Payment league table

How quickly UK contractors and housebuilders pay

From the payment practices reports large companies must file with the government every six months. Shown for every company on Construction Rating with a report from the last 18 months.

Companies in the table
122
Middle average (median)
31 days
Pay in 30 days or less on average
57 of 122
Hold retentions
98 of 113
Share
Read these figures with care. They cover every invoice a company pays: materials suppliers, plant hire, consultants and utilities as well as subcontractors. An average of 30 days doesn't mean every subcontractor is paid in 30 days. The share not paid to agreed terms, and your own experience, often tell you more. To see how much each company makes, see the profit league table.
How quickly they pay

Average days to pay, 122 companies. The middle contractor takes 31 days; the middle housebuilder 32.

Average days to payCompanies
5 to 92
15 to 197
20 to 2415
25 to 2924
30 to 3434
35 to 3919
40 to 443
45 to 499
50 to 544
55 to 592
65 to 693

Latest payment practices report for each company, Check Payment Practices (GOV.UK).

Most improved since their last report

Days cut from the average time to pay, against the company's previous six-month report.

CompanyDays fasterNow
QTS Group1624
M Group Highways1415
Heron Bros.1215
Watkin Jones & Sons1046
J McCann & Co832
Luddon Construction738
J. Reddington731
Stepnell633

Payment practices reports, Check Payment Practices (GOV.UK).

