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UK Late Payments Report - (updated 2023-03-17 )



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 2017201820192020202120222023
    2017 43.840.342.041.640.640.647.9
    2018-36.936.337.136.235.832.6
    2019--35.136.234.834.029.8
    2020---38.236.433.938.0
    2021----36.235.635.5
    2022-----34.135.0
    2023------25.2



    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 worst payers


    Rank Company Name Company Number Sector (SIC) Average days to pay
    1 MAXUS COMMUNICATIONS (UK) LIMITED 02671949 Advertising agencies 1,120
    2 STEWARTS LAW LLP OC329883 ne Supplied 434
    3 MINSTER LAW LIMITED 04659625 Solicitors 412
    4 ADMIRAL LAW LIMITED 08023665 Solicitors 400
    5 SYNNOVIS ANALYTICS LLP OC392043 ne Supplied 393
    6 PETROFAC (MALAYSIA-PM 304) LIMITED 03418736 Extraction of crude petroleum 259
    7 VIAPATH ANALYTICS LLP OC392043 ne Supplied 254
    8 CHURCH & CO LIMITED 00211135 Manufacture of footwear 220
    9 FERN TRADING GROUP LIMITED 06447318 Activities of head offices 176
    10 RANK GROUP GAMING DIVISION LIMITED 03213743 Activities of head offices 175
    11 ARRIVA RAIL NORTH LIMITED 04337712 Passenger rail transport, interurban 162
    12 CSIB (NO.1) LIMITED 07242304 Activities of head offices 160
    13 CREATION COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED 05619191 Non-trading company 155
    14 ENGELS (NO.1) LIMITED 00515994 Non-trading company 155
    15 ERNST & YOUNG (ASIA-PACIFIC) SERVICES LIMITED 07239694 Accounting and auditing activities 155
    16 NOV DOWNHOLE EURASIA LIMITED 04514250 Support activities for petroleum and natural gas extraction 133
    17 RECKITT BENCKISER HEALTHCARE INTERNATIONAL LIMITED 02741587 Manufacture of household and sanitary goods and of toilet requisites 126
    18 RECKITT BENCKISER (UK) LIMITED 03982446 Manufacture of household and sanitary goods and of toilet requisites 125
    19 ROWAN DRILLING (UK) LIMITED SC061864 Activities of head offices 123
    20 RECKITT BENCKISER HEALTHCARE (UK) LIMITED 00261312 Manufacture of household and sanitary goods and of toilet requisites 120
    21 ENI ELGIN/FRANKLIN LIMITED 03772746 Extraction of crude petroleum 118
    22 ARDAGH METAL PACKAGING TRADING UK LIMITED 07832417 Combined office administrative service activities 117
    23 AB INBEV UK LIMITED 03982132 Manufacture of beer 117
    24 CAIRN ENERGY HYDROCARBONS LIMITED SC172470 Extraction of crude petroleum 114
    25 COLUMBIA PICTURES CORPORATION LIMITED 00242372 Motion picture distribution activities 114
    26 ERNST & YOUNG (EMEIA) SERVICES LIMITED 06613918 Accounting and auditing activities 111
    27 CCEP GROUP SERVICES LIMITED 08819390 Activities of head offices 107
    28 TELEFONICA UK LIMITED 01743099 Wireless telecommunications activities 107
    29 ALSTOM ENGINEERING AND SERVICES LIMITED 02235994 Manufacture of railway locomotives and rolling stock 106
    30 BOMBARDIER TRANSPORTATION UK LTD 02235994 Manufacture of railway locomotives and rolling stock 105
    31 STAPLETON'S (TYRE SERVICES) LIMITED 00332098 Wholesale trade of motor vehicle parts and accessories 105
    32 BIBENDUM OFF TRADE LIMITED 01655729 Agents involved in the sale of food, beverages and tobacco 105
    33 KENNEDYS LAW LLP OC353214 ne Supplied 105
    34 SLATER & GORDON (UK) 1 LIMITED 07895497 Activities of head offices 104
    35 YOUGOV PLC 03607311 Market research and public opinion polling 104
    36 LRC PRODUCTS LIMITED 00698371 Manufacture of basic pharmaceutical products 103
    37 BALL BEVERAGE PACKAGING EUROPE LIMITED 02554348 Other service activities not elsewhere classified 103
    38 JDR CABLE SYSTEMS LIMITED SC186794 Activities of head offices 102
