Since 27 December 2025 we have been working with a number of FIS members on a number of fronts and I thought it would be useful to highlight some of the issues and to share how we are dealing with these. 

Seasonal payment issues prevail 

The Christmas and New Year breaks have historically always been a problem for the supply chain in the construction industry, as clients and contractors switch off their computers and mobile phones and do not re-engage again until early January, but that doesn’t help those of you who are chasing vital cash flow for your business. 

Whilst we all thought the days of digital payments would consign such practice to history, I was confronted with a Payment Schedule that a member had been provided with, and incredibly it stated that no payments would be made to the supply chain in June and December.  Realistically in this day and age is the only reason this type or clause exists is to assist with the client’s cash flow and accounting periods.  it’s something that you need to make sure you are aware of to balance your own cash-flow, but also helpful if you can report such terms to FIS so that we can address systemic behaviors that put extra pressure on the supply chain.   

In this article, Len looks deeper into retentions, final negotiations and payment schedules, and other old chestnuts!

I have noted communications recently from a number of our clients about their increasing concerns regards receiving an initial termination notice and we have been asked to advise on how best to deal with these situations. It is also notable that these notices are often being issued as a contractor reaches the concluding stages of a contract, and one wonders if this is some sort of cynical attempt to claw some money back from the contractor.

In this article, Len provides some advice to help members what action to take in the event that you receive a termination notice.

Len’s consultancy has never been busier dealing with so many commercial and contractual issues for clients – a sign of the times as financial pressures continue to mount within the UK construction industry.

A consistent problem is the price that so many contractors are now paying for entering into contractual terms some time ago, with the problems coming home to roost now because sadly they’ve entered into contracts that have significant amendments and onerous and unfair provisions, and they are now having to fight their way out of a difficult situation, because of this.

In this article, Len provides some advice to help members to avoid getting into a contractual mess, as they chase work opportunities.