South West Firms Leave the UK in the Dust on Prompt Payments, But Some Laggards Drag Down the Average

The Numbers

• Companies analysed: 306
• Average PaymentCheck Score: 67.4/100
• UK average: 50.0/100 (South West is 17.4 points above)
• Top payer: NASA UMBRELLA LTD - 99.2/100
• Bottom payer: NOKIA UK LIMITED - 18.6/100

What Stands Out

The South West is outperforming the UK average by a significant margin; that's the clear takeaway. However, the difference between the best and worst payers reveals a huge disparity within the region itself, suggesting some companies are really letting the side down.

Best Payers

These firms aren't just doing okay; they're exemplary. NASA UMBRELLA LTD leads the pack with a near-perfect 99.2/100, followed closely by Sanderson Recruitment PLC (98.8/100) and Aspire Defence Services Limited (98.7/100). The Original Cottage Company Limited and The First Federation Trust share the fourth spot, both scoring 98.4/100.

Worst Payers

At the other end of the spectrum, NOKIA UK LIMITED scores a dismal 18.6/100. Corin Limited (19.8/100) and Kerry Ingredients (UK) Limited (23.45/100) aren't far behind. Merlin Entertainments (Sea Life) Limited (24/100) and Wessex Eagle Limited (24.45/100) complete the bottom five, indicating potential issues with their payment processes. If your invoices are overdue, see what you could claim back with this late payment calculator.

Sector Breakdown

While the sample sizes for some sectors are small, the data suggests that Supply Chain (94.4 avg) and Human Resources (88.4 avg) companies are prioritizing prompt payments. Primary Care (87.8 avg) and Financial Services (84.0 avg) also perform well, but Hardware lags behind the leaders with an average of 82.7, although that is from a sample size of two companies.

Despite outperforming the UK average, the South West's payment practices show significant internal variation, with the top payer exceeding the bottom payer's score by a massive 80.6 points.