Join the Fair Payment Code to boost your business

The main way the Office of the Small Business Commissioner recognises good practice in payment is through the Fair Payment Code.

Launched in December 2024, the Code has 333 awardees with companies of all sizes, from all parts of the UK, and in a range of sectors which you can see from the breakdown below.

Companies apply to be on the Code with applications assessed by a top team of Jacqueline, Mandy and Tia.

Based on payment terms, companies are awarded a gold, silver or bronze award with the distinction being:

  • Gold Award – for those firms paying at least 95% of all invoices within 30 days
  • Silver Award – for those paying at least 95% of all invoices within 60 days, including at least 95% of invoices to small businesses within 30 days
  • Bronze Award – for those paying at least 95% of all invoices within 60 days

Securing an award is good for business! It signals to the market that you run an efficient organisation that pays on time and cares about its supplier network. This signal helps to secure new contracts, attract quality employees (who also want to be paid on time!) and form partnerships with organisations with similar values.

Matt Turner is Founder & CEO of The Creative Group; a Fair Payment Code Gold Awardee. Matt says:

‘I believe fostering a culture of fair payment is not just beneficial for local businesses – it strengthens global economies. Fair and timely payments create a more sustainable and thriving business environment, both at home and abroad.’

As Small Business Commissioner, I am committed to encouraging more large companies to sign up to the Code with discussions underway with construction and financial service businesses, and plans for sector-based approaches.

We want the Code to move from being a ‘nice to have’ to being a ‘business essential.’

I hope you will consider applying so we can recognise you as the efficient and good business you are.

Fair Payment Code sector breakdown

  • Accountancy & Business Services 21
  • Advertising, Marketing & PR 20
  • Aerospace 12
  • Banking, Investment & Insurance 11
  • Broadcasting & Media
  • Catering 1
  • Charity 4
  • Construction 93
  • Consultancy 58
  • Creative Arts 2
  • Education 6
  • Energy & Utilities 6
  • Engineering 11
  • Environment & Agriculture 3
  • Financial Services 1
  • Fashion and Design 1
  • Food & Facilities Management 1
  • Healthcare 7
  • Hospitality 1
  • Human Resources & Recruitment 5
  • Information Technology 33
  • Legal 2
  • Manufacturing 5
  • Property 3
  • Publishing 2
  • Retail 2
  • Science 3
  • Security & Defence 8
  • Social Care 2
  • Sport and Leisure 1
  • Trade Organisation 4
  • Transport & Logistics 3
  • Voluntary 1