Sector Slowdown and Collection Difficulty - January 2026 Construction Credit Management Update

Welcome to the first episode of 2026! Join host Emma Reilly, CEO of Top Service, Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Credit Management (CICM), and CICM Council Advisory Member, for an essential briefing on the financial health of the UK construction sector. In this episode, we break down recent economic shifts and provide actionable credit management strategies to help your business thrive in the new year. 📊 Construction Market Outlook The industry continues to face a complex landscape of slow growth and shifting demand. Output Trends:  According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), total construction output grew by a marginal  0.3%  in the three months to August 2025. Sector Slowdown:  Economists are identifying signs of a slowdown across residential building, civil engineering, and several commercial projects. Liquidity Challenges:  Simply put,  cash is tightening  and cash flow is slowing down across the supply chain. Collection Difficulty:  Businesses are reporting that collecting cash is becoming a significant challenge once again. 🛡️ Risk Management & Fraud Prevention Fraud remains a top-tier concern for credit managers. We highlight a critical case study demonstrating the power of construction-specific data. The £100,000 Save:  A recent review revealed that Top Service credit information contained crucial insights that, if checked in time, could have prevented nearly  £100,000 worth of goods  from being delivered without payment. Expert Support:  Our team investigates potential fraud and provides shared industry insights to reduce your risk and prevent bad debt. 🏆 Top Service News We are proud to announce that Top Service has been named a finalist in two categories at the upcoming British Credit Awards in February 2026: Supplier of the Year . Debt Recovery Team of the Year . This recognition highlights our team's tireless work to help members minimize debt and maximize cash. 🎄 Post-Festive Credit Tips As we move out of the holiday period, remember these credit management essentials: Last-Minute Orders:  Spike in demand often occurs in late December/January; always run updated credit checks before extending terms. Keep Cash Moving:  Follow our top tips for maintaining smooth cash flow during the busy transition into the new year. Connect with us: 📞  Call:  01527 583090  🌐  Web:   🔗  LinkedIn:  Search for "Top Service Limited" Keywords: Construction Industry Update 2026, Emma Reilly, Top Service, Credit Management, Cash Flow, British Credit Awards, Construction Fraud Prevention, Debt Recovery, UK Construction Statistics. Register for our newsletter for regular updates of events and webinars. https://www.top-service.co.uk/contact-us/ (newsletter link at bottom of page) To enquire about Top Service services for your Business, go to https://www.top-service.co.uk/contact-us/ Music by Purple PlanetRead transcript