#CompanyAverage days to payPaid in 30 days31 to 60 daysOver 60 daysNot paid to agreed termsChangePeriod
1Bennett Construction (London)Fair Payment Code Bronze596%2%2%4%+1 daysOct 2025 to Mar 2026
2Hercules PLC696%3%1%2%-2 daysOct 2025 to Mar 2026
3M Group Highways1595%3%2%11%-14 daysOct 2025 to Mar 2026
4Heron Bros.1587%12%1%4%-12 daysMar 2026 to Aug 2026
5J Murphy & Sons Ltd1785%11%4%4%+3 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
6Morgan Lovell PLC1786%10%4%8%sameJan 2026 to Jun 2026
7Lendlease Europe1996%4%0%0%sameOct 2025 to Mar 2026
8BDL Group1949%42%9%1%+14 daysOct 2025 to Mar 2026
9Overbury PLC1981%17%2%4%sameJan 2026 to Jun 2026
10Abbey Developments2090%4%6%0%-3 daysNov 2025 to Apr 2026
11Van Oord UKFair Payment Code Bronze2089%8%3%0%+1 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
12Laing O'RourkeFiled by Laing O'Rourke Construction Limited2169%28%3%22%-4 daysOct 2025 to Mar 2026
13Beard ConstructionFair Payment Code Bronze2187%10%3%7%-2 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
14Galliford TRY InfrastructureFair Payment Code Bronze2168%29%3%8%-2 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
15Redrow Homes2187%11%2%7%sameJan 2025 to Jun 2025
16Strabag UKFair Payment Code Bronze2180%15%5%20%-1 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
17Matthew Homes2181%17%2%3%sameNov 2025 to Apr 2026
18Colas RailFair Payment Code Bronze2292%6%2%12%-3 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
19Bouygues (U.K.) LtdFair Payment Code Bronze2377%20%3%16%+1 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
20Skanska UK Plc2384%14%2%10%+1 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
21Fairview HoldingsFiled by Fairview Estates (Housing) Limited2482%15%3%38%+2 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
22Morgan SindallFiled by Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure Ltd2473%26%1%3%+1 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
23QTS Group2447%50%3%23%-16 daysApr 2026 to Sept 2026
24John Sisk & Son LtdFair Payment Code Silver2485%12%3%11%+3 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
25Costain Group PlcFiled by Costain Limited2578%19%3%18%+5 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
26Nevada Construction2573%26%1%5%-2 daysApr 2026 to Sept 2026
27Persimmon2669%26%5%48%+5 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
28George Leslie2679%17%4%17%-2 daysOct 2025 to Mar 2026
29Stonebridge Homes2663%33%4%11%Jan 2026 to Jun 2026
30F M ConwayFair Payment Code Silver2674%24%2%10%sameJan 2026 to Jun 2026
31Beech Grove Homes2775%20%5%28%sameOct 2025 to Mar 2026
32Jones Bros2756%40%4%27%+3 daysOct 2025 to Mar 2026
33Sir Robert McAlpine2773%21%6%5%sameNov 2025 to Apr 2026
34Allenbuild2785%12%3%8%sameOct 2025 to Mar 2026
35Mount AnvilFair Payment Code Bronze2780%15%5%5%sameOct 2025 to Mar 2026
36FP McCann2758%38%4%2%-2 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
37Volkerrail2763%35%2%3%+1 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
38Bam Nuttall LtdFair Payment Code Bronze2775%20%5%18%-1 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
39Willmott Dixon Holdings LtdFiled by Willmott Dixon Construction Limited2860%39%1%8%-2 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
40Aster Homes2883%8%9%52%+5 daysOct 2025 to Mar 2026
41Bowmer & Kirkland Ltd2884%12%4%12%+1 daysMar 2026 to Aug 2026
42Carnell Support ServicesFair Payment Code Bronze2871%26%3%34%sameOct 2025 to Mar 2026
43Hopkins Homes2867%30%3%30%-2 daysOct 2025 to Mar 2026
44Durkan2837%58%5%5%+4 daysDec 2025 to May 2026
45Lovell Partnerships2963%34%3%8%sameJan 2026 to Jun 2026
46Caddick Group PlcFiled by Caddick Construction Limited2917%74%9%0%+5 daysSept 2025 to Feb 2026
47Bam Construct UK Ltd2979%19%2%17%-3 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
48Telford Homes2970%26%4%1%sameJan 2026 to Jun 2026
49Anwyl GroupFiled by Anwyl Construction Company Limited3029%70%1%39%+1 daysJul 2025 to Dec 2025
50Barratt Redrow3067%28%5%28%sameJan 2026 to Jun 2026
51Hill Partnerships Ltd3056%44%0%2%+2 daysJul 2025 to Dec 2025
52Multiplex Construction Europe LtdFair Payment Code Bronze3072%23%5%21%+4 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
53Mace3071%19%10%25%+6 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
54Neilcott ConstructionFair Payment Code Bronze3098%1%1%0%sameJan 2026 to Jun 2026
55Gilbert-Ash3059%38%3%1%+2 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
56Tarmac3063%20%17%17%-3 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
57Tilbury Douglas Construction LtdFair Payment Code Silver3074%25%1%8%-2 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
58VINCI Construction UKFiled by VINCI Construction UK Limited3163%24%13%55%-4 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
59Seddon Group LtdFiled by Seddon Construction Limited3163%36%1%8%sameJan 2026 to Jun 2026
60E.g.carter & Company3153%44%3%3%-1 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
61Taylor WimpeyFiled by Taylor Wimpey UK Limited3154%43%3%9%sameJan 2026 to Jun 2026
62Kier GroupFiled by Kier Construction Limited3145%52%3%16%-1 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
63Feltham ConstructionFair Payment Code Bronze3152%46%2%10%+3 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
64J. Reddington3166%12%22%14%-7 daysNov 2025 to Apr 2026
65Tilia Homes3172%23%5%20%+1 daysOct 2025 to Mar 2026
66Bewley Homes3271%24%5%0%+5 daysOct 2025 to Mar 2026
67Glencar Construction3254%42%4%17%+1 daysOct 2025 to Mar 2026
