| Date Added: Wed May 20 2009 |
| Major business organisations, including BCC, CBI, FPB, FSB and IoD, are championing prompt payment. Approved signatories to the new Prompt Payment Code undertake to: Pay suppliers on time within the terms agreed at the outset of the contract without attempting to change payment terms retrospectively without changing practice on length of payment for smaller companies on unreasonable grounds Give clear guidance to suppliers providing suppliers with clear and easily accessible guidance on payment procedures ensuring there is a system for dealing with complaints and disputes which is communicated to suppliers advising them promptly if there is any reason why an invoice will not be paid to the agreed terms Encourage good practice by requesting that lead suppliers encourage adoption of the code throughout their own supply chains Peter Mandelson, Secretary of State for Business, says: “Suppliers can have confidence in any company that signs up to the code that they will be paid within clearly defined terms, and that there is a proper process for dealing with any payments that are in dispute. This is an exciting development, and we shall regularly monitor its performance to ensure best practice is being followed.” |