00494648 Maintenance and repair of motor vehicles 90
    94 INTERTEK INTERNATIONAL LIMITED 00087587 Other business support service activities not elsewhere classified 90
    95 WORLDPAY AP LTD. 05593466 Financial intermediation not elsewhere classified 90
    96 LONDON EV COMPANY LIMITED 08357576 Manufacture of motor vehicles 90
    97 LEONARD CHESHIRE DISABILITY 00552847 Other human health activities 90
    98 CRANSWICK COUNTRY FOODS PLC 01803402 Processing and preserving of meat 90
    99 HARSCO METALS GROUP LIMITED 00702790 Manufacture of other fabricated metal products not elsewhere classified 90
    100 JDR CABLE SYSTEMS LIMITED SC186794 Activities of head offices 89


    Analysis by sector


    Companies belonging to the sectors 'Legal and accounting activities', 'Activities of households as employers of domestic personnel', and 'Manufacture of paper and paper products' are the 3 worse sectors for paying invoices, taking on average 83, 63, and 54 days repectively to pay their invoices.

    Rank Sector (number of companies) Average days to pay % invoices not paid within terms
    1 Legal and accounting activities (20) 82.7 29.2
    2 Activities of households as employers of domestic personnel (1) 62.5 33.5
    3 Manufacture of paper and paper products (31) 54.4 35.8
    4 Manufacture of basic metals (20) 53.1 23.1
    5 Manufacture of beverages (53) 52.8 24.8
    6 Veterinary activities (4) 51.6 27.5
    7 Manufacture of machinery and equipment n.e.c. (86) 51.2 35.6
    8 Printing and reproduction of recorded media (16) 50.9 39.8
    9 Manufacture of other non-metallic mineral products (38) 50.6 32.0
    10 Manufacture of fabricated metal products, except machinery and equipment (85) 50.5 33.2
    11 Manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers (40) 50.3 29.5
    12 Activities of extraterritorial organisations and bodies (4) 49.7 54.2
    13 Manufacture of other transport equipment (31) 49.3 28.8
    14 Sewerage (1) 49.0 79.0
    15 Manufacture of rubber and plastic products (57) 48.2 38.3
    16 Manufacture of chemicals and chemical products (114) 46.6 31.4
    17 Manufacture of textiles (12) 46.5 33.1
    18 Manufacture of electrical equipment (38) 46.5 40.2
    19 Manufacture of food products (185) 46.4 34.0
    20 Other manufacturing (88) 46.0 32.2
    21 Specialised construction activities (92) 43.8 25.9
    22 Manufacture of basic pharmaceutical products and pharmaceutical preparations (63) 43.7 31.4
    23 Food and beverage service activities (86) 43.4 30.9
    24 Gambling and betting activities (21) 43.2 35.3
    25 Remediation activities and other waste management services. (4) 43.1 39.0
    26 Telecommunications (77) 43.1 24.6
    27 Manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products (55) 42.6 31.2
    28 Services to buildings and landscape activities (36) 42.2 36.6
    29 Retail trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles (240) 41.9 29.7
    30 Manufacture of wood and of products of wood and cork, except furniture; manufacture of articles of straw and plaiting ma (17) 41.6 21.9
    31 Motion picture, video and television programme production, sound recording and music publishing activities (73) 41.6 38.0
    32 Repair and installation of machinery and equipment (21) 41.2 26.6
    33 Manufacture of furniture (9) 41.2 32.1
    34 Manufacture of wearing apparel (8) 40.8 31.0
    35 Wholesale trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles (467) 40.8 29.7
    36 Accommodation (55) 40.7 31.0
    37 Land transport and transport via pipelines (157) 40.7 24.1
    38 Advertising and market research (69) 40.2 26.8
    39 Waste collection, treatment and disposal activities; materials recovery (42) 38.8 25.2
    40 Civil engineering (59) 38.1 22.7
    41 Manufacture of leather and related products (3) 37.8 31.0
    42 Postal and courier activities (6) 37.5 15.5
    43 Warehousing and support activities for transportation (55) 37.4 33.0
    44 Scientific research and development (50) 36.5 29.3
    45 Other personal service activities (114) 36.2 24.5
    46 Manufacture of tobacco products (3) 36.2 15.8
    47 Other professional, scientific and technical activities (64) 36.1 27.4
    48 Repair of computers and personal and household goods (1) 36.0 18.0
    49 Air transport (32) 35.0 34.3
    50 Construction of buildings (195) 34.9 21.3
    51 Architectural and engineering activities; technical testing and analysis (58) 34.5 30.2
    52 Rental and leasing activities (65) 34.5 22.9
    53 Sports activities and amusement and recreation activities (59) 34.4 17.9
    54 Activities of head offices; management consultancy activities (246) 34.3 27.6
    55 Residential care activities (41) 34.2 33.2
    56 Computer programming, consultancy and related activities (183) 33.7 24.8
    57 Wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (216) 33.6 24.3
    58 Security and investigation activities (13) 33.5 32.7
    59 Manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products (11) 33.4 21.0
    60 Water transport (22) 33.4 33.5
    61 Travel agency, tour operator and other reservation service and related activities (25) 33.3 23.7
    62 Office administrative, office support and other business support activities (351) 32.0 22.4
    63 Real estate activities (92) 31.5 26.3
    64 Publishing activities (64) 31.4 28.0
    65 Human health activities (89) 31.0 26.8
    66 Creative, arts and entertainment activities (9) 30.4 22.6
    67 Information service activities (36) 30.3 28.7
    68 Water collection, treatment and supply (26) 29.8 21.3
    69 Libraries, archives, museums and other cultural activities (6) 28.5 38.2
    70 Public administration and defence; compulsory social security (27) 28.5 23.7
    71 Programming and broadcasting activities (12) 28.3 19.4
    72 Activities of membership organisations (15) 28.2 16.2
    73 Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply (146) 27.8 20.7
    74 Financial service activities, except insurance and pension funding (398) 25.8 21.2
    75 Education (272) 25.6 23.5
    76 Activities auxiliary to financial services and insurance activities (126) 24.6 22.1
    77 Social work activities without accommodation (10) 24.4 12.9
    78 Insurance, reinsurance and pension funding, except compulsory social security (89) 23.2 18.8
    79 Employment activities (84) 21.8 15.6


