Creative Pod leads the way, winning a prestigious UK Government award
Crawley-based business Creative Pod has become a Fair Payment Code (FPC) Gold Awardee for demonstrating best payment practices.
{05/03/2025}
Launched in December 2024, the Fair Payment Code is managed by the Office of the Small Business Commissioner on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade.
The tiered system of Awards is aimed at awarding best practices and driving improvements in payment performance. Gold Awardees pay at least 95% of all invoices within 30 days alongside agreeing to abide by the Code’s principles of being Clear, Fair and Collaborative with their suppliers.
Established in 2006 by CEO and entrepreneur Matt Turner, Creative Pod produces award-winning creative design and marketing, providing clients with a Michelin-star service to shout about. Based near Gatwick, servicing the Southeast, London, and most recently, growing its client pool in the United Arab Emirates. Creative Pod sits under The Creative Group, comprising several sister agencies - ECHO, PrintShop, 427, Whitespace, and Spacelink.
Nineteen years ago, when CEO Matt Turner founded Creative Pod from his bedroom, he understood the importance of strong financial foundations. From the very beginning, he prioritised best payment practices, knowing that a healthy cash flow is essential for any successful business. When one party doesn’t pay promptly, this has a ripple effect on cash flow and future profit.
Healthy cash flow is critical for small businesses' survival and growth. Late and long payment times disrupt the cash flow cycle and can prevent a company from paying its bills, eventually leading to business failure. In 2023, 15% of small businesses and medium-sized enterprises cited cash flow and late payments as an obstacle to running their businesses.
CEO Matt Turner said: “I’m incredibly proud to receive the Gold Award for The Fair Payment Code, administered by the Small Business Commissioner on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade. As an Export Champion dedicated to sharing my expertise in international trade, I believe fostering a culture of fair payment is not just beneficial for local businesses - it strengthens global economies. Fair and timely payments create a more sustainable and thriving business environment, both at home and abroad.”
Liz Barclay, Small Business Commissioner, said: “Congratulations to Creative Pod on their Gold Fair Payment Code Award. Everyone benefits when suppliers are paid quickly and fairly, and they thrive. Embedding a culture of fair payment practices in your business is good for your own bottom line as well as for the economy, communities and wider society.”