    39 FERRARIS PISTON SERVICE LIMITED 04148298 Wholesale trade of motor vehicle parts and accessories 101
    40 TENNENT'S NI LIMITED R0000299 Wholesale of wine, beer, spirits and other alcoholic beverages 101
    41 MONDELEZ UK CONFECTIONERY PRODUCTION LIMITED 00474310 Manufacture of cocoa and chocolate confectionery 100
    42 KR MEDIA UK LIMITED 05269703 Advertising agencies 100
    43 COCA-COLA EUROPACIFIC PARTNERS PLC 09717350 Manufacture of soft drinks; production of mineral waters and other bottled waters 100
    44 ORION TRADING EMEA LIMITED 03404334 Advertising agencies 99
    45 DOBBIES GARDEN CENTRES LIMITED SC010975 Other business support service activities not elsewhere classified 99
    46 TATA STEEL UK LIMITED 02280000 Manufacture of basic iron and steel and of ferro-alloys 99
    47 MEDIACOM SCOTLAND LIMITED 03296603 Advertising agencies 99
    48 WAVEMAKER LIMITED 04078547 Advertising agencies 98
    49 DAVID LLOYD CLUBS LIMITED 10565274 Operation of sports facilities 97
    50 MINDSHARE MEDIA UK LIMITED 03425312 Advertising agencies 95
    51 PTS GROUP LIMITED 02219435 Agents involved in the sale of timber and building materials 95
    52 DIESEL (LONDON) LIMITED 03005257 Wholesale of clothing and footwear 95
    53 TECHNIP UK LIMITED 00200086 Support activities for petroleum and natural gas extraction 94
    54 SRCL LIMITED 03226910 Other business support service activities not elsewhere classified 93
    55 NTT UNITED KINGDOM LIMITED 01505004 Other information technology service activities 93
    56 CHARLES TAYLOR INSURETECH LIMITED 09922480 Other business support service activities not elsewhere classified 93
    57 KELLOGG COMPANY OF GREAT BRITAIN,LIMITED 00199171 Manufacture of other food products not elsewhere classified 92
    58 REYNOLDS PORTER CHAMBERLAIN LLP OC317402 ne Supplied 92
    59 IESA LIMITED 04188491 Wholesale of other intermediate products 92
    60 SOLVAY SOLUTIONS UK LIMITED 00036833 Manufacture of other chemical products not elsewhere classified 92
    61 GRAINGER & WORRALL ENGINEERING LIMITED 06314112 Casting of light metals 92
    62 MEDIACOM UK LIMITED 01199309 Advertising agencies 92
    63 MOLSON COORS BREWING COMPANY (UK) LIMITED 00026018 Manufacture of beer 92
    64 RS INTEGRATED SUPPLY UK LIMITED 04188491 Wholesale of other intermediate products 91
    65 PLEXUS CORP (UK) LIMITED SC146948 Manufacture of other electrical equipment 91
    66 DS SMITH PAPER LIMITED 00058614 Manufacture of paper and paperboard 91
    67 GREENCORE GROCERY LIMITED 01754279 Manufacture of prepared meals and dishes 90
    68 KERRY INGREDIENTS (UK) LIMITED 00329695 Manufacture of other food products not elsewhere classified 90
    69 WALKERS SNACKS (DISTRIBUTION) LIMITED 03566410 Other business support service activities not elsewhere classified 90
    70 SLATER AND GORDON UK LIMITED 07931918 Solicitors 89
    71 DAC BEACHCROFT CLAIMS LIMITED 04218278 Solicitors 89
    72 H.J. HEINZ MANUFACTURING UK LIMITED 00147624 Manufacture of other food products not elsewhere classified 89
    73 KUHN FARM MACHINERY(U.K.)LIMITED 00996289 Wholesale of agricultural machinery, equipment and supplies 88
    74 VODAFONE GLOBAL ENTERPRISE LIMITED 02844851 Other telecommunications activities 88
    75 KIMBERLY-CLARK EUROPEAN SERVICES LIMITED 04071548 Financial intermediation not elsewhere classified 88
    76 WALKERS SNACK FOODS LIMITED 02333074 Other business support service activities not elsewhere classified 88
    77 SEALED AIR LIMITED 03443946 Manufacture of plastic packing goods 88
    78 COCA-COLA EUROPACIFIC PARTNERS GREAT BRITAIN LIMITED 00027173 Manufacture of soft drinks; production of mineral waters and other bottled waters 88
    79 GREENCORE PREPARED MEALS LIMITED 00298325 Manufacture of other food products not elsewhere classified 87
