1284 has retained its Fair Payment Code Gold status following a detailed review of its payment practices by the Office of the Small Business Commissioner (OSBC).

Gold status recognises businesses which pay at least 95% of their supplier invoices within 30 days. It is the highest of the Code’s three levels.

‍1284 was among the first businesses to achieve Gold when the new scheme launched in February 2025. Its renewed award runs until the end of 2028.

The audit showed that over the most recent 12-month period 1284 Communications:

  • Paid 98% of supplier invoices within the OSBC’s target of  30 days
  • Took an average of 15 days to pay invoices
  • Settled invoices an average 6 full days before payment was due.

Administered by the OSBC, the Code recognises good payment practice and encourages businesses to be clear, fair and collaborative in their dealings with suppliers.

The recognition comes as the Living Wage Foundation marks Living Wage Week, with this year’s theme celebrating 25 years of the Living Wage.

1284 became an accredited Living Wage Employer earlier this year - reinforcing its commitment to fair pay and responsible business. The company is also certified under the Good Business Charter.

George Oliver, 1284’s Managing Director, said: “Paying suppliers on time is something we’ve always taken seriously. As a small business ourselves, we know the difference it makes to cash flow and how much time can be lost chasing unpaid invoices. 

“Renewing Gold recognises the way we already work. It’s about giving suppliers confidence that they’ll be paid on time - and treating their businesses with the same consideration we expect for our own.”

Renewal of the FPC also supports 1284’s wider approach to quality standards under ISO 9001 - using documented evidence to review how we work, maintain consistent processes and identify opportunities to improve.