Chambers Of Commerce Take Better Payment Practice Campaign On The Road

The British Chambers of Commerce is taking the Better Payment Practice Campaign direct to the business community with the start of a nation-wide seminar programme to help businesses improve credit management. Local Chambers of Commerce are hosting seminars across the UK to equip companies with the skills and techniques to get more invoices paid on time.

The seminars are designed to provide help and advice on minimising late payments. They cover the whole process from credit checking and contract terms, to collection techniques and taking third party action. Particular reference is made to the implications of the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, and also the Woolf Reforms - which provide substantial improvements to the litigation process but also require companies to submit full and clear documentation to support any claim.

Small Firms Minister, Michael Wills, said in support of the initiative: " The Better Payment Practice Seminars are a clear example of how the BPPG is tackling the problem of late payment at a grass roots level. Owner managers have many demands on their time. The seminars show how routine procedures can be put into place to ensure that sales are realised into cash more quickly"

Dr Ian Peters of the British Chambers of Commerce and member of the Better Payment Practice Group, added:

" Late payment is endemic in the UK and is a business killer. Trade credit is, at the end of the day, an unsecured loan. Businesses should approach it as such. We urge companies to attend the seminars, learn the ways in which they can improve credit management and therefore improve their long-term chances of commercial success."

The two presenters at the seminars, Michael Barry and Tony Ash are very experienced trainers, accredited by the Institute of Credit Management. Members of the Better Payment Practice Group and the campaign sponsors, Alex Lawrie, Dun and Bradstreet, EULER Trade Indemnity and Grant Thornton will also be in attendance to talk to delegates about the campaign.

To reserve a place, contact Jenny George at the British Chambers Of Commerce (BCC) on 020 7565 2000, or send an email to her at j.george@britishchambers.org.uk.

Details of the seminars will be kept up to date on the BCC website: www.britishchambers.org.uk.