    80 ARCONIC MANUFACTURING (GB) LIMITED 00633328 Aluminium production 87
    81 EVIOSYS PACKAGING AEROSOLS UK LIMITED 00300739 Manufacture of light metal packaging 87
    82 FORGED SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED 00158672 Forging, pressing, stamping and roll-forming of metal; powder metallurgy 87
    83 ACCORD HEALTHCARE LIMITED 04596349 Manufacture of pharmaceutical preparations 87
    84 MAGNERS GB LIMITED 07063165 Manufacture of cider and other fruit wines 86
    85 TUI UK TRANSPORT LIMITED 01014599 Other service activities not elsewhere classified 86
    86 JOHN DEWAR AND SONS LIMITED 00613551 Distilling, rectifying and blending of spirits 86
    87 NOKIA UK LIMITED 02650571 Other telecommunications activities 86
    88 VF NORTHERN EUROPE SERVICES LIMITED SC081872 Retail sale of clothing in specialised stores 86
    89 PPG ARCHITECTURAL COATINGS UK LIMITED 00436135 Manufacture of paints, varnishes and similar coatings, mastics and sealants 86
    90 UNITED BISCUITS (UK) LIMITED 02506007 Manufacture of rusks and biscuits; manufacture of preserved pastry goods and cakes 85
    91 CROWN PAINTS LIMITED 06624576 Manufacture of paints, varnishes and similar coatings, mastics and sealants 85
    92 GKN AEROSPACE SERVICES LIMITED 00355922 Manufacture of air and spacecraft and related machinery 85
    93 METROPOLITAN MAYFAIR LIMITED 02690210 Gambling and betting activities 85
    94 ASHURST LLP OC330252 ne Supplied 85
    95 SHELL TUNISIA UPSTREAM LIMITED 02750465 Extraction of crude petroleum 85
    96 AO MOBILE LIMITED 07570386 Non-trading company 84
    97 MONDELEZ UK R&D LIMITED 03841804 Other research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering 84
    98 COCA-COLA EUROPACIFIC PARTNERS SERVICES EUROPE LIMITED 03227459 Activities of head offices 84
    99 MSIX COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED 06665820 Advertising agencies 83
    100 AALCO METALS LIMITED 03551533 Wholesale of metals and metal ores 83



    Percentage invoices not paid within agreed terms - 100 Worst payers

    Rank Company Name Company Number Sector (SIC) % invoices not paid within terms
    1 MAXUS COMMUNICATIONS (UK) LIMITED 02671949 Advertising agencies 100
    2 BESTWAY PHARMACY NDC LIMITED 01050265 Wholesale of pharmaceutical goods 100
    3 ABRDN PLC SC286832 Activities of head offices 100
    4 SPIRIT ENERGY SOUTHERN NORTH SEA LIMITED 05735294 Support activities for petroleum and natural gas extraction 100
    5 VALERO EQUITY SERVICES LTD 02203164 Activities of other holding companies not elsewhere classified 100
    6 CAIRN ENERGY HYDROCARBONS LIMITED SC172470 Extraction of crude petroleum 100
    7 PETROFAC (MALAYSIA-PM 304) LIMITED 03418736 Extraction of crude petroleum 100
    8 ROADCHEF MOTORWAYS LIMITED 01123082 Retail sale of automotive fuel in specialised stores 100
    9 CROWN CHICKEN LIMITED 04760487 Raising of poultry 99
    10 PTS GROUP LIMITED 02219435 Agents involved in the sale of timber and building materials 99
    11 SRCL LIMITED 03226910 Other business support service activities not elsewhere classified 99
    12 SEACHILL UK LIMITED 00481280 Manufacture of prepared meals and dishes 99
    13 CARLSBERG MARSTON'S BREWING COMPANY LIMITED 00078439 Manufacture of beer 99
    14 ASD LIMITED 01370600 Wholesale of metals and metal ores 98
    15 JAMES CROPPER PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY 00030226 Manufacture of paper and paperboard 98
    16 CRANSWICK COUNTRY FOODS (BALLYMENA) NI071259 Processing and preserving of meat 97
    17 PITNEY BOWES FINANCE LIMITED 00820730 Financial leasing 97
    18 FINANCIAL TIMES GROUP LIMITED 00879531 Activities of other holding companies not elsewhere classified 96
