For immediate release: 7 December 2023

New Survey: CICV reveals persistent, deep-rooted payment challenges in the Scottish construction sector.

CICV calls for urgent reform as the sector struggles with payment delays and financial strain.

Despite government and industry past efforts to address financial challenges in the Scottish construction sector, the Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV) has found construction businesses continue to struggle with late payments, payment reductions, and unresolved disputes, highlighting the significant gap between purported initiatives and actual improvements in payment practices.

Key findings from the research, conducted through the CICV’s 28 member organisations in November, revealed:

• Delayed Payments: 80% reported experiencing delays or adjustments in receiving final payments' occasionally' to' very often'.
• Late Final Payments: 70% encountered delayed final payments 'occasionally' to 'very often', with 24% stating outstanding values over £100,000, creating cash flow issues.
• Payment Reductions: 63% faced unexplained payment reductions, intensifying their financial challenges.
• Write-offs: 43% had to write off disputed sums, with 47% reporting amounts between £10,000 and £100,000+.

Commenting on the findings, Ian Honeyman, Co-Chair of CICV's Procurement, Quality and Pipeline Group, articulates the gravity of the situation: "These findings underscore the severe impact that delayed payments, or even worse, non-payments, have on the viability of businesses, compounded by the strain from reduced credit facilities and retained funds.

“Despite well-publicised commitments from government and industry to address unfair and damaging payment practices in the UK and Scottish construction sectors, aimed at improving cash flow along the supply chain, we continue to observe poor behaviour in this area.

“Without substantial changes in these practices, attaining a financially stable and sustainable construction sector remains challenging.”

In response, Len Bunton, Co-Chair of CICV's Procurement, Quality and Pipeline Group, has called for a radical overhaul of payment practices in Scotland's construction sector. He asserts, "Given that existing legislation or initiatives such as the Prompt Payment Codes have not resolved these persistent issues, it is clear that we require more robust practical measures.

“The current state of affairs is unsustainable and demands immediate action."

Looking ahead, both Ian and Len stressed CICV's determination to address these challenges: "We are committed to directing CICV's efforts on providing targeted, practical guidance and advice to tackle the pressing payment issues, aiming to improve cash flow and foster sustainable practices in the construction sector.

"This approach will demonstrate CICV's determination to transform sector issues into opportunities for positive change, underscoring its commitment to enhancing the overall health of Scotland's construction sector."

Download the full payment practices survey results.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

For more information about the research, CICV or for interviews contact:

Richard Campbell, Communications Sub-Group, CICV

richard.campbell@snipef.org

07710 542 381

About the Construction Industry Collective Voice

The Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV) was formed in March 2020 as the Construction Industry Coronavirus Forum, in response to the urgent COVID-19 threat to people and business.

With a focus firmly on collaborative action, the CICV brings together senior representatives from 28 professional bodies and benefits from the input of more than 40 other organisations who contribute their expertise to the CICV’s 12 sub-groups. Its members operate the length and breadth of Scotland’s built environment supply chain.

Whether merchant/wholesaler, contractor, or multi-million-pound building firm, Scotland’s construction sector is fighting to keep its people, businesses, and livelihoods intact and, in turn, the CICV is fighting for them.

By pooling expertise and knowledge, CICV represents the interests of Scotland’s diverse construction supply chain with one consistent voice. Priorities include lobbying the Scottish Government to influence policy and to push for positive action, and to give expert focus to important sector issues including commercial, employment, planning, skills, and health and safety.

The CICV is chaired by SELECT, Scotland’s trade association for electrical contractors. Current members are:

1. Association of Brickwork Contractors (ABC)
2. Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE)
3. British Constructional Steelwork Association (BCSA)
4. Build Scotland
5. Builders Merchants Federation (BMF)
6. Building Engineering Services Association (BESA)
7. Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)
8. Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
9. Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE)
10. Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES)
11. Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA)
12. Electrical Distributors’ Association (EDA)
13. Federation of Master Builders (FMB)
14. Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS)
15. Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA)
16. National Association of Shopfitters (NAS)
17. National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC)
18. National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC)
19. Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS)
20. Resource Management Association Scotland (RMAS)
21. Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
22. Scaffolding Association
23. Scottish Building Federation (SBF)
24. Scottish Plant Owners Association (SPOA)
25. Single Ply Roofing Association (SPRA)
26. SELECT
27. SNIPEF
28. Stone Federation (GB)