ISME critical of payments delay

ANY significant improvement in payment delays for small businesses is unlikely due to there being “no appetite” for change, according to one industry representative.

Latest quarterly research from the small firms lobby group, ISME, shows that the average waiting period for outstanding payments for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is 72 days; down from 73 days in the autumn.

Although companies are continually waiting slightly less for outstanding payments, the delays, according to ISME chief executive, Mark Fielding, are still excessive and are creating cash-flow difficulties.