UK Supply Chain Payment Practices: Big Swings, Big Misses

The Numbers

• Companies analysed: 40
• Average PaymentCheck Score: 58.2/100
• UK average: 50.0/100 (Supply Chain is 8.2 points above)
• South West average: 88.6/100 (2 companies)
• Lowest score: 17.8/100

What Stands Out

While the UK supply chain sector as a whole edges out the national average with a PaymentCheck score of 58.2/100, the range of scores reveals stark disparities; some companies are exemplary, while others lag far behind. The concentration of top payers in specific regions, like the South West, also suggests that geography – and perhaps local business culture – plays a role.

Best Payers

1. ANGEL LEASING COMPANY LIMITED - 96.67/100
2. WESSEX RETAIL LIMITED - 93.2/100
3. RAIL FOR LONDON (INFRASTRUCTURE) LIMITED - 90.7/100
4. WELTON BIBBY AND BARON LIMITED - 84.05/100
5. MITSUBISHI POWER EUROPE, LTD. - 79.81/100

Worst Payers

1. MAGELLAN AEROSPACE UK LIMITED - 17.8/100
2. GKN AEROSPACE SERVICES LIMITED - 22/100
3. TRIVIUM PACKAGING UK LIMITED - 25.1/100
4. TGA INDUSTRIES LIMITED - 28.6/100
5. CAMMELL LAIRD SHIPREPAIRERS & SHIPBUILDERS LIMITED - 37.7/100

Regional Patterns

The South West, with an average score of 88.6/100 from just two companies, is the clear leader, but the sample size is too small to draw firm conclusions. London's average of 67.4/100 for its four companies is more representative, highlighting a respectable performance, whereas the South East is almost bang on the average for the sector at 58.7/100 based on 6 companies. If late payments are an issue, consider using a late payment calculator to work out what you are owed.

While the UK supply chain sits slightly above the national average, the difference between the top and bottom players is a jaw-dropping 78.87 points on the PaymentCheck scale, underscoring the inconsistency in payment practices.