A F A RESTAURANTS LIMITED

Most of the suppliers are on a 30-day payment term. Key suppliers are on direct debit schemes and collect their payment within 30 days or less from the date of the invoice. Suppliers that are not on direct debit scheme are paid monthly by BACS/bank transfer on request. A small number of suppliers require payment in advance, these are settled either by direct bank transfer or via credit card payments. Suppliers are notified of any delays at the earliest opportunity and the payments are re-arranged as agreed with them.

The company actively encourages suppliers to send invoices electronically where possible. It also uses a supply chain finance established by their franchisor. Payment for suppliers who participated in the supply chain finance are collected via direct debits and this process is fully managed by the third-party supply chain finance team. While the company is not a member of a payment code however, it strictly adheres to monthly payment cycle and addresses any payment query the same day.

As part of a wider business network the company primarily utilises established supply chains who manage a number of the suppliers on their behalf. The company is proud supporters of British and Irish agriculture and work with over 23,000 British and Irish farmers who supply quality produce for their menu, as well as businesses who are help them create more sustainable packaging. Through this extensive supply chain across the UK and Ireland enables suppliers contribute to their success. The company has long-term partnerships with many of their suppliers. Such long-term partnerships encourage collaboration and enable suppliers to make decisions for the long term, giving them the confidence to invest in their businesses. In order to meet the continued volume growth, suppliers need to invest in future capacity, which involves significant capital investment in equipment and infrastructure. Long-term commitment to supply the company and their franchisor’s overall operation in the UK, has enabled the suppliers to grow with them and drive positive change within their own businesses. The wider Supply Chain and Sustainability function that the company is part of has a broad remit, from ensuring our products and ingredients meet their high food safety, quality and traceability expectations from farm to front counter, to the transportation of goods from supplier to restaurant, procurement of all food and paper, as well as responsibility for our nutrition, sustainability, agriculture, packaging and recycling strategies across their supply base.

As over 90% of invoices are paid by direct debit there would be no dispute which would hold up the payment, any disputed amount would be credited or debited the following month. A minute number of invoices from the other 10%, or less, may occasionally be subject to a dispute which is usually resolved over a phone call due to the long-standing relationships.