We appoint our suppliers through a variety of competitive processes. This allows us to check that they can provide true value for money, while delivering high-quality goods and services.

We work closely with our supply chain to ensure they understand the importance of ethical procurement. We also review their policies and practices around things like health and safety, cyber security and insurance, and that they hold the appropriate certification to assure they are qualified to carry out the required task. 

This means we will pay any undisputed valid invoice within the contracted terms; where we do not have a contract with a supplier, payment will be within 60 days of receiving a valid invoice.

We understand how important cash flow is to small businesses and in addition to the performance objectives in the PPC, we are committed to paying small businesses (that is, those with turnover less than £6.5 million) within the contracted terms or within 30 days of receiving a valid invoice.