UK Environment Sector Pays Suppliers Faster Than Average, But Wide Disparities Exist

The Numbers

• Companies analysed: 118
• Average PaymentCheck Score (Environment): 62.1/100
• UK average PaymentCheck Score: 50.0/100
• Environment sector average above UK average: 12.1 points
• Top Payer: WATER PLUS SELECT LIMITED - 97.53/100
• Bottom Payer: MITIE WASTE & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LIMITED - 15.33/100
• Northern Ireland average (1 company): 96.2/100
• Wales average (4 companies): 74.2/100
• London average (19 companies): 67.0/100
• South West average (4 companies): 66.0/100
• Scotland average (10 companies): 65.5/100

What Stands Out

While the environment sector outperforms the UK average for payment practices, the difference between the best and worst payers is enormous. A PaymentCheck score difference of 82.2 (between Water Plus Select and Mitie Waste & Environmental Services) suggests that prompt payment is far from standard practice across the board.

Best Payers

1. WATER PLUS SELECT LIMITED - 97.53/100
2. ERNST & YOUNG SERVICES LIMITED - 97.2/100
3. NORTHERN IRELAND WATER LIMITED - 96.2/100
4. WESSEX WATER SERVICES LIMITED - 94.8/100
5. NORTHUMBERLAND ENERGY RECOVERY LTD - 94/100

Worst Payers

1. MITIE WASTE & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LIMITED - 15.33/100
2. AUGEAN LIMITED - 21.6/100
3. SLR CONSULTING LIMITED - 22/100
4. HARSCO METALS GROUP LIMITED - 24.2/100
5. BRETT LANDSCAPING LIMITED - 27.8/100

Regional Patterns

Northern Ireland has the highest average score at 96.2, but this is based on data from just one company (Northern Ireland Water Limited), so it isn't representative. London, with 19 companies assessed, scores 67.0, placing it above the sector average, suggesting reasonably sound payment behaviour among a larger sample size in the capital. Find out what late payments are costing your business with our late payment calculator.

One-line takeaway: Despite an average PaymentCheck score of 62.1, 4.2% higher than Wales' regional average, the vast gulf between Water Plus Select's 97.53 and Mitie Waste & Environmental Services' 15.33 highlights a serious payment disparity within the UK environment sector.