UK Distribution & Delivery Sector Shows Above-Average Payment Performance in 2021, But Wide Disparities Persist

The Numbers

• Companies analyzed: 294
• Average PaymentCheck Score: 58.9/100
• UK average: 50.0/100 (Distribution & Delivery is 8.9 points above)
• West Midlands average: 63.7 (22 companies)
• London average: 63.2 (59 companies)
• South East average: 61.9 (44 companies)

What Stands Out

The Distribution & Delivery sector demonstrably outperforms the UK average for payment practices; however, the wide spread between the best and worst payers indicates significant internal inconsistency. That said, the relatively strong regional performance in the West Midlands and London suggests that localized economic conditions or industry concentrations might influence payment behavior.

Best Payers

1. DPD LOCAL UK LTD - 100/100
2. METHANE SERVICES LIMITED - 99.13/100
3. EXXONMOBIL GAS MARKETING EUROPE LIMITED - 97.8/100
4. NEEROCK LIMITED - 97.65/100
5. BURLINGTOWN UK LIMITED - 97.6/100

Worst Payers

1. BIBENDUM OFF TRADE LIMITED - 11.45/100
2. PPG ARCHITECTURAL COATINGS UK LIMITED - 12.9/100
3. CEVA LOGISTICS LIMITED - 13.9/100
4. WESTBRIDGE FOODS LIMITED - 18.5/100
5. PORK FARMS LIMITED - 19.6/100

Regional Patterns

While the overall sector performs well, regional analysis reveals minor variations; the West Midlands, with an average score of 63.7 across 22 companies, leads, while the East of England trails with an average of 59.2 across 28. London, with the largest sample size of 59 companies, lands near the top at 63.2. The "unknown" category (59.4 across just 6 companies) is too small to draw meaningful conclusions.

Using a late payment calculator can help suppliers quantify the impact of these delays.

Despite outperforming the national average, the gap of nearly 90 points between DPD Local UK (100) and Bibendum Off Trade Limited (11.45) paints a picture of an industry with wildly inconsistent payment ethics.