The British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF) has welcomed new government plans to tighten legislation aimed at tackling the UK’s late payment culture. Late payment has long placed pressure on print businesses, particularly SMEs, said the BPIF.
The Department for Business & Trade is consulting on amendments to the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 that would cap payment terms at 60 days for all businesses, with a reduction to 45 days planned over the next five years. Other measures include a 30-day deadline for raising invoice disputes, mandatory statutory interest on overdue payments, and new powers for the Small Business Commissioner to fine persistent late payers.
The BPIF has repeatedly called for stronger measures on payment practices, most recently in its Priorities for Print 2025-27 lobbying document. Chief executive Charles Jarrold said: “This is a positive step forward for our members and for the wider business community, and we are pleased the Government has listened and plans to take legislative action. Late payments and long payment terms – sometimes up to 120 or 180 days – can seriously impact cash flow, investment plans and growth. We intend to work with policymakers to ensure the proposals are effective, and to minimise any adverse impacts. We look forward to engaging closely with our members to help shape that response.”
The BPIF cautioned, however, that the detail of the reforms will be critical, warning that businesses currently offering shorter terms might extend them to align with the new statutory cap. To avoid this, it will consult its regional boards, the Policy & Public Affairs Committee, and the wider membership before responding formally to the government consultation, which runs until 23 October 2025.
The BPIF represents companies across print, packaging, and graphic communications, providing business support, training and advocacy, and has made fair payment practices a longstanding priority.
