BFBS demonstrates a strong average payment time of 22 days, well within the standard 30-day threshold, with 88% of invoices settled on time. The remaining 12% of payments fall within the 31–60 day bracket, and no payments exceed 60 days, indicating a consistent upper boundary on delays. Overall, the payment speed profile reflects a generally prompt payer with a controlled and bounded delay pattern.
Despite the favourable average, a late payment rate of 27% introduces a notable reliability concern, suggesting that more than one in four invoices does not meet agreed payment terms. This discrepancy between the low average payment time and the elevated late rate may indicate that a subset of invoices experiences processing delays while the majority are settled quickly, skewing the average favourably. Suppliers should account for this variability when planning cash flow, as nearly a third of transactions carry some risk of missing the agreed due date.
BFBS presents a moderate-risk payment profile: broadly acceptable payment speed and no severe delays, but a 27% late payment rate warrants caution for suppliers with tight liquidity requirements. Suppliers are advised to establish clear payment terms in contracts and consider building a short buffer period into cash flow forecasts to absorb the risk of delayed invoices. Proactive invoice follow-up at the 20-day mark could help reduce late occurrences and improve predictability in the relationship.
| Reporting Period | Filing Date | Average Time to Pay (days) | Paid within 30 days | Paid 31-60 days | Paid after 60 days | Not Paid within Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Oct 2025 - 31 Mar 2026 | 21 Apr 2026 | 22 | 88% | 12% | 0% | 27% |
This information is as reported by the business, and responses are in their own words.
Standard payment terms
Our standard supplier payment terms are 30 days from date of invoice.
Were there any changes to the standard payment terms in the reporting period?
No information available
Any other information about payment terms
No additional information
Maximum contractual payment period agreed
30
The company's goal is to resolve disputes fairly, quickly and amicably, and suppliers are encouraged to communicate with their usual business contact(s) in respect of any concerns as a first step. All invoices should be sent by e-mail to the BFBS accounts payable team found at: Finance@bfbs.com
Has this business signed up to a code of conduct or standards on payment practices?
For example, signatories to The Prompt Payment Code must commit to paying 95% of their invoices within 60 days.
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Does this business offer e-invoicing in relation to qualifying contracts?
This is where suppliers can electronically submit and track invoices. It's not just allowing suppliers to email them an invoice.
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Does this business offer supply chain finance?
This is where a supplier who has submitted an invoice can be paid by a third-party finance provider earlier than the agreed payment date. The business would then pay the finance provider the invoiced sum.
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Under its payment practices and policies, can this business deduct sums from payments under qualifying contracts as a charge for remaining on a supplier list?
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During the reporting period, did the business deduct sums from payments as a charge for remaining on a supplier list?
No information available
BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) is a media organisation established to provide broadcasting services to British Armed Forces personnel and their families. Operating as a private company limited by guarantee without share capital, it functions on a not-for-profit basis, reflecting its public service mission rather than commercial objectives.
The organisation is registered in England and Wales under company number 00407270 and maintains its registered office at Chalfont Grove, Narcot Lane, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, SL9 8TN, placing it within the South East region. BFBS was incorporated on 29 March 1946, giving it a history spanning nearly eight decades of continuous operation.
As a broadcasting service organisation of this nature, BFBS delivers radio and television content specifically tailored to British military communities, both within the United Kingdom and at overseas postings around the world. Such organisations typically produce and distribute news, entertainment, and information programming designed to keep service personnel and their dependants connected to home and informed about matters relevant to their lives.
With its long-established heritage and not-for-profit structure, BFBS occupies a distinctive position within the UK broadcasting landscape, serving a specialist audience with unique needs rather than competing within the mainstream commercial media sector.