Trees and Other Plants

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The trees and other plants sector in the UK demonstrates concerning payment practices. On average, companies within this sector take a significant 79 days to settle invoices, indicating a protracted payment cycle. This substantially exceeds the UK all-sector average, which typically hovers around 40-50 days, highlighting a distinct disadvantage for suppliers operating within this market. Furthermore, the percentage of invoices paid within the standard 30-day window is a meagre 17%, suggesting that prompt payment is far from the norm. Compounding these issues is a late payment rate of 33.33%, meaning that a third of all invoices are settled beyond the agreed-upon terms. This data paints a picture of a sector where delayed payments are prevalent.

These payment behaviours can have a significant impact on the entire supply chain. Suppliers to the trees and other plants sector should be acutely aware of these trends and anticipate lengthy payment cycles. They need to factor these delays into their cash flow projections and working capital management. Prioritising strong credit control processes, including robust invoice tracking and proactive payment chasing, is essential. It is also crucial to carefully assess the financial health of potential customers before extending credit.

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