Payments to tradespeople - cheque, cash or online bank transfer?

Hi all,

I'm not sure if this is the right section to post this question, but here goes.

I have been getting some work done on our house, and one tradesperson (non VAT registered) insisted on being paid by cheque, and didn't want me to pay online directly into his account.  Note that I made the cheque out to his business name.  He emailed me an 'invoice' after I had paid.

Does anyone know why he would want to be paid by cheque?  I don't understand why this tradesperson would want to be paid by cheque instead of a direct transfer from my bank account to his.  He would have to take the cheque to the bank, then wait for it to clear, whereas if I do a direct transfer online, it is practically instant.

All other trades (also non VAT registered) who have done work to our house have completed the work, invoiced me, then I've paid online directly into their business account.  I prefer this arrangement, as I then have a record on my bank statement as to why the money left my account.  When I pay by cheque, all that shows up on my bank account is the cheque number.

If anyone has any clues or information regarding this it would be much appreciated.

Thank you.

Katherine