Growers have told HW they may be forced out of business by payment terms being stretched from 30 to 90 days but Colley said it would not be in B&Q's interest to damage any of its suppliers.

He said: "We've been trying to improve our working capital position and one of our objectives is to improve payment terms. All horticultural suppliers have agreed to 90 days or more."

Growers have suggested that if they refuse to sign 90-day payment agreements or talk about deals, they will be de-listed. Colley denied the allegations, saying: "We would not de-list a supplier."

One supplier said: "Multiples set the mechanism for the whole industry so we have to win this one."

Colley added: "If the NFU thinks we are operating in a way that is not equitable to suppliers, they can speak to me."

NFU chief horticulture adviser Phil Hudson said: "B&Q contacted us after reading a HW article (26 June) and we're now in informal discussions with them."

 

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