About Decke (Newcastle) Limited

Decke (Newcastle) Limited is a family-run interiors contractor based in Whitley Bay, specialising in the installation of suspended ceilings and interior systems, including acoustic solutions designed to improve comfort and reduce noise.

Decke supported Newcastle City Council with an acoustic upgrade at Broadwood Primary School, helping reduce noise and create calmer classrooms for children.

The challenge

For local specialist contractors, good delivery depends on careful planning. Labour and materials need to be booked in advance, and programmes are often tight – especially when work may need to be completed during holidays to minimise disruption.

When payment timings are uncertain, it can create additional admin across the business: time spent chasing invoices, short-term cashflow management, and avoidable work that pulls focus away from delivery. That friction can quickly add up when you’re balancing multiple jobs, local supply chains, and a busy pipeline of work across the region.

Newcastle City Council recognised that improving payment predictability could provide practical support to suppliers across the wider supply chain – helping more businesses keep work moving smoothly, reduce disruption, and protect quality across the wide range of essential services delivered for the community.

How early payment helped

Newcastle City Council introduced the Supplier Incentive Programme in partnership with Oxygen Finance to give suppliers the option of being paid earlier than standard terms. In return, participating suppliers agree a small, pre-agreed rebate, based on how early payment is made. That rebate can then be reinvested back into vital local services.

The approach is straightforward and transparent – suppliers continue to invoice Newcastle City Council directly and are paid earlier without the need for factoring or borrowing. With invoices settled sooner once approved, businesses can reduce the time and effort spent chasing invoices, bringing more predictability to day-to-day cashflow.

It also supports smoother working relationships. With dedicated priority support and fewer payment queries, suppliers can spend less time discussing payments and more time focused on delivery and next steps.

The difference it makes

 Interior upgrades in public buildings are most effective when they’re delivered smoothly, finished to a high standard, and ready for people to use without disruption. Earlier, more predictable payment reduces admin pressure and helps Decke plan work confidently, staying focused on quality.

What Decke (Newcastle) Limited says

“When you’re delivering upgrades in busy public buildings, timings can be tight, so being able to plan ahead really matters. The Supplier Incentive Programme helps us avoid time spent chasing invoices, which makes it easier to keep projects moving and stay focused on delivering quality work. We’re proud to support an approach that also helps Newcastle City Council reinvest into local council services.”

– Jason Frank, Managing Director, Decke (Newcastle) Limited