BUILD UK DOES NOT REPRESENT THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY ON FAIR PAYMENT

July 31, 2018

Under new government transparency rules, Build UK has published details concerning the payment performance of its top 24 member companies.

The data reveals that top contractor members of Build UK take more than 30 days to pay invoices. This takes place despite Build UK members having signed up to the Construction Supply Chain Payment Charter, aimed at ensuring standard payment terms of 30 days and abolishing retentions.

Build UK Chief Executive Suzannah Nichol greeted the data in the table as a “bold first step” in showing that industry leaders are “serious about changing the way they do business”, while Implementation Minister Oliver Dowden MP said that “Build UK is leading the industry by publishing its members’ payment performance table.”

The National Federation of Builders (NFB) refutes the assertions made by Build UK. The payment performance data published by Build UK show not only their failure to follow best practice and fulfil a legal requirement to pay clients within 30 days, but utter disregard for small and medium-sized (SME) businesses and regional contractors.

After the fall of Carillion and recent reports highlighting that almost nine out of ten councils are breaking prompt payment rules, the NFB is astonished to see a Government minister praising Build UK for barely fulfilling its legal obligations.

Neil Walters, national chair of the NFB, said: “Fair practice is essential to changing the industry culture around payment, not transparency. Transparency is a legal requirement, not a bold step. Procurement regulations already require 30-day payment terms down the supply chain, but the first thing tier one contractors do is change the contract terms to suit their interests and all but force SMEs to sign the amended terms to get paid.

“Seeing Build UK portray tier one contractors like industry pioneers is the ultimate insult. Build UK members, who make up less than 1% of the construction industry, are failing the 99%.”

Shared by: National Federation of Builders (NFB)

EAN Content

Content shared by this account is either news shared free by third parties or sponsored (paid for) content from third parties. Please be advised that links to third party websites are not endorsed by Estate Agent Networking - Please do your own research before committing to any third party business promoted on our website. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

You May Also Enjoy

Letting Agent Talk

How to Clean Your Rental Property for a Full Deposit Return

Although it is a dreadful chore, sprucing up your flat at the end of your tenancy is vital if you want your entire deposit back. When it comes to cleaning, landlords and property managers usually have high standards. Any oversight could cost you part of your initial payment. Having said that, your property can look…
Read More →
Breaking News

Two-year mortgage deals the lowest they’ve been since 2022 – but will they remain?

New research from Moneyfacts has shown that two-year mortgage deals are at the lowest they’ve been in two years and have also fallen to their biggest margin in over six months. The current average mortgage according to research is at 5.18%, having fallen by 0.14% in the past month. Meanwhile, five–year rates currently stand on…
Read More →
Letting Agent Talk

CP12 Landlord Certificates: What They Are and Why You Need Them

If you’re a landlord in the UK with gas appliances in your rental property, you’re legally bound to ensure they’re safe. That’s where the CP12 certificate for landlords enters the picture. Also called a Landlord Gas Safety Record, the certificate assures that your property’s gas installation is safe and in accordance with regulations. Yet, despite…
Read More →
Breaking News

Horse Guards Parade property prices up 17% since last Trooping the Colour

The latest property market analysis from London’s number one lettings and sales estate agency brand*, Foxtons, has found that it’s not just military prowess on show during Trooping the Colour this weekend, as house prices within the SW1A postcode, home to Horse Guards Parade, have soared by 17.3% over the last year, demonstrating the pedigree…
Read More →
Breaking News

What landlords need to know about the upcoming Renters Rights Bill

The government’s long-awaited Renters Rights Bill is one of the most significant overhauls of the private rental sector in decades. While it has not yet received royal assent, the legislation is expected to come into effect late this year, or early in 2026. With the bill moving closer to becoming law, Steven Bond, managing director…
Read More →
Breaking News

Breaking Property News 12/06/25

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   The Renters’ Rights Bill: What Letting Agents and Landlords need to know The Renters’ Rights Bill is shaping up to be one of the most significant pieces of housing legislation in recent memory. As it moves steadily through Parliament, with Royal Assent anticipated in…
Read More →