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In this episode of Minimise Debt, Maximise Cash, Top Service CEO Emma Riley takes us back to the "At the Coalface" seminar for a critical discussion on the internal and external pressures facing credit teams in the construction industry today.

Moderated by Philip King, this panel features candid insights from Jonathan Ward (National Timber Group), Simon Howell (Tarmac), and Luke Sculthorpe (CICM) on how to navigate the delicate balance between enabling sales and protecting cash flow.

Key Topics Covered:

• The "Yes" Mentality: Jonathan Ward explains why the goal is always to find a way to say "yes" to credit, but why transparency with sales teams regarding the logic behind a refusal is crucial for reducing internal friction.

• Combatting Spurious Disputes: Simon Howell highlights a worrying increase in "spurious disputes"—last-minute complaints about material quality or price used purely as a tactic to delay payment. Learn why speed and accuracy are your best defense.

• Early Intervention in Contracts: Luke Sculthorpe discusses why credit teams must be involved at the start of the tender process, not the end, to avoid locked-in liability caps and poor payment terms.

Whether you are battling internal pressure to approve risky accounts or fighting off delayed payments disguised as disputes, this episode provides actionable strategies to maintain control.

Featured Guests:

• Philip King (Moderator)

• Jonathan Ward (National Timber Group)

• Simon Howell (Tarmac)

• Luke Sculthorpe (CICM)

Keywords: Credit Risk Management, Construction Finance, Debt Recovery, Spurious Disputes, CICM, Sales vs Credit, Cash Flow Forecasting, Tarmac, National Timber Group.

Subscribe to Minimise Debt, Maximise Cash for your monthly construction credit update.

To enquire about Top Service services for your Business, go to https://www.top-service.co.uk/contact-us/

Music by Purple Planet

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Register for our newsletter for regular updates of events and webinars. https://www.top-service.co.uk/contact-us/

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Kick off 2026 with critical insights into the current state of construction contracts and credit management. In this episode of Minimise Debt, Maximise Cash, Top Service CEO Emma Riley (FCICM) revisits key discussions from the "At the Coalface" industry review to help you protect your bottom line this year.

We feature an expert panel discussion led by Philip King, with Jonathan Ward (National Timber Company) and Simon Howell (Tarmac), revealing the gritty reality of drawing up contracts in today's economic climate.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The Reality of Contract Negotiations: Why parties are becoming more "entrenched" and why standard contracts are increasingly rare without legal intervention.

• Retention Payment Trends: How tight margins are driving a demand for retentions, and why suppliers are struggling to resist them.

• Battle for Payment Terms: Why "terms of trade" remain the biggest area of contention, with the private sector pushing for longer payment windows compared to government contracts.

• The Procurement Act's Impact: A look at whether government payment charters (30 days) are actually influencing behavior in the commercial sector.

Whether you are a credit manager, supplier, or contractor, this episode provides the strategic foresight needed to handle tough negotiations and secure your cash flow in 2026.

Featured Guests:

• Philip King

• Jonathan Ward (National Timber Company)

• Simon Howell (Tarmac)

Keywords: Construction Law, Credit Management, Debt Recovery, CICM, Top Service, Construction Contracts, Cash Flow, Retention Payments, Supply Chain Finance.

Subscribe to Minimise Debt, Maximise Cash for your monthly construction credit update.

To enquire about Top Service services for your Business, go to https://www.top-service.co.uk/contact-us/

Music by Purple Planet

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Welcome to the first episode of 2026! Join host Emma Reilly, CEO of Top Service, Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Credit Management (CICM), and CICM Council Advisory Member, for an essential briefing on the financial health of the UK construction sector.

In this episode, we break down recent economic shifts and provide actionable credit management strategies to help your business thrive in the new year.

The industry continues to face a complex landscape of slow growth and shifting demand.

• Output Trends: According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), total construction output grew by a marginal 0.3% in the three months to August 2025.

• Sector Slowdown: Economists are identifying signs of a slowdown across residential building, civil engineering, and several commercial projects.

• Liquidity Challenges: Simply put, cash is tightening and cash flow is slowing down across the supply chain.

• Collection Difficulty: Businesses are reporting that collecting cash is becoming a significant challenge once again.

Fraud remains a top-tier concern for credit managers. We highlight a critical case study demonstrating the power of construction-specific data.

• The £100,000 Save: A recent review revealed that Top Service credit information contained crucial insights that, if checked in time, could have prevented nearly £100,000 worth of goods from being delivered without payment.

• Expert Support: Our team investigates potential fraud and provides shared industry insights to reduce your risk and prevent bad debt.

We are proud to announce that Top Service has been named a finalist in two categories at the upcoming British Credit Awards in February 2026:

1. Supplier of the Year .

2. Debt Recovery Team of the Year . This recognition highlights our team's tireless work to help members minimize debt and maximize cash.

As we move out of the holiday period, remember these credit management essentials:

• Last-Minute Orders: Spike in demand often occurs in late December/January; always run updated credit checks before extending terms.

• Keep Cash Moving: Follow our top tips for maintaining smooth cash flow during the busy transition into the new year.

Connect with us:

• 📞 Call: 01527 583090

• 🌐 Web:

• 🔗 LinkedIn: Search for "Top Service Limited"

Keywords: Construction Industry Update 2026, Emma Reilly, Top Service, Credit Management, Cash Flow, British Credit Awards, Construction Fraud Prevention, Debt Recovery, UK Construction Statistics.

Register for our newsletter for regular updates of events and webinars. https://www.top-service.co.uk/contact-us/

(newsletter link at bottom of page)

To enquire about Top Service services for your Business, go to https://www.top-service.co.uk/contact-us/

Music by Purple Planet

Read transcript