ALT Graphic reads: We are a small family company and the fact we had outstanding payments owing for over 2 months really put us in a difficult situation. The OSBC intervened and we managed to get paid the overdue amount of £31,000. It’s good to know we have people who can help.

ALT Graphic reads: “At Safeseal Roofing, we know how important fair and timely payments are for every business in the supply chain. We’ve always believed that paying people properly is simply the right way to work. Joining the Fair Payment Code shows our commitment to those values and gives our clients, partners and suppliers confidence that we do what we say.” Ben Craven Managing Director There is a Silver Fair Payment Code logo and Safeseal Roofing logo at the top, and a headshot of Ben Craven on the right hand side.

ALT Graphic reads: “As our business has evolved — from a leading talent provider to a trusted consultancy delivering solutions across Cloud, AI, Cybersecurity, Infrastructure, and Digital Transformation — our commitment to fair, responsible business practices has remained at the heart of our approach. Receiving the Fair Payment Gold Award is not just recognition of what we have achieved to date, but also a reminder of our responsibility to lead by example. We are proud to stand alongside organisations across industries who share the same values of fairness, accountability, and partnership.” James Rowlands CRO There is a Gold Fair Payment Code logo and Regal Evolve logo in the top middle, and a headshot of James Rowlands on the right.

ALT Graphic reads: “Prompt payment to our suppliers and delivery partners is of the utmost importance to us, and the principles of the Fair Payment Code, being ‘Clear, Fair and Collaborative’, align perfectly with those of Rawstone Consulting. Our achievement of Fair Payment Code Gold Award status, the highest tier awarded only to firms paying at least 95% of all invoices within 30 days, means a great deal to us.” Caroline Johnstone MSc, FICRS, Managing Director There is a Gold Fair Payment Code logo and a Rawstone logo at the top of the graphic, and a headshot of Caroline Johnstone on the right.

ALT Graphic reads: Myths about late payments There is a Fair Payment Code logo at the bottom middle of the page.

ALT Graphic reads: MYTH: “Paying invoices late doesn’t impact businesses that much” . REALITY 14,000 businesses close each year as a result of late payments, equivalent to 38 businesses every day. Late payments are estimated to cost the UK economy almost £11bn per year 22% of surveyed businesses said they spent staff time chasing late payments, on average 86 hours. There is a Fair Payment Code logo in the top right corner

ALT Graphic reads: MYTH: “Small businesses can’t do anything about late payments.” REALITY If you are struggling with unpaid invoices, there is help available for you. The OSBC can investigate payment disputes and approach larger businesses on your behalf. Resources are available on the OSBC website for guidance on drafting a contract, negotiating fair contract terms, and e-invoicing There is a Fair Payment Code logo in the top right corner.

ALT Graphic reads: MYTH: “Large businesses don’t have a role to play in fair payment culture.” REALITY The Fair Payment Code sets clear standards for how companies should treat suppliers Businesses that sign up commit to paying on time and dealing with suppliers Signing up shows customers and partners that your business values trust, accountability, and ethical payment practices There is a Fair Payment Code logo in the top right corner.

ALT Graphic reads: “We are a small (SME) company and cash flow is key to our business success. We simply treat other suppliers and subcontractors as we would wish to be treated. We understand how late payments can be detrimental and affect a small business, and it is against our business ethics to inflict this on others. At Evolve we are very proud of our Gold Status. We feel it demonstrates our commitment to ethical and fair business. It immediately shows our suppliers that we are a trusted organisation.” Ian Craig Managing Director There is a Gold Fair Payment Code logo and Evolve logo at the top middle, and a headshot of Ian Craig on the right.

ALT Graphic reads: “The Fair Payment Code is a great way to show clients, suppliers, and employees that you are serious about good business practice and paying people on time. Companies of any size can apply and benefit from a tiered award that lasts for up to two years. You’ll realise the benefits far faster by signing up!” Emma Jones Small Business Commissioner There is a headshot of Emma Jones in the middle and a Fair Payment Code logo in the right corner.

ALT Graphic reads: “Not getting paid must be one of the worst things we have to face as a business owner. We’ve done the work, or provided the service, and so payment should follow. But that’s not always the case. Many business owners accept that it’s just part of running a business, but for others it can lead to no business at all. This is why I’m proud to be a Gold level of the Fair Payment Code, and will be encouraging others to sign up.” Amy Russell Director There is a gold FPC logo and Crescent Business Support logo in the top middle, and a headshot of Amy Russell on the right.

