WATERGROVE TRUST maintains an average payment time of 27 days, sitting comfortably within standard 30-day terms and suggesting a generally prompt payment culture. However, the 36% late payment rate indicates a meaningful portion of invoices regularly breach agreed terms, creating an inconsistent payment pattern. The concentration of 77% of payments within 30 days is a positive indicator, though the 5% of payments exceeding 60 days signals occasional significant delays that cannot be ignored.
The gap between the average payment time (27 days) and the late payment rate (36%) points to notable variability in payment behaviour, meaning individual invoice outcomes can be difficult to predict. The 18% of payments falling in the 31-60 day bracket, combined with 5% beyond 60 days, suggests that when payments are late, delays can extend substantially. This level of inconsistency introduces moderate cash flow risk for suppliers, particularly those operating on tight working capital margins.
WATERGROVE TRUST presents a moderate-risk payment profile — acceptable for most suppliers but requiring active invoice management to mitigate the 36% late payment exposure. Suppliers should consider implementing clear payment terms in contracts, proactive invoice chasing at the 25-day mark, and potentially negotiating early payment incentives to improve consistency. For high-value contracts or cash-sensitive suppliers, requesting staged payments or a credit reference check is advisable before extending significant credit terms.
| 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 2025 - 28 Feb 2026 | 16 Mar 2026 | 27 | 77% | 18% | 5% | 36% |
This information is as reported by the business, and responses are in their own words.
Standard payment terms
Standard terms are 30 days
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
Suppliers to contact school in the first instance and then escalate it to the Trust CFO if necessary
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
Watergrove Trust is a private limited company by guarantee without share capital, operating under the 'Limited' exemption. This company structure is characteristic of non-profit and charitable organisations in the United Kingdom, indicating that Watergrove Trust is established for purposes beyond commercial profit generation.
Watergrove Trust was incorporated on 21 January 2013 and is registered in England under company number 08368756. The organisation's registered office is located at 1st Floor Suite, Blue Pit Mill, Queensway, Rochdale, Lancashire, OL11 2YW, placing it within the North West of England.
Companies limited by guarantee in the UK are typically established to pursue charitable, community, or social objectives, reinvesting any surplus funds back into the organisation rather than distributing profits to shareholders. Such organisations commonly deliver services in areas such as community support, education, social welfare, or environmental initiatives, governed by a board of trustees or directors who are accountable for upholding the organisation's stated objectives.
Watergrove Trust has maintained an active status since its incorporation, demonstrating over a decade of continuous operation in the North West region.