    19 ROADCHEF LIMITED 01713437 Activities of head offices 96
    20 THE CDA GROUP LIMITED 02621460 Manufacture of electric domestic appliances 96
    21 ERIKS INDUSTRIAL SERVICES LIMITED 03142338 Manufacture of bearings, gears, gearing and driving elements 96
    22 LAMEX AGRIFOODS LIMITED 02021105 Non-specialised wholesale trade 96
    23 TRAVIS PERKINS PLC 00824821 Non-specialised wholesale trade 95
    24 ONESUBSEA OPERATIONS LIMITED SC226359 Other business support service activities not elsewhere classified 95
    25 GUALA CLOSURES UCP LIMITED SC119026 Manufacture of other plastic products 95
    26 BAXI HEATING UK LIMITED 03879156 Manufacture of central heating radiators and boilers 95
    27 ROADCHEF DEVELOPMENT HOLDINGS LIMITED 03745584 Activities of head offices 95
    28 SHOP DIRECT FINANCE COMPANY LIMITED 04660974 Other credit granting not elsewhere classified 95
    29 BECKETT'S FOODS LIMITED 02257171 Retail sale of meat and meat products in specialised stores 94
    30 ERNST & YOUNG (ASIA-PACIFIC) SERVICES LIMITED 07239694 Accounting and auditing activities 94
    31 DONALD WARDLE AND SON LIMITED 02914910 Wholesale of pharmaceutical goods 94
    32 BLUE BOAR MOTORWAYS LIMITED 00637848 Retail sale of automotive fuel in specialised stores 94
    33 VALERO HOLDCO UK LTD 07541674 Activities of financial services holding companies 94
    34 CIENA GLOBAL PRODUCTS COMPANY, LTD. 13064681 Other telecommunications activities 94
    35 DOBBIES GARDEN CENTRES LIMITED SC010975 Other business support service activities not elsewhere classified 94
    36 KATSOURIS BROTHERS LIMITED 00824300 Non-specialised wholesale trade 94
    37 F.W. THORPE PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY 00317886 Manufacture of electric lighting equipment 94
    38 FIRST MOTORWAY SERVICES LIMITED 03126731 Hotels and similar accommodation 94
    39 DINGBRO LIMITED SC079886 Sale of other motor vehicles 94
    40 CORIN LIMITED 01910453 Manufacture of medical and dental instruments and supplies 93
    41 JDR CABLE SYSTEMS LIMITED SC186794 Activities of head offices 93
    42 BAXTERS FOOD GROUP LIMITED SC023572 Manufacture of fruit and vegetable juice 92
    43 ABBEYFIELD SOCIETY (THE) 00574816 Other accommodation 92
    44 ZENTIA LIMITED 00207732 Manufacture of other non-metallic mineral products not elsewhere classified 92
    45 C-RETAIL LIMITED 07139142 Retail sale of clothing in specialised stores 92
    46 JAMES CROPPER SPECIALITY PAPERS LIMITED 04690555 Manufacture of paper and paperboard 92
    47 EMINOX LIMITED 01349209 Manufacture of other fabricated metal products not elsewhere classified 91
    48 INTERTEK INTERNATIONAL LIMITED 00087587 Other business support service activities not elsewhere classified 91
    49 THOMPSON AERO SEATING LIMITED NI032654 Manufacture of other transport equipment not elsewhere classified 91
    50 UNISYS EUROPE LIMITED 09799479 Business and domestic software development 91
    51 JAMES WALKER & CO. LIMITED 02432592 Manufacture of other rubber products 91
    52 SMITHS MEDICAL INTERNATIONAL LIMITED 00362847 Manufacture of other plastic products 91
    53 ABBEY LOGISTICS GROUP LIMITED 02484251 Freight transport by road 91
    54 DIRECT TABLE FOODS LIMITED 01816960 Processing and preserving of meat 90
    55 BASELL UK HOLDINGS LIMITED 03053549 Activities of head offices 90
    56 ADVANCED HEALTH AND CARE LIMITED 02939302 Information technology consultancy activities 90
    57 LAMEX FOODS EUROPE LIMITED 00875838 Non-specialised wholesale of food, beverages and tobacco 90
    58 SLATER AND GORDON UK LIMITED 07931918 Solicitors 90
    59 BAKER & BAKER PRODUCTS UK LIMITED 01478292 Manufacture of other food products not elsewhere classified 90