68Henry Brothers3264%33%3%4%-1 daysOct 2025 to Mar 2026
69J McCann & Co3246%51%3%28%-8 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
70Colas3267%30%3%19%-2 daysJul 2026 to Dec 2026
71McLaughlin & Harvey LtdFair Payment Code Bronze3251%46%3%15%+1 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
72BellwayFiled by Bellway Homes Limited3356%41%3%20%sameFeb 2026 to Jul 2026
73Croudace Homes3352%42%6%25%-3 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
74Newland Homes3372%26%2%38%sameJan 2026 to Jun 2026
75Russells3324%75%1%3%-1 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
76R.G. Carter ConstructionFair Payment Code Bronze3351%46%3%11%sameJan 2026 to Jun 2026
77StepnellFair Payment Code Bronze3355%42%3%4%-6 daysOct 2025 to Mar 2026
78Reds10 (UK)Fair Payment Code Bronze3344%54%2%2%sameOct 2025 to Mar 2026
79Winvic Group LtdFiled by Winvic Construction Limited3351%42%7%8%sameFeb 2026 to Jul 2026
80Wates GroupFiled by Wates Construction Limited3464%35%1%11%-1 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
81Balfour Beatty PLCFiled by Balfour Beatty Group Limited3472%25%3%10%-1 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
82Speller MetcalfeFiled by Speller Metcalfe Malvern Limited3444%55%1%4%sameOct 2025 to Mar 2026
838BUILD3591%2%7%7%Apr 2025 to Mar 2026
84J.N. BentleyFair Payment Code Silver3539%58%3%7%sameJan 2026 to Jun 2026
85Story Homes3544%52%4%3%-3 daysOct 2025 to Mar 2026
86John Graham Holdings LtdFiled by John Graham Construction Limited3540%56%4%4%-3 daysOct 2025 to Mar 2026
87Churchill Retirement3649%45%6%32%-1 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
88William Davis3646%51%3%11%-4 daysDec 2025 to May 2026
89Rowland Homes3753%21%26%5%+2 daysMar 2026 to Aug 2026
90Lindum GroupFair Payment Code Bronze3723%73%4%5%sameDec 2025 to May 2026
91Sacyr UKFair Payment Code Bronze3759%35%6%24%Jan 2026 to Jun 2026
92Barnwood LimitedFair Payment Code Bronze3740%57%3%10%+1 daysJul 2025 to Dec 2025
93Equans3868%19%13%9%+8 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
94Luddon Construction3838%56%6%15%-7 daysMar 2026 to Aug 2026
95S.D.C. Builders3833%63%4%7%-2 daysOct 2025 to Mar 2026
96Keller Group plcFiled by Keller Limited3842%53%5%34%-2 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
97Clancy Docwra3934%57%9%9%+2 daysOct 2025 to Mar 2026
98Clipfine3944%43%13%0%+1 daysDec 2025 to May 2026
99Farrans3936%52%12%36%+2 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
100Toppesfield3958%31%11%1%-3 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
101Crest Nicholson3938%55%7%64%+3 daysNov 2025 to Apr 2026
102Miller Homes4143%43%14%26%-1 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
103Clark Contracts4224%73%3%13%-1 daysNov 2025 to Apr 2026
104MJL Contractors4455%34%11%4%+2 daysOct 2025 to Mar 2026
105Keltbray Group Ltd4552%40%8%8%+8 daysNov 2025 to Apr 2026
106Keepmoat Homes4531%39%30%29%sameMay 2025 to Oct 2025
107CCG (Scotland)4635%50%15%8%+7 daysOct 2025 to Mar 2026
108M J Church (Plant)4623%55%22%80%+7 daysOct 2025 to Mar 2026
109Watkin Jones & Sons4632%53%15%10%-10 daysOct 2025 to Mar 2026
110Bovis Homes4725%55%20%58%+6 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
111Bancon Homes484%72%24%12%+14 daysOct 2025 to Mar 2026
112Trant Engineering4847%46%7%11%sameJan 2026 to Jun 2026
113Gallagher4919%63%18%14%+4 daysOct 2025 to Mar 2026
114Countryside Properties5221%55%24%64%+6 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
115Avant HomesFiled by Avant Homes (England) Limited5220%55%25%14%+1 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
116Fortel Services5314%58%28%26%-4 daysOct 2025 to Mar 2026
117Barhale5411%59%30%27%-1 daysJan 2026 to Jun 2026
118Midgard Ltd5728%22%50%30%sameNov 2025 to Apr 2026
119M.V. Kelly588%46%46%4%sameDec 2025 to May 2026
120Van Elle6513%45%42%10%+6 daysNov 2025 to Apr 2026
121Weston GroupFiled by Weston Homes PLC6617%43%40%74%+12 daysFeb 2026 to Jul 2026
122Mears Group Plc692%18%80%0%sameJan 2026 to Jun 2026
Companies we list without a recent payment report (55)
Only larger companies have to report. Since 6 April 2025 that means exceeding two of these on the last two balance sheet dates: £54m turnover, £27m balance sheet total, 250 employees. Many groups report through one trading company.
  • Amey PLCNo report found. Most likely under the size thresholds, or it reports through another company in its group.
  • Andrew ScottNo report found. Most likely under the size thresholds, or it reports through another company in its group.
  • Ardmore Construction LtdLatest report is more than 18 months old (Oct 2021 to Mar 2022).
  • B E C T Building Contractors LtdNo report found. Most likely under the size thresholds, or it reports through another company in its group.
  • Berkeley GroupNo report found. Most likely under the size thresholds, or it reports through another company in its group.
  • Bloor HomesLatest report is more than 18 months old (Jul 2024 to Dec 2024).
  • Borras ConstructionLatest report is more than 18 months old (Jul 2024 to Dec 2024).
  • Bray & Slaughter LtdNo report found. Most likely under the size thresholds, or it reports through another company in its group.
  • Brenig ConstructionTurnover £12.0m in its latest accounts, under the £54m threshold, so it probably doesn't have to report.
  • Bugler DevelopmentsNo report found. Most likely under the size thresholds, or it reports through another company in its group.
