June 2026 Construction Industry Update - Beware the Trump Factor

Welcome to the June 2026 edition of the Minimize Debt, Maximize Cash podcast. Host Emma Reilly—Top Service CEO, Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Credit Management (CICM), and CICM Council Advisory Member—delivers a critical briefing on the immediate external pressures currently shifting the UK construction landscape.While previous updates focused on long-term structural changes, June 2026 brings a "fresh wave of challenges" that demand immediate agility from credit teams. Emma breaks down the "Trump Factor," fuel instability, and the rising burden of late payment debt.The Trump Factor: Discover how recent and anticipated actions from the US are creating a ripple effect of uncertainty in global trade and pricing.Energy & Fuel Instability: Current fluctuations in fuel costs are putting immediate pressure on logistics-heavy construction firms, further squeezing razor-thin margins.The £26 Billion Debt Burden: UK SMEs are currently carrying record levels of late payment debt, with construction firms bearing the heaviest part of this burden.Payment Performance Stats: Emma shares alarming new data showing that 76% of private sector clients and 49% of public sector clients are now exceeding 30-day payment terms.Don't Wait for 60 Days: Emma advises shaking up normal processes—don't wait for the 60-day mark to act on overdue accounts.Lead with "Boots on the Ground" Data: Move away from outdated credit reports and utilize real-time trading experiences to lead your credit control.Managing the Admin Spike: As firms implement surcharges to offset rising costs, expect a spike in invoice queries. Emma explains how Top Service helps ensure that while your workload increases, your aged debt does not.Connect with Top Service:LinkedIn: Search "Top Service Limited"Web: www.top-service.co.uk