Build UK Benchmarks Industry on Retentions for First Time
As part of the drive to improve payment culture across the construction sector, Build UK has published updated payment results for the largest companies in the industry which for the first time includes data on retentions.
In line with new reporting requirements introduced by the Government in 2025, the Build UK payment performance table now includes the following information on retentions:
- Whether a company uses retention clauses
- Amount of retention withheld as a percentage of all payments to suppliers
- Amount of retention withheld from suppliers as a percentage of the amount withheld by clients.
The data shows that the average rate of retention withheld by Build UK tier one Contractor members is 2%. Of the retentions withheld against them by their clients, Contractor members are currently withholding on average 74% from their own supply chains, absorbing the remaining 26% themselves. This demonstrates the significant impact of retentions on cashflow at all tiers of the construction supply chain.
Build UK has been benchmarking its members and the wider industry on payment performance since 2018, using information submitted under the Reporting on Payment Practices and Performance Regulations, with significant results. The average time taken to pay invoices by Contractor members has reduced from 45 days to 29 days, and the percentage of invoices paid within 60 days has risen from 82% to 96% during this period.
With the Commercial Payments Bill currently progressing through Parliament including a ban on the use of retention clauses, the new data on retentions will provide a benchmark for progress on this long-standing issue.
Jo Fautley, Deputy Chief Executive of Build UK, said:
“In the same way that we have been providing transparency on payment performance since 2018, we are now shining a spotlight on retentions. The data reveals for the first time the impact on tier one contractors, as well as the rest of the supply chain which has been managing the problem of retentions for years. The ban on retentions in the Commercial Payments Bill will not only address the issues with payment but encourage collaboration and require the sector to manage quality in a more effective way.”
Paul Beeston, Construction Leadership Council Industry Sponsor for Business Model Reform, added:
“As the Commercial Payments Bill progresses through Parliament, the construction industry faces significant changes to payment practices, including the proposed ban on cash retentions. The Construction Leadership Council has been clear in its ambition to promote more sustainable commercial models that deliver better outcomes for clients and across the supply chain. Build UK’s benchmarking provides an important baseline against which progress can be measured as the industry evolves its commercial practices.”
UK Fencing Awards – Entries Extended!
There’s still time to enter the 2026 UK Fencing Industry Awards!
Due to popular demand, we’ve extended the entry deadline to give even more companies the opportunity to showcase their work and celebrate the achievements of the UK fencing industry.
Whether you’ve delivered an outstanding agricultural, domestic, industrial, security, sports, highways or temporary fencing project, developed an exceptional apprentice, or want to recognise an outstanding supplier or colleague, now is your chance.
Entry is completely free, and companies can submit as many entries as they wish across the categories.
This year’s awards take place on Thursday 12th November at Old Trafford, Manchester, with guest speaker Sir Geoff Hurst MBE, a champagne reception, three-course lunch and stadium tour.
If you’ve been meaning to enter but just haven’t found the time, now’s your opportunity.
Don’t miss your chance to be recognised amongst the very best in the fencing industry.
Submit your entries today
Autumn Best Practice Day – Book Your Place
Bookings are now open for the AFI & AFA Autumn Best Practice Day, taking place on Thursday 15th October at Northumberland College, Kirkley Hall.
This practical event is aimed at fencing contractors looking to develop their skills, share best practice and see the latest products and techniques in action.
The day will include live demonstrations, expert speakers, practical sessions and the opportunity to network with fellow contractors and suppliers from across the industry.
Tickets are just £15, including a welcoming breakfast roll, refreshments and lunch.
Trade stand opportunities are also available for companies wishing to showcase products and services to a highly engaged audience.
Whether you’re attending to learn, network or exhibit, we’d love to see you there.
Book your place today
Driving for Better Business – Seat Belts
Driving is for most people the most dangerous activity they can do.
We know that in the great majority of cases the causation of a road incident is driver performance – and drivers not wearing seat belts can of course massively change the outcome of an incident.
It’s fundamental that as an organisation and as a manager or owner that you are confident that your drivers know the important safety reasons as to why they should wear a seat belt, and their legal obligation.
Seat belts should be a mandatory fleet policy. Every driver should buckle up and be safe. It’s not just about being safe while driving – it’s a legal requirement. Failure to wear a seat belt could mean the driver may incur penalty points, and in the case of a serious incident, those consequences could also affect the company.
So how confident are you that your drivers are wearing their seat belts?
Download the free resources here
FenceX 2027 – Secure Your Stand
Planning is already well underway for FenceX 2027, and exhibitor bookings continue to come in.
Taking place on Thursday 23rd September 2027 at NAEC Stoneleigh, FenceX brings together contractors, merchants, manufacturers, specifiers and suppliers from across the fencing industry for one of the UK’s biggest dedicated fencing events.
Whether you’re launching new products, demonstrating equipment, building relationships or generating sales leads, FenceX offers an unrivalled opportunity to put your business in front of your target audience.
Indoor exhibition space is already proving popular, while our outdoor demonstration area once again offers companies the chance to showcase machinery, products and live installations.
Indoor stands can be secured with just a 10% deposit, helping you spread the cost over the coming months.
Find out more or reserve your stand today
Member Benefit Spotlight – Save 30% on British Standards
Did you know AFI members receive 30% discount on British Standards?
Keeping up to date with the latest standards is essential for delivering high-quality, compliant fencing installations.
Through AFI membership, you can access a wide range of British Standards covering fencing, health and safety, construction and related disciplines at a 30% discounted rate.
Whether you’re checking specifications for a project, tendering for work or ensuring your team is working to current industry standards, this member benefit could save your business hundreds of pounds each year.
If you haven’t taken advantage of this benefit yet, it’s well worth exploring.
Find out more by contacting the AFI office or visiting the Members Area.
Helping you get more from your AFI membership