New figures from Experian show reversal of trend in final quarter of 2010

Late payments by companies have increased to their highest level for three years, according to figures from Experian.

Payments in the last quarter of 2010 increased to 25.7 days late, it said. The trend for the earlier part of 2010 had been for a reduction in late payments.

Cash flow problems resulting from the bad weather was partly to blame for the increase in late payments, according to the information provider.

Large companies were paying bills 36.7 days later than agreed terms in the last quarter of 2010, compared with 35.9 days a year earlier.

Small companies, meanwhile, were paying bills three days later than a year earlier, at more than 22 days late.