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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

Read transcript