A new direct debit payment arrangement has been introduced by Portable Offices’ head office to facilitate easy account settlement for both hire and purchase clients.

The accounts team has introduced the new payment scheme as a means of simplifying the process for clients, enabling accounts to be finalised easily at the end of hire contracts.

The previous standing order arrangement has been phased out and customers have been advised of the new process.

Brian Mooney commented: “The most important difference between the two arrangements is that under the standing order scheme, the customer’s bank instigated fixed payments to us, whereas under the new direct debit system we can take payment from the customer’s bank account. This meant that on some occasions payments (under the old scheme) continued to come to us even after the end of a contract period resulting in additional administration and confusion.

“It is intended that the new system will streamline our credit control processes and facilitate a more effective accounting procedure for clients.”

Portable Offices has already switched nearly 40% of its customer base on to the new system and is looking to convert 100% of its regular customers in the short term future.