ALT “Brighter Days Markets gained CIC status in 2024, with the aim of supporting small independent creative businesses in East Kent. We were already running selling events for the quality makers of the area and have been able to add practical professional development sessions to our offer. The FPC Gold Award has given us the means to show that we are a prompt payer, giving suppliers greater confidence in working with us and giving us strength when negotiating with clients.” Jenny Duff Director There is a gold Fair Payment Code logo and Brighter Days Markets logo at the top in the middle. There is a headshot of jenny Duff on the right side.

ALT Graphic reads: “We applied to the FPC because we believe this is an outstanding initiative by the SBC to encourage businesses to recognise the vital role of prompt payment in today’s fast-paced world. Our suppliers are invaluable to us, and one of the best ways we show our appreciation is by ensuring they are paid swiftly so they can focus on their core services. In an ideal world, every company would earn the Gold award!” Eric Marsella Managing Director There is a gold FPC logo and Translator UK logo at the bottom top and a headshot of Eric Marsella on the right hand side.

ALT Graphic reads: “Paying suppliers on time isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s smart business. When companies make sure everyone is on the same page about payment deadlines, they strengthen relationships and keep their supply chains running smoothly. It’s time for business leaders to make fair payment practices a priority and lead by example.” Sarah Whale Managing Director & Impact Business Advisor There is a gold FPC logo and a profit impact logo at the top.

ALT Graphic reads: How to become a Gold Fair Payment Code awardee There is a gold medal icon at the top middle, and a FPC logo at the bottom middle

ALT Graphic reads: What is the criteria for Gold status? Pay 95% of invoices to all suppliers within 30 days Abide by the Code’s principles of being Clear, Fair and Collaborative with suppliers. There is a FPC logo in the top right corner, and gold, silver, and bronze medal icons in the bottom middle.

ALT Graphic reads: How to apply Visit the Fair Payment Code website Fill out the expression of interest form on the website The Fair Payment Code team will then send you an application form to submit In your application, make sure you include supporting information and your business’ payment practices data as evidence There is a FPC logo in the top right corner

ALT What are the benefits of being a Gold awardee? Use of the official Gold FPC badge to showcase your commitment Recognition from the Office of the Small Business Commissioner Promotion of your business as a responsible payer Build trust and credibility with suppliers Opportunities to be featured in FPC Friday posts and OSBC content There is an FPC logo in the top right corner

ALT Graphic reads: “Having been signatories to the Prompt Payment Code for years, we were really pleased to see a renewed focus on it with the launch of the Fair Payment Code. 99.9% of UK businesses are SMEs and it’s particularly vital that they are allowed to function well by being paid fairly and on time. No one company operates alone – UK business is an ecosystem. By adopting a more systems-thinking approach and treating suppliers fairly, we can ensure that everyone flourishes, and growth is strengthened.” Rob Hubbard CEO There is a Gold FPC logo and LAS logo at the top of the graphic, and a photo of Rob Hubbard on the right.

ALT Graphic reads: How to become a Silver Fair Payment Code awardee There is a silver medal icon at the top and a Fair Payment Code logo at the bottom

ALT Graphic reads: What is the criteria for Silver status? Pay 95% of invoices within 60 days Pay 95% of invoices to small businesses within 30 days Maintain a proven track record of fair payment towards suppliers There is a Fair Payment Code logo at the top right corner, and gold, silver, and bronze medal logos at the bottom middle.

ALT Graphic reads: How to apply Visit the Fair Payment Code website Fill out the expression of interest form on the website The Fair Payment Code team will then send you an application form to submit In your application, make sure you include supporting information and your business’ payment practices data as evidence There is a Fair Payment Code logo in the top right corner.

ALT Graphic reads: What are the benefits of being a Silver awardee? Use of the official Silver FPC badge to showcase your commitment Recognition from the Office of the Small Business Commissioner Promotion of your business as a responsible payer Build trust and credibility with suppliers Opportunities to be featured in FPC Friday posts and OSBC content There is a Fair Payment Code logo in the top right corner