Defence & Security Contractors — Pay British Suppliers Faster, Cheaper
Import defence equipment, security systems, and military supplies (licensed). And your bank makes it worse — 3-day settlements, 2-4% hidden FX spreads, and zero visibility into what your payments actually cost.
We built payment infrastructure for defence & security contractors businesses. 0.5% spreads. Same-day GBP settlement. Free container tracking.
Get a Quote for Your Next British PaymentDefence & Security Contractors margins are too thin to donate 2-4% to your bank on every supplier payment.
Before we show you a single number, know this: we are regulated, audited, and transparent. Our pricing is published. Our client funds are segregated. These aren't marketing claims — they're regulatory requirements we meet daily.
These aren't marketing claims — they're regulatory requirements we meet daily.
Save £2,120 per £100k Payment
Typical savings for Defence & Security Contractors paying United Kingdom suppliers
- ❌ 2-3 day settlement
- ❌ Hidden FX margins
- ❌ High correspondent bank fees
- ❌ Manual compliance checks
- ✓ Settles in seconds — 2.3 second average
- ✓ Transparent pricing
- ✓ Faster Payments available
- ✓ 0.14s automated compliance
At £500k-£20M monthly volume, save £25,440/year
What Challenges Do Defence & Security Contractors Businesses Face Paying United Kingdom?
Industry Pain Points
- Export license requirements
- Stringent compliance (ITAR, EAR)
- Long procurement cycles
- Classified requirements
Country-Specific Considerations
- FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) regulated payments
- HMRC tax reporting requirements
- VAT (20%) on goods and services
- Anti-money laundering (AML) compliance
How Do Defence & Security Contractors Businesses Typically Pay British Suppliers?
Fast Settlement: Settles in seconds — 2.3 second average
Use Faster Payments for instant GBP settlement. UK instant payment system, 24/7 transfers up to £1M
Real-Time FX Exposure Tracking
Upload supplier invoices as PDFs. Our AI OCR extracts amounts and currencies. See exactly what waiting costs you in real-time. Lock rates for 15 seconds when you see a good rate.
0.14s Compliance Screening
Automated compliance checks for United Kingdom regulations. FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) regulated payments handled automatically.
How Defence & Security Contractors Businesses Typically Pay British Suppliers
If you're importing in this sector, you're likely dealing with a mix of payment terms. Here's how they work — and why speed matters.
⏱ Payment Timing
Contract milestones over multi-year periods. Government payment terms: Net 60-90.
📄 Invoice Terms
Milestones per contract, Net 60-90 government, progress payments.
Government budget cycles. Multi-year contracts. Milestone-based. Long payment terms.
📊 FX Risk Profile
HIGH: USD (US defence), multi-year contracts. Large values. Government contracts may have FX clauses.
Strategic partnerships. Security-vetted supply chains. Long-term relationships. Prime/subcontractor structures.
Common Documentation for Defence & Security Contractors
- Export License
- End-User Certificate
- Security Classification
- Contract Documentation
- Compliance Declaration
Popular United Kingdom Supplier Types for Defence & Security Contractors
Common United Kingdom Suppliers
- Manufacturing suppliers (Midlands, North West)
- Professional services firms (London, Edinburgh)
- Pharmaceutical suppliers (Cambridge, Oxford)
- Wholesale distributors (nationwide)
Payment Tips for United Kingdom
- Faster Payments = instant, free for most transfers under £1M
- Use CHAPS for same-day urgent high-value payments
- BACS ideal for regular supplier payment runs
- London = major financial hub with excellent banking infrastructure
Frequently Asked Questions: Defence & Security Contractors Payments to United Kingdom
How do Defence & Security Contractors businesses pay suppliers in United Kingdom?
Defence & Security Contractors businesses can pay United Kingdom suppliers instantly using Unicorn Currencies. We offer a 0.5% FX spread with 2.3-second average settlement using local payment rails like Faster Payments. This is significantly faster and cheaper than traditional SWIFT transfers which take 2-3 days.
What banking details do I need for United Kingdom Defence & Security Contractors suppliers?
To pay Defence & Security Contractors suppliers in United Kingdom, you need the recipient's Sort Code + Account (6-digit sort code, 8-digit account number), account number, and beneficiary name. Our platform validates these details automatically to ensure successful payment delivery.
How much can Defence & Security Contractors businesses save on United Kingdom payments?
Defence & Security Contractors businesses typically save 84% compared to traditional banks when paying United Kingdom suppliers. On a £100k transaction, that's £2,120 in savings. With Unicorn Currencies, you pay just 0.5% FX spread + £5 per payment vs banks charging 2.5% spread + £25 fees.
Is container tracking available for Defence & Security Contractors shipments from United Kingdom?
Yes, Unicorn Currencies offers FREE container tracking for Defence & Security Contractors shipments from United Kingdom. You receive real-time visibility into your cargo, including demurrage alerts to help avoid costly port storage fees. This feature is included at no extra cost with your payment account.
What currencies do Defence & Security Contractors businesses typically use with United Kingdom?
Defence & Security Contractors businesses typically convert GBP to GBP when paying United Kingdom suppliers. Unicorn Currencies provides live exchange rates with a transparent 0.5% spread, and you can lock rates for 15 seconds when you see a favorable rate. Our AI-powered invoice OCR can automatically extract amounts and currencies from supplier invoices.
Ready to Pay United Kingdom Suppliers 84% Cheaper?
Join Defence & Security Contractors businesses saving £2,120 per £100k payment with t+0 (2.3s avg within unicorn network).
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