  • Cala HomesOver the size thresholds, but no report found under this company. It may report through another company in its group.
  • Carey Group LtdNo report found. Most likely under the size thresholds, or it reports through another company in its group.
  • Carter Lauren ConstructionBelow the size thresholds (turnover £47.8m, 103 staff in its latest accounts), so it doesn't have to report.
  • City & CountryNo report found. Most likely under the size thresholds, or it reports through another company in its group.
  • EcoWorld LondonBelow the size thresholds (turnover £8.7m, 29 staff in its latest accounts), so it doesn't have to report.
  • Emerson DevelopmentsOver the size thresholds, but no report found under this company. It may report through another company in its group.
  • Encon ConstructionBelow the size thresholds (turnover £20.3m, 43 staff in its latest accounts), so it doesn't have to report.
  • Galliard HomesNo report found. Most likely under the size thresholds, or it reports through another company in its group.
  • Glenman Corporation LtdNo report found. Most likely under the size thresholds, or it reports through another company in its group.
  • Hale Construction / JG HaleBelow the size thresholds (turnover £44.7m, 74 staff in its latest accounts), so it doesn't have to report.
  • Harron HomesLatest report is more than 18 months old (Jan 2019 to Jun 2019).
  • Higgins GroupLatest report is more than 18 months old (Feb 2023 to Jul 2023).
  • Hill HoldingsLatest report is more than 18 months old (Jan 2018 to Jun 2018).
  • Homeserve PlcOver the size thresholds, but no report found under this company. It may report through another company in its group.
  • ISG LtdNo report found. Most likely under the size thresholds, or it reports through another company in its group.
  • John Weaver ContractorsBelow the size thresholds (turnover £25.2m, 75 staff in its latest accounts), so it doesn't have to report.
  • LCB ConstructionOver the size thresholds, but no report found under this company. It may report through another company in its group.
  • London SquareOver the size thresholds, but no report found under this company. It may report through another company in its group.
  • M GroupNo report found. Most likely under the size thresholds, or it reports through another company in its group.
  • McCarthy StoneNo report found. Most likely under the size thresholds, or it reports through another company in its group.
  • McLaren Construction Group PlcOver the size thresholds, but no report found under this company. It may report through another company in its group.
  • MJ Gleeson GroupOver the size thresholds, but no report found under this company. It may report through another company in its group.
  • Morganstone LtdNo report found. Most likely under the size thresholds, or it reports through another company in its group.
  • Morris HomesNo report found. Most likely under the size thresholds, or it reports through another company in its group.
  • Mulalley & CoLatest report is more than 18 months old (Oct 2024 to Mar 2025).
  • Ocu GroupNo report found. Most likely under the size thresholds, or it reports through another company in its group.
  • P&P BuildersBelow the size thresholds (turnover £14.6m, 84 staff in its latest accounts), so it doesn't have to report.
  • PA Contract Services LtdNo report found. Most likely under the size thresholds, or it reports through another company in its group.
  • Red Construction GroupNo report found. Most likely under the size thresholds, or it reports through another company in its group.
  • Renew Holdings PlcOver the size thresholds, but no report found under this company. It may report through another company in its group.
  • Robertson GroupOver the size thresholds, but no report found under this company. It may report through another company in its group.
  • Springfield PropertiesLatest report is more than 18 months old (Jun 2021 to Nov 2021).
  • St Modwen HomesLatest report is more than 18 months old (Jan 2024 to Jun 2024).
  • Strata HomesNo report found. Most likely under the size thresholds, or it reports through another company in its group.
  • Sweet ProjectsNo report found. Most likely under the size thresholds, or it reports through another company in its group.
  • T & B (Contractors)Latest report is more than 18 months old (Jul 2024 to Dec 2024).
  • Tide Construction LimitedLatest report is more than 18 months old (Mar 2021 to Aug 2021).
  • Toureen GroupNo report found. Most likely under the size thresholds, or it reports through another company in its group.
  • United LivingOver the size thresholds, but no report found under this company. It may report through another company in its group.
  • Vaughan Construction LtdNo report found. Most likely under the size thresholds, or it reports through another company in its group.
  • Vistry GroupLatest report is more than 18 months old (Jan 2023 to Jun 2023).
  • VolkerWessels UK LtdOver the size thresholds, but no report found under this company. It may report through another company in its group.
  • Wain GroupOver the size thresholds, but no report found under this company. It may report through another company in its group.
  • Willis Construction LtdBelow the size thresholds (turnover £19.6m, 56 staff in its latest accounts), so it doesn't have to report.
  • Wynne ConstructionNo report found. Most likely under the size thresholds, or it reports through another company in its group.

