Greendale Construction Represented at the CIOB Chartered Company and Client Forum 2026
Greendale Construction Director, Rob Hooker, and Pre-Construction Manager, John Walker, attended the CIOB Chartered Company and Client Forum 2026 at the Royal College of Surgeons, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, on Thursday 24th September, where Rob had been invited to join the panel on a discussion around the Fair Payment Code.
Fair Payment, Policy Reform, and the Future of Construction Supply Chains
Payment practices have become one of the most significant business governance issues facing the UK construction sector. The Construction Industry historically relies on long, complex supply chains involving clients, developers, contractors, subcontractors, specialist consultants, architects, engineers, and SMEs. Poor payment practices can create serious cash flow pressures throughout the chain, increasing insolvency risks and reducing investment, innovation, and productivity. Construction consistently experiences higher insolvency rates than many other sectors, with late payment widely recognised as a contributing factor.
Government policy is increasingly focused on creating a fairer payment culture because SMEs form the backbone of the UK’s construction and built environment ecosystem.
What Is the Fair Payment Code? Legislation to Help the Construction Industry
The Fair Payment Code is a tiered system of Awards aimed at driving best practice and improving payment performance.
- The Fair Payment Code has Gold, Silver and Bronze Award categories underpinned by fair payment principles.
- There are no charges associated with being part of the Fair Payment Code.
The UK Government-backed Fair Payment Code encourages businesses across the UK to pay fairly and quickly. Businesses apply for the Award tier which best suits them: Gold, Silver or Bronze.
The Fair Payment Awards Explained: Gold, Silver and Bronze
- Gold Award: For firms paying at least 95% of all invoices within 30 days
- Silver Award: For firms paying at least 95% of all invoices within 60 days, including at least 95% of invoices to small businesses within 30 days
- Bronze Award: For firms paying at least 95% of all invoices within 60 days
In addition, every business granted an award agrees to abide by the Code’s principles of being Clear, Fair and Collaborative with their suppliers. Since launching in December 2024, over 450 businesses of all sizes and across a huge range of industries have become Code Awardees.
The Fair Payment Code Awards run for two years, and every business needs to re-apply for their Award at the end of each two-year period. The best time to apply is between September and December to ensure a full two years, but applications are accepted throughout the year.
There is a robust complaint system in place for businesses to highlight Awardees that are not meeting the requirements of their Award category (Gold, Silver or Bronze) or not following the principles of the Code. The Fair Payment Code is administered by the Office of the Small Business Commissioner on behalf of the UK Government, and has replaced the Prompt Payment Code.
Networking and Key Discussion Topics at the CIOB Client Forum
Rob and John had a fulfilling day with excellent networking opportunities, meeting up with the hard-working CIOB staff and other attendees at the Client Forum event.
Topics at the CIOB Client Forum included:
- Business Resilience
- Commercial Payment Bill
- Fair Payment Code
Rob Hooker on Championing Fairer Payment Terms for SMEs
Rob Hooker commented: “I was honoured to be on a panel chaired by Ayo Allu, FCIOB, CIOB Chair of the Client Steering Group, doing our bit for SMEs and getting long drawn out payment terms banned by law with enforcement of interest charges on late payers. Also a move to remove retention clauses from contracts, which would be a relief for many SMEs in our industry. This legislation will aid all aspects of our business at Greendale Construction.”
