Fair Payment Code awards over 400 UK businesses

Thursday 30th October, 2025

UK Government’s Fair Payment Code, operated by the Small Business Commissioner has awarded over 400 UK businesses for their payment practices.

Late payments cost the UK economy almost £11 billion per year with 14,000 businesses closing each year because of late payments, equivalent to 38 businesses every day. The 400 businesses awarded on the Fair Payment Code are getting money moving quicker through the economy, driving growth.

There are three tiers of Awards on the Code:

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

In addition, every business granted an Award agrees to abide by the Code’s principles of being Clear, Fair and Collaborative with their suppliers.

Emma Jones, Small Business Commissioner, said: “It is fantastic to celebrate this milestone for the Fair Payment Code with businesses across the UK. Code Awardees are leaders in fair and quick payments, getting money moving through the economy, and encouraging growth in supply chains. But this is just the start, I want to see more businesses applying to the Code so we can continue to build a positive payment culture where paying on time is simply seen as the right thing to do.”

The Fair Payment Code Awards are for two years, and every business needs to reapply for their Award at the end of each two-year period. Now (between September – December) is the best time to apply for an Award to ensure you get a full two years, but applications are accepted all year round. See how to apply on the Small Business Commissioner website.