Unfortunately, this seems to be part of the UK’s business culture for many companies. You’re the exception to this. In my case, most people do pay reasonably promptly and for those that do not, I just try and be polite but persistent with the occasional shut-down notice.

When I set-up as a web freelancer, I never thought that chasing payments would be part of my job description. It is and it feels pretty uncomfortable at times even though I think I’m getting better at it. Would rather be working on websites though.