Charles River Laboratories Edinburgh Limited carries an average payment time of 66 days, which sits well beyond standard 30-day terms and indicates a structurally slow payment cycle. The distribution shows that 89% of payments are made within 60 days, with the majority (46%) falling in the 31–60 day band, suggesting a consistent pattern of mid-range delays rather than severe late payment. Only 43% of invoices are settled within 30 days, confirming that prompt payment is the exception rather than the norm for this company.
With 27% of payments classified as late, roughly one in four invoices will not be honoured within agreed terms, representing a meaningful and recurring cash flow risk for suppliers. The relatively small proportion of payments exceeding 60 days (11%) suggests that while delays are common, extreme late payments are less frequent, indicating some degree of predictability in the 31–60 day range. Overall, payment behaviour is moderately consistent but persistently slow, meaning suppliers can anticipate delays but should not rely on timely settlement.
Suppliers considering extending credit to Charles River Laboratories Edinburgh Limited should factor in an effective payment cycle of approximately 60–66 days when managing working capital and cash flow forecasts. It is advisable to negotiate explicit payment terms of 60 days upfront to align expectations with actual behaviour, reducing the incidence of technically late payments. Where possible, suppliers should consider applying credit limits proportionate to their exposure tolerance and follow up proactively on invoices approaching the 45-day mark to mitigate the 27% late payment risk.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 Jun 2023 - 30 Dec 2023 | 29 Jan 2026 | 54 | 38% | 53% | 9% | 23% |
| 01 Jan 2023 - 24 Jun 2023 | 29 Jan 2026 | 66 | 43% | 46% | 11% | 27% |
This information is as reported by the business, and responses are in their own words.
Standard payment terms
Net 60 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
90
All payments are scheduled in line with agreed vendor payment terms. Initial payment queries should be addressed to Accounts Payable, and payment term disputes should be addressed to Procurement.
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
Charles River Laboratories Edinburgh Limited is a private limited company operating as part of the Charles River Laboratories group, a well-established organisation specialising in preclinical and clinical laboratory services. The company operates from its registered address at the Elphinstone Research Centre in Tranent, Scotland.
The company is registered in Scotland under company number SC091725 and holds active status on the UK Companies Register. Incorporated on 18 February 1985, the organisation has maintained a longstanding presence in the Scottish business landscape for nearly four decades.
Charles River Laboratories is a globally recognised name in the life sciences and pharmaceutical research sector, providing essential support services to biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical device companies. The Edinburgh operation, situated at the Elphinstone Research Centre, is consistent with the group's focus on research and development support, including laboratory animal sciences, safety assessment, and related preclinical research services.
As a private limited company, Charles River Laboratories Edinburgh Limited operates with the legal and structural protections afforded to incorporated entities under UK company law, providing services to clients across the life sciences industry both domestically and internationally.