Retailers Tesco and Asda have signed up to a UK government scheme, launched earlier this month, that aims to ensure retailers pay suppliers on time.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more


The Prompt Payment Scheme, launched by Business Secretary Peter Mandelson, is a voluntary code of practice that will act as a benchmark against which smaller suppliers can judge their customers.


Tesco confirmed today (22 December) that it has already signed up to the scheme, while Asda told just-food it has also set up its own initiative called ‘Pay me Early’.


The scheme is an “optional facility”, the retailer said, that allows suppliers to request a one off early payment, should they need to.


“In today’s tough economic climate, this added facility allows suppliers access to short term cash flow, giving them more flexibility over their finances if and when they need it,” a spokesperson for Asda told just-food.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Food Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Just Food Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
Winning five categories in the 2025 Just Food Excellence Awards, Centric Software is setting the pace for digital transformation in food and FMCG. Explore how its integrated PLM and PXM suite delivers faster launches, smarter compliance and data-driven growth for complex, multi-channel product portfolios.

Discover the Impact