    Analysis by Company Type


    It is interesting to note that Public Limited Companies are 6 days faster at paying their invoices than Private Limited Companies.

    Company Type Number of companies Average days to pay % invoices not paid within terms
    Private Limited Company 5296 37.8 27.1
    Private Unlimited Company 64 32.9 23.9
    Limited Liability Partnership 201 32.9 25.5
    Public Limited Company 302 31.4 22.1
    PRI/LTD BY GUAR/NSC (Private, limited by guarantee, no share capital) 117 26.7 22.2
    PRI/LBG/NSC (Private, Limited by guarantee, no share capital, use of 'Limited' e 206 25.5 25.3
    PRI/LBG/NSC (Private, Limited by guarantee, no share capital, use of 'Limited' exemption) 51 23.2 19.7


    Promptness of filing Payments Report


    Although across the whole sample there is virtually no correlation between paying invoices late and the speed of filing the mandatory payment reports, it is clear that the companies that are the very fastest at filing payment reports pay their invoices fatser than the companies that are the very slowest at filing payment reports. Specifically, the top 50 companies who are slowest at filing reports take an average 42.2 days to pay their invoices, whereas the top 50 fastest companies take 34.8 days.. A possible interpretation of this is that the slowest companies are organisationally challenged to pay invoices quickly.

    Slowest 50 Companies for filing Payments Report


    Company Name Average days taken to file report Average Days to Pay
    KURT GEIGER LIMITED 871.0 76.0
    MEADOWVALE FOODS LTD 846.5 26.5
    GORGEMEAD LIMITED 792.5 31.5
    PRINWEST LIMITED 792.5 38.5
    ENTIER LIMITED 788.5 59.5
    DONE BROTHERS (CASH BETTING) LIMITED 777.0 31.0
    POLAR SPEED DISTRIBUTION LIMITED 768.0 48.0
    UPS LIMITED 768.0 31.5
    UPS SCS (UK) LIMITED 768.0 37.0
    GREENHEART LEARNING PARTNERSHIP 759.0 33.0
    MANPOWER UK LIMITED 758.0 29.5
    SECRET ESCAPES LIMITED 755.5 15.0
    MAWDSLEY-BROOKS & COMPANY LIMITED 751.0 47.0
    MOTORPOINT LIMITED 742.5 21.0
    TLT LLP 734.0 30.5
    INVER HOUSE DISTILLERS LIMITED 723.5 63.0
    KANES FOODS LIMITED 702.0 57.0
    LENOVO GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY UK LIMITED 695.5 27.5
    OUTDOOR AND CYCLE CONCEPTS LTD 695.0 64.0
    IAN MACLEOD DISTILLERS LIMITED 694.5 56.5
    LENOVO TECHNOLOGY (UNITED KINGDOM) LIMITED 692.5 27.5
    BSH HOME APPLIANCES LIMITED 680.0 34.0
    RECTICEL LIMITED 680.0 47.5
    BANHAM PATENT LOCKS LIMITED 678.0 45.0
    BRAVISSIMO LIMITED 670.0 69.0
    EUI LIMITED 665.5 35.5
    ADMIRAL LAW LIMITED 665.0 67.5
    GALDERMA (U.K.) LIMITED 665.0 68.0
    DANISH CROWN UK LIMITED 664.5 39.0
    LONDON METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY 656.0 32.5
    FQ DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED 631.5 26.5
    JARDINE AUTOMOTIVE LIMITED 624.0 48.0
    JARDINE CARS LIMITED 624.0 38.0
    JARDINE LUXURY VEHICLES LIMITED 624.0 45.0
    AGA RANGEMASTER LIMITED 603.0 73.0
    THE TRADE CENTRE GROUP PLC 603.0 36.7
    VIATRIS UK HEALTHCARE LIMITED 597.0 37.0
    MIELE COMPANY LIMITED 594.0 26.0
    HALDANE FISHER LIMITED 592.5 58.5
    CROWN STREET DEVELOPMENTS 1 LIMITED 577.0 70.0
    RPS CONSULTING SERVICES LIMITED 575.0 57.0
    SMITHS METAL CENTRES LIMITED 574.0 56.0
    RUSSELLS LIMITED 572.0 36.0
    BAILEY FAMILY INVESTMENTS PLC 571.5 39.0
    RULLION ENGINEERING LIMITED 568.0 8.0
    RULLION IT PLUS LIMITED 568.0 8.0
    HIGGINS GROUP PLC 558.0 21.5
    HIGGINS HOMES PLC 558.0 47.5
    HIGGINS PARTNERSHIPS 1961 PLC 558.0 37.5
    GRIPPLE LIMITED 541.0 50.5