    60 SHRED-IT LIMITED 04047194 Other business support service activities not elsewhere classified 90
    61 FNZ (UK) LTD 05435760 Activities of other holding companies not elsewhere classified 90
    62 BELRON UK LIMITED 00494648 Maintenance and repair of motor vehicles 90
    63 PPD GLOBAL LTD 01564604 Other research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering 90
    64 SUTTONS TANKERS LIMITED 02316301 Freight transport by road 90
    65 TI GROUP AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS (DEESIDE) LIMITED 03061637 Other business support service activities not elsewhere classified 90
    66 ISG INTERIOR SERVICES GROUP UK LIMITED 02989004 Other specialised construction activities not elsewhere classified 89
    67 CHESTER GARDEN CENTRE LIMITED 01391377 Other retail sale of new goods in specialised stores (not commercial art galleries and opticians) 89
    68 ADVANCED 365 LIMITED 02124540 Other information technology service activities 89
    69 SPIRE HEALTHCARE LIMITED 01522532 Hospital activities 89
    70 UNISYS LIMITED 00103709 Business and domestic software development 89
    71 TECONNEX LIMITED 01447529 Manufacture of other fabricated metal products not elsewhere classified 89
    72 DAVID WOOD BAKING LIMITED 06541251 Production of meat and poultry meat products 88
    73 IG DESIGN GROUP UK LIMITED 02265899 Manufacture of other articles of paper and paperboard not elsewhere classified 88
    74 ALTUS INTERVENTION LIMITED SC225200 Support activities for petroleum and natural gas extraction 88
    75 VITA CELLULAR FOAMS (UK) LIMITED 00621497 Manufacture of plastics in primary forms 88
    76 ENERSYS LTD. 00731261 Manufacture of batteries and accumulators 88
    77 SERVOMEX GROUP LIMITED 02170458 Manufacture of electronic industrial process control equipment 88
    78 VACHERIN LIMITED 04516461 Other food services 88
    79 CMBC SUPPLY LIMITED 08626420 Manufacture of beer 88
    80 NUMATIC INTERNATIONAL LIMITED 00773331 Manufacture of electric domestic appliances 88
    81 CRANSWICK COUNTRY FOODS PLC 01803402 Processing and preserving of meat 88
    82 BROOKSON LIMITED 03128631 Accounting and auditing activities 88
    83 UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT (UK) LTD 01546400 Security and commodity contracts dealing activities 88
    84 RESMED (UK) LIMITED 02863553 Non-specialised wholesale trade 88
    85 TRELLEBORG SEALING SOLUTIONS UK LIMITED 00446036 Manufacture of other rubber products 88
    86 THOMPSON AND CAPPER LIMITED 00235815 Manufacture of basic pharmaceutical products 88
    87 ANRITSU EMEA LIMITED 05744468 Other service activities not elsewhere classified 87
    88 KIRIL MISCHEFF LIMITED 00250446 Non-specialised wholesale trade 87
    89 SCIENSUS PHARMA SERVICES LIMITED 02759609 Medical nursing home activities 87
    90 REED BOARDALL TRANSPORT LIMITED 01897313 Freight transport by road 87
    91 BIDFRESH LIMITED 04227047 Wholesale of fruit and vegetables 87
    92 CULINA LOGISTICS LIMITED 05128194 Operation of warehousing and storage facilities for land transport activities 86
    93 QUALCOMM TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL, LTD. 03665875 Wireless telecommunications activities 86
    94 ADVANCED LEGAL SOLUTIONS LIMITED 01738381 Information technology consultancy activities 86
    95 TELEDYNE UK LIMITED 00432014 Manufacture of electronic components 86
    96 TRUMPF LASER UK LIMITED 03290610 Manufacture of optical precision instruments 86
    97 SHOP DIRECT HOME SHOPPING LIMITED 04663281 Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet 86
    98 QUADIENT UK LIMITED 02658324 Manufacture of office machinery and equipment (except computers and peripheral equipment) 86
