Trade body UK Screen Association is lobbying broadcasters to cut the amount of time they take to pay suppliers to 30 days.

The action comes amid concern that the current payment terms are putting some facilities companies at risk.

Members of the post house association raised the issue at a recent UK Screen meeting, prompting the trade body to open negotiations with broadcasters in a bid to clarify payment terms and find out if any degree of flexibility exists.

“Terms of 60 or 90 days are not appropriate when a large proportion of the cost of provision relates to staff,” said UK Screen Association acting chief executive Sarah Mackey.

“It would be more appropriate to have terms of 30 days.”

Channel 4 has a payment window of up to 60 days, while Sky’s standard payment terms are 45 days.

“All businesses try to manage their cash flow in the most efficient way but there is a difference between payment terms on capital assets that can be passed on to suppliers and payment terms to post houses that need to pay their staff,” Mackey said.

“I would encourage any of our members experiencing problems to get in touch with me at UK Screen so that we can support them in their discussions with broadcasters.”

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