    Fastest 50 Companies for filing Payments Report


    Company Name Average days taken to file report Average Days to Pay
    F.HINDS LIMITED 1.0 31.5
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    WARWICK INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS FOUNDATION 2.0 38.5
    BLACK SWAN INTERNATIONAL LIMITED 3.0 34.0
    BUSSEY & SABBERTON BROS.LIMITED 3.0 42.5
    WESSEX EAGLE LIMITED 3.5 70.5
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    IMPACT FORK TRUCKS LIMITED 4.0 50.0
    NIPPON GOHSEI UK LTD. 4.0 52.0
    RIVER LEARNING TRUST 4.0 12.0
    SCHOOLSWORKS ACADEMY TRUST 4.0 19.0
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    FRANK ROBERTS & SONS LIMITED 4.5 52.0
    PD TEESPORT LIMITED 4.5 32.5
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    ASPIRE DEFENCE SERVICES LIMITED 5.0 23.5
    BATLEY MULTI ACADEMY TRUST 5.0 13.0
    DIRECT PRODUCE SUPPLIES LIMITED 5.0 63.0
    HARLEY-DAVIDSON EUROPE LIMITED 5.0 49.5
    HUGH STEEPER LIMITED 5.0 42.0
    VEOLIA ES LANDFILL LIMITED 5.0 36.0
    VEOLIA ES SOUTH DOWNS LTD 5.0 29.0
    VEOLIA WATER OUTSOURCING LIMITED 5.0 29.0
    DFDS SEAWAYS PLC 5.5 48.5
    GUEST MOTORS LIMITED 5.5 54.5
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    DISCOVERY SCHOOLS ACADEMIES TRUST LTD 6.0 11.5
    THE NORTH BRITISH DISTILLERY COMPANY LIMITED 6.0 28.5
    WELLSPRING ACADEMY TRUST 6.0 46.0
    ACCO UK LIMITED 6.5 32.5
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    FIRSTPORT RETIREMENT PROPERTY SERVICES LIMITED 6.5 23.5
    NAGEL LANGDONS LTD 6.5 28.0
    O-I GLASS LIMITED 6.5 57.5
    OLIVER BONAS LIMITED 6.5 48.0
    SAYWELL INTERNATIONAL LIMITED 6.5 41.5
    SOUTH DOWNS WASTE SERVICES LIMITED 6.5 19.5
    VEOLIA ENERGY & UTILITY SERVICES UK PLC 6.5 34.5
    VEOLIA ES (UK) LIMITED 6.5 29.5
    VEOLIA ES BIRMINGHAM LIMITED 6.5 30.5
    VEOLIA ES HAMPSHIRE LTD 6.5 30.5
    VEOLIA ES SHEFFIELD LIMITED 6.5 28.5
    VEOLIA ES SHROPSHIRE LIMITED 6.5 29.0
    VEOLIA ES STAFFORDSHIRE LIMITED 6.5 26.5
    ALTRAN UK LIMITED 7.0 30.0
    ATKINS LIMITED 7.5 31.0
    EVENING STANDARD LIMITED 7.5 27.5
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