How the table works

Every row is one company's latest payment practices report, the return large UK companies must file with the government every six months. It shows the average number of days the company took to pay its suppliers, the share of invoices it paid within 30 days, in 31 to 60 days and after 60 days, and the share it didn't pay within the terms it agreed. The change column compares the average with the company's previous report, so you can see who is getting faster or slower. Sort by any column, filter to contractors, housebuilders or Fair Payment Code holders, or search for a name. The retentions tab shows who holds retentions, at what rate and on what terms.

Fastest payers

The fastest payers in the latest reports are Bennett Construction (London) (5 days), Hercules PLC (6 days) and M Group Highways (15 days). Across all 122 companies, the middle average is 31 days and 57 pay in 30 days or less on average. Fast payment usually means a company has the cash and the processes to pay on time, which is worth knowing before you price a package. Use the "Contractors" or "Housebuilders and developers" filter above to see the fastest of each.

Slowest payers

To see the slowest payers, sort the table by "Slowest average", or by "Fewest paid late" in reverse to find the companies that pay the most invoices outside their agreed terms. Read a slow average with care: these reports cover every supplier, including utilities and materials, and a long average can reflect long agreed terms rather than late payment. The share not paid to agreed terms, and how it has moved since the previous report, says more about whether a company keeps its word. A rising share of invoices paid late often came before the failures in our register.

Method and sources

The figures come from the government's Check Payment Practices service. We include a company's report if its period ended in the last 18 months; older reports are listed separately with the reason. Where a group reports through its main trading company, that company's report is shown, and the report link on each row opens the original. Retentions come from the construction section added to the reports in 2025, which 113 of the companies have filed so far. Company pages show every report each company has filed since 2017 as a chart.

Questions

How quickly do UK main contractors pay their suppliers?
The middle company in our table takes 31 days on average, from the latest government payment reports of 122 contractors and housebuilders. 57 pay in 30 days or less on average.
Where does the payment data come from?
From the payment practices reports large UK companies and LLPs must file every six months under the Reporting on Payment Practices and Performance Regulations, published on the government's Check Payment Practices service.
Why isn't a company in the table?
Only larger companies have to report: those over two of £54m turnover, £27m balance sheet total and 250 staff. Some groups report through one trading company, and a few reports are more than 18 months old. The list below the table gives the reason for each company we list without a report.
Does a good average mean subcontractors are paid on time?
Not always. The average covers every invoice the company pays, not only subcontractors. Check the share of invoices not paid to agreed terms, and how it has changed since the previous report.

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Source: payment practices reports published on GOV.UK (Check when businesses pay invoices), reused under the Open Government Licence. Each figure links to the report. Where a group reports through its main trading company, that company's report is used and named. Size figures for companies without a report come from their latest accounts at Companies House.

Percentages are shares of invoices paid in each period, as reported. Companies are added to Construction Rating every week, so the table grows. Missing a company? Request it. How we use this data: How CR Signals work.