West Midlands Payment Practices Outpace UK Average, But Extremes Persist

The Numbers

• Companies analysed: 395
• Average PaymentCheck Score: 62.8/100
• UK Average PaymentCheck Score: 50.0/100
• West Midlands Average Above UK: 12.8 points
• Top Payer: Sanderson Asset Management LLP - 100/100
• Bottom Payer: Advanced Computer Software Group Limited - 10.8/100
• Top Sector: Media and Publishing - 93.3 avg (1 companies)
• Bottom Sector: No bottom sector as only the top 5 are listed

What Stands Out

While the West Midlands boasts a significantly higher average payment score than the rest of the UK, the vast disparity between top and bottom performers suggests systemic issues are at play. The dominance of financial services in the top-paying sectors, coupled with the presence of large, established firms at the bottom, hints at a potential power imbalance in supplier relationships.

Best Payers

These companies lead the way in prompt payments, earning near-perfect scores. Sanderson Asset Management LLP and I & A Restaurants LTD both hit the 100/100 mark. Following closely behind are Exact Mortgage Experts Limited (99.7/100), Charter Court Financial Services Limited (99.6/100), and Bryt Energy Limited (99.6/100). These firms demonstrate a commitment to fair and timely compensation for their suppliers.

Worst Payers

At the other end of the spectrum, several companies are struggling with payment performance. Advanced Computer Software Group Limited scores a worrying 10.8/100, with CMBC Supply Limited not far behind at 11.47/100. Ferraris Piston Service Limited (18.65/100), GKN Aerospace Services Limited (21.3/100), and Arconic Manufacturing (GB) Limited (22.8/100) also indicate substantial room for improvement. Suppliers dealing with these organisations may want to review their payment terms and utilise tools like this late payment calculator.

Sector Breakdown

The data available only provides insights into the top-performing sectors. Media and Publishing, with an average score of 93.3 (based on one company), tops the list, followed by Human Resources (89.8 avg across 6 companies) and Lifestyle and Entertainment (88.4 avg across 2 companies). Financial Services (84.7 avg across 20 companies) and Data (83.1 avg across 2 companies) also demonstrate strong payment ethics. Without data on lower-performing sectors, a comprehensive sector analysis remains incomplete.

Though West Midlands’ average payment score is 62.8/100, 12.8 points above the UK average, the worst payer (Advanced Computer Software Group Limited) scores only 10.8/100, highlighting a massive gap between best and worst practice.