    99 CEMEX UK OPERATIONS LIMITED 00658390 Operation of gravel and sand pits; mining of clays and kaolin 86
    100 EXCLUSIVE NETWORKS LIMITED 02900798 Wholesale of computers, computer peripheral equipment and software 86


    Analysis by sector


    Companies belonging to the sectors 'Manufacture of leather and related products', 'Legal and accounting activities', and 'Manufacture of paper and paper products' are the 3 worst sectors for paying invoices, taking on average 85, 83, and 59 days repectively to pay their invoices.

    Rank Sector (number of companies) Average days to pay % invoices not paid within terms
    1 Manufacture of leather and related products (3) 85.0 30.3
    2 Legal and accounting activities (22) 82.9 34.2
    3 Manufacture of paper and paper products (29) 58.5 35.4
    4 Manufacture of basic metals (19) 54.5 28.1
    5 Activities of households as employers of domestic personnel (1) 53.0 38.0
    6 Manufacture of beverages (52) 51.8 25.0
    7 Manufacture of other transport equipment (30) 50.3 29.3
    8 Manufacture of other non-metallic mineral products (37) 49.9 33.3
    9 Manufacture of fabricated metal products, except machinery and equipment (78) 49.8 32.3
    10 Manufacture of electrical equipment (38) 49.2 40.7
    11 Manufacture of machinery and equipment n.e.c. (86) 48.8 35.3
    12 Manufacture of basic pharmaceutical products and pharmaceutical preparations (57) 48.5 31.1
    13 Manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers (37) 48.4 26.0
    14 Manufacture of rubber and plastic products (51) 48.4 40.5
    15 Manufacture of food products (162) 47.0 31.5
    16 Printing and reproduction of recorded media (14) 46.8 39.1
    17 Advertising and market research (70) 46.0 26.7
    18 Other manufacturing (82) 45.5 31.7
    19 Manufacture of chemicals and chemical products (100) 45.4 30.0
    20 Manufacture of textiles (12) 44.5 27.1
    21 Repair and installation of machinery and equipment (19) 43.2 23.7
    22 Telecommunications (76) 42.8 25.2
    23 Manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products (53) 42.5 28.1
    24 Veterinary activities (3) 41.5 18.5
    25 Specialised construction activities (82) 41.5 23.8
    26 Remediation activities and other waste management services. (3) 41.2 43.0
    27 Wholesale trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles (441) 40.9 29.5
    28 Retail trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles (231) 40.9 27.1
    29 Manufacture of wood and of products of wood and cork, except furniture; manufacture of articles of straw and plaiting ma (16) 39.9 19.9
    30 Food and beverage service activities (81) 39.3 25.6
    31 Land transport and transport via pipelines (153) 39.1 21.0
    32 Manufacture of furniture (8) 38.4 38.0
    33 Postal and courier activities (6) 38.3 16.3
    34 Manufacture of wearing apparel (6) 38.2 34.9
    35 Waste collection, treatment and disposal activities; materials recovery (39) 38.0 24.9
    36 Services to buildings and landscape activities (34) 37.3 28.3
    37 Gambling and betting activities (16) 37.0 40.3
    38 Warehousing and support activities for transportation (55) 36.7 28.7
    39 Other professional, scientific and technical activities (66) 36.7 28.0
    40 Scientific research and development (47) 36.6 25.5
    41 Activities of head offices; management consultancy activities (235) 35.7 26.4
    42 Civil engineering (62) 35.7 22.0
    43 Rental and leasing activities (63) 35.1 22.9
    44 Manufacture of tobacco products (2) 35.0 17.8
    45 Motion picture, video and television programme production, sound recording and music publishing activities (69) 35.0 32.9
    46 Accommodation (48) 34.4 26.8
    47 Repair of computers and personal and household goods (2) 34.4 17.8
