National Oceanography Centre demonstrates a strong central payment tendency, with 86% of invoices settled within 30 days and an average payment time of 23 days, well within standard net-30 terms. However, the 16% late payment rate introduces a notable gap between typical performance and actual outcomes, suggesting periodic delays that push some invoices beyond agreed terms. The 3% of payments exceeding 60 days, while relatively small, indicates occasional significant delays that suppliers should factor into cash flow planning.
The spread across payment bands reveals moderate volatility, with 14% of invoices falling outside the 30-day window and creating an unpredictable tail of delayed settlements. The 11% in the 31-60 day bracket combined with 3% over 60 days suggests that when payments are late, they can become substantially overdue rather than marginally so. This pattern indicates that while the majority of transactions are reliable, a meaningful minority carry elevated cash flow risk for suppliers operating on tight margins.
National Oceanography Centre represents a broadly acceptable payment risk, with a solid 23-day average and strong within-terms performance making it a viable customer for most suppliers. However, the 16% late payment rate warrants caution, and suppliers should consider building payment buffer periods into contracts or applying short payment terms of net-21 to net-28 days to compensate for the observed slippage. Requesting staged payments or proforma terms on higher-value contracts would provide additional protection against the small but present risk of extended delays beyond 60 days.
| 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 | 30 Apr 2026 | 23 | 86% | 11% | 3% | 16% |
This information is as reported by the business, and responses are in their own words.
Standard payment terms
NOC standard payment terms is 30 days which is detailed in our standard terms and conditions. The maximum contractual payment period is 60 days. Suppliers are notified of any changes in writing and any disputes can be raised with the Accounts Payable team for review and action.
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
Suppliers should raise any invoice payment queries or disputes in the first instance by contacting the Accounts Payable (AP) team via the published AP contact details. The AP team will review the query, investigate with the relevant budget holder or service area where needed, and work to resolve issues promptly. Where a dispute cannot be resolved through AP, it will be escalated through Finance management for review and resolution. NOC aims to resolve disputes collaboratively and without delaying payment of undisputed invoices.
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
The National Oceanography Centre is a British organisation dedicated to oceanographic research and the scientific study of the world's oceans. Operating as a Private Limited Company by guarantee without share capital, the organisation benefits from an exemption permitting it to use its name without the 'Limited' designation, a structure typical of non-profit and research-focused bodies in the United Kingdom.
The organisation is registered with Companies House under company number 11444362 and was incorporated on 2 July 2018. Its registered office is located at European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, placing it within the South East of England, a region with strong maritime and scientific heritage.
As an oceanographic centre, the organisation conducts scientific research into ocean systems, marine environments, and related earth sciences. Such organisations in the UK typically support activities including data collection, environmental monitoring, scientific publishing, and the development of expertise that informs both public policy and international research programmes.
The National Oceanography Centre currently holds an active status with Companies House, reflecting its ongoing operational presence within the UK scientific and research community.