Terry Corby, Founder & CEO, Good Business Pays
I often talk about payment culture as how a company behaves when you aren’t looking, and at Good Business Pays we have worked hard over the past four years to shine a light on the payment behaviour of the UK’s biggest companies, whether good or bad.
In the world of b2b transactions, evolving payment practices have significantly influenced how businesses operate and engage with their stakeholders. Historically, financial transactions were enveloped in secrecy, with details known only to the involved parties. This veil of confidentiality served as a shield against competitive espionage and a barrier to consumer insight. However, the digital age has introduced a shift towards transparency, driven by a demand for openness and regulatory requirements for clear financial dealings.
- Consumer Trust and Brand Loyalty: The shift towards transparent payment practices is becoming more important to building Brand trust. When a company discloses its payment processes, it not only complies with regulations, but also demonstrates honesty to its customers. Research done by Barclays has shown that paying suppliers late is not only putting off suppliers but may also deter prospective customers from spending with known offenders. More than half of consumers surveyed (58 per cent) said they would boycott a business – big or small – if they knew they regularly paid their suppliers late.[1]
- Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management: With a General Election imminent in the UK, all major political parties have committed to strengthening of the existing payment reporting regulations in the UK and regulatory bodies worldwide are enforcing stricter guidelines on payment disclosures. Companies that adopt transparent payment practices are better positioned to comply with these regulations without facing penalties. [2]
- Operational Efficiency and Cost Reduction: Transparency in payment practices can enhance operational efficiencies by streamlining processes and reducing the need for complex reconciliations. A report by McKinsey & Company revealed that companies implementing open payment systems reduced their transaction costs by an average of 30%, attributing the savings to improved process efficiencies. [3]
- Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations: Good business partnering starts with fair and timely payment practices, which create an environment conducive to strategic partnerships. By sharing payment data, businesses can collaborate more effectively with suppliers and partners, optimising the supply chain. For example, Walmart’s blockchain initiative for payment tracking has improved relationships with suppliers, ensuring timely payments and better financial planning. [4]
- Innovation and Market Competitiveness: The move towards payment transparency has also spurred innovation in the financial sector. Fintech companies, leveraging open APIs, have developed new payment solutions that offer consumers greater control and insight into their financial transactions. Companies like Mastercard are at the forefront of this innovation, providing fast transparent payment platforms that enhance the user experience. [5]
The evolution from secretive to transparent payment practices has aligned businesses with modern values of openness while providing tangible benefits in trust, compliance, efficiency, and innovation. As this trend continues, the payment landscape is expected to become even more integrated and user-centric, further driving business growth and consumer satisfaction.
https://public.conservatives.com/static/documents/GE2024/Conservative-Manifesto-GE2024.pdf
[4] https://hbr.org/2022/01/how-walmart-canada-uses-blockchain-to-solve-supply-chain-challenges