    48 Sports activities and amusement and recreation activities (50) 33.8 18.2
    49 Architectural and engineering activities; technical testing and analysis (57) 33.7 29.5
    50 Air transport (29) 33.6 26.4
    51 Manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products (10) 33.1 20.1
    52 Construction of buildings (195) 32.9 21.7
    53 Wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (205) 32.2 25.7
    54 Other personal service activities (107) 32.2 25.4
    55 Computer programming, consultancy and related activities (187) 32.0 24.6
    56 Programming and broadcasting activities (11) 31.5 23.2
    57 Residential care activities (35) 31.5 34.1
    58 Office administrative, office support and other business support activities (344) 31.5 22.9
    59 Water collection, treatment and supply (25) 30.7 21.2
    60 Human health activities (88) 30.5 24.0
    61 Public administration and defence; compulsory social security (16) 30.3 25.8
    62 Real estate activities (82) 30.2 26.2
    63 Publishing activities (61) 29.6 25.5
    64 Activities of membership organisations (15) 29.2 20.9
    65 Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply (140) 28.0 19.9
    66 Water transport (24) 27.5 30.0
    67 Information service activities (38) 26.9 24.4
    68 Creative, arts and entertainment activities (9) 26.1 26.5
    69 Education (270) 25.9 22.8
    70 Libraries, archives, museums and other cultural activities (6) 25.6 30.5
    71 Financial service activities, except insurance and pension funding (383) 25.4 20.8
    72 Activities of extraterritorial organisations and bodies (1) 25.0 0.0
    73 Insurance, reinsurance and pension funding, except compulsory social security (85) 24.7 18.2
    74 Security and investigation activities (14) 24.7 23.2
    75 Social work activities without accommodation (10) 24.2 13.0
    76 Activities auxiliary to financial services and insurance activities (125) 23.9 20.6
    77 Travel agency, tour operator and other reservation service and related activities (18) 23.7 17.6
    78 Employment activities (84) 22.7 19.0
    79 Sewerage (1) 18.5 40.0


    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 5034 37.0 26.2
    Limited Liability Partnership 188 36.3 25.5
    Private Unlimited Company 60 32.2 22.6
    Public Limited Company 284 30.8 21.6
    PRI/LTD BY GUAR/NSC (Private, limited by guarantee, no share capital) 108 26.0 21.8
    PRI/LBG/NSC (Private, Limited by guarantee, no share capital, use of 'Limited' exemption) 257 25.4 23.0


    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 43.2 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
    UNITED CHURCH SCHOOLS TRUST 948.0 37.0
    UNITED LEARNING TRUST 948.0 36.0
    SERICA ENERGY (UK) LIMITED 898.0 29.0
    OPEN TEXT UK LIMITED 889.0 34.5
    AVEVA SOLUTIONS LIMITED 887.5 36.0
    NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO UK LIMITED 876.0 53.5
    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


    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
    GRAFF DIAMONDS LIMITED 1.0 24.0
    SCIMITAR CARE HOTELS PLC 1.5 30.0
    HAMPTON SCHOOL 2.0 30.0
    THE ORDERS OF ST. JOHN CARE TRUST 2.0 28.0
    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
    DOWNE HOUSE SCHOOL 4.0 27.5
    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
    TRUMPF LASER UK LIMITED 4.0 53.0
    FRANK ROBERTS & SONS LIMITED 4.5 52.0
    PD TEESPORT LIMITED 4.5 32.5
    AMT FRUIT LIMITED 5.0 26.0
    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
    HEATHCOAT FABRICS LIMITED 5.5 44.0
    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
    ASPIRE DEFENCE LIMITED 6.5 21.5
    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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