Hindsight

[Ruskins Trees]

Learnt this the hard way, but in retrospect it was bleedin obvious:

 

Do not work for a large construction company whose phone options / priorities are

 

1 for accounts

2 for purchasing

3 for surveyors

 

This company puts accounts first and payment last, currently 6 months overdue.

[Steve Bullman]

Pretty standard these days i'm afraid. I wouldn't say don't work for a company like that...just make sure you can afford to wait!

[Paul Jenks]

https://www.gov.uk/invoicing-and-taking-payment-from-customers/payment-obligations

 

I've only ever threatened a statutory demand. It may upset the client, it may make the relationship stronger. (Didn't make the relationship stronger in my case.)

[Treemoose]

As Steve said that pretty standard but it is wrong IMO to wait 6 months to get paid for works carried out

I couldn't work like that but I know people who do

[Paul Jenks]

https://www.gov.uk/statutory-demands

 

Again, it depends on whether you want to continue trading with companies who operate outside the spirit of the law.

Personally, I see no benefit. Many of them are parasites and strive to make profit at the expense of their sub-contractors.

[Paul Jenks]

BIS media information for journalists and the press - Press Releases - Fallon to big businesses: Commit to paying suppliers on time, or be named - BIS media information for journalists and the press

 

Prompt payment is becoming an issue

[cl3525]

Dont forget the interest

[gensetsteve]

6 months gives them plenty of opportunity to go bust as well. During the credit crunch alot of my supplier accts were closed due to under use and no other reason. Opening them is a right form filling pain in the butt. But I have now done the same to our customers if you have an acct with us u are honoured if u abuse it your on pro former invoicing no matter how big an organisation u are. If you have a company that is taking the mick wait until they owe a small invoice then take them to small claims court the fees are really low on small amounts and large companies hate this action as it destroys their credit rating. I have a friend who regularly gets payments in cash by motorcycle couriers to avoid his court actions.

[Paul Jenks]

If we need to we use these guys. Clive is very professional and they don't take payment unless you get paid. Everything is legal and above board.

Total Credit Management | Oxford, Witney, Abingdon, Wantage, Didcot, Bicester, Wallingford, Banbury | Oxfordshire