UK Fashion Payment Practices: A Mixed Bag of Style and Slow Pay

The UK fashion sector shows higher than average payment performance, but a closer look reveals significant disparities.

The Numbers

• 29 companies analysed
• Average PaymentCheck Score: 63.9/100
• UK average across all sectors: 50.0/100
• Fashion sector is 13.9 points above the UK average
• Top score: 100/100 (GAP EUROPE LIMITED)
• Bottom score: 17.6/100 (THE BOOTS COMPANY PLC)

What Stands Out

While the fashion sector's average of 63.9 is above the national average, the wide range between the top and bottom payers is concerning. Essentially, some fashion businesses pay brilliantly, while others are dragging the sector down. Let's dive into who they are.

Best Payers

1. GAP EUROPE LIMITED - 100/100
2. HARVEY & THOMPSON LIMITED - 87.7/100
3. INTIMATE APPAREL RETAIL UK LIMITED - 87.44/100
4. MORLEYS STORES LIMITED - 86.77/100
5. NEXT RETAIL LIMITED - 85.96/100

Worst Payers

1. THE BOOTS COMPANY PLC - 17.6/100
2. THE HUT.COM LIMITED - 26.4/100
3. ACCESSORIZE BRANDS LTD - 37.4/100
4. CURRYS GROUP LIMITED - 41.9/100
5. HEATHCOAT FABRICS LIMITED - 48.4/100

Regional Patterns

The data by region is pretty patchy, with only one company represented in the East of England, giving an average score of 84.2. The largest sample size (London, with 11 companies) has an average of 66, which is only slightly above the national average for the fashion sector. The East Midlands, with 6 companies, scores an average of 60.8. This suggests location may not be as strong a predictor of payment behaviour as other factors.

One-line takeaway: While the fashion sector's average PaymentCheck Score is 63.9, a significant range exists between the top payer (100) and the bottom payer (17.6), highlighting inconsistency in payment practices. Are you chasing late payments? Try our late payment calculator.