Industry ranking
CLASS CATERING SERVICES LIMITED consistently averages 35 days for payments, indicating a trend where most invoices are settled slightly beyond a typical 30-day term. A significant portion, 50%, falls into the 31-60 day bracket, demonstrating a predictable pattern of settlement in this extended timeframe. Only 46% of payments are made within 30 days.
The payment pattern exhibits reasonable predictability, with 50% of invoices consistently settled between 31 and 60 days. However, the 4% late payment rate and 4% going beyond 60 days introduce a minor, but present, element of unreliability for a small fraction of invoices. This suggests a low volatility profile, albeit with a small risk of extended delays.
CLASS CATERING SERVICES LIMITED offers a moderately predictable payment profile, primarily settling invoices within 31-60 days. Suppliers should account for an average 35-day payment cycle and factor in the minor 4% risk of payments exceeding 60 days. To mitigate risk, consider negotiating payment terms that align with their typical 31-60 day cycle and establish a follow-up process for the small percentage of late invoices.
| 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 Sept 2024 - 28 Feb 2025 | 27 Mar 2025 | 35 | 46% | 50% | 4% | 4% |
| 01 Mar 2024 - 31 Aug 2024 | 26 Sept 2024 | 38 | 46% | 51% | 3% | 5% |
This information is as reported by the business, and responses are in their own words.
Standard payment terms
A process is in place for onboarding new suppliers whereby SMEs are identified and put on 30 days payment terms and all other suppliers are on 60 days payment terms
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
60
Supplier payment issues that arise in the first instance are addressed by a dedicated Accounts Payable queries team within the Financial Shared Services centre. Depending on the issue, the Procurement team may be involved to resolve any disputes or issues. The company ensures that the payment of its vendors and handling of queries has a high priority and has SLAs on response times. Over the last number of years we have invested in tools and technology to assist our vendor from our Shared Service Centre with OCR and supply management by providing alternative finance and ease of payment solutions.
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
Class Catering Services Limited is a UK company registered for event catering activities. Trading evidence shows it now operates under the name AiP, an education catering brand backed by Sodexo. AiP provides catering services to primary, secondary and sixth form schools, running onsite kitchens and offsite hub kitchens to prepare and deliver meals, alongside digital tools to support school dining. The business emphasises freshly cooked food, with a stated majority of meals prepared from scratch, nutrition tailored to pupils, and local sourcing and hiring. It builds long-term partnerships with individual schools, adapting menus and service to each school's community and culture, rather than serving other catering markets.
Generated from the company's website and Companies House records. Sources: classcatering.co.uk · classcatering.co.uk