In the Quantity Surveying industry, time is money—but what happens when the money doesn’t come on time?

Late payments are a chronic issue plaguing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), especially in construction, where cash flow is the lifeline of every project. While large firms may have the financial cushion to absorb payment delays, smaller contractors, subcontractors, and consultants often operate on tighter margins. For them, one missed payment can mean the difference between staying afloat or sinking under the weight of unpaid invoices and ongoing commitments.

At Gray Quantity Surveyors, we’ve worked with countless SMEs across the UK and Ireland and witnessed first-hand how late payments silently erode business sustainability, worker morale, and overall industry trust.

You can do everything right.

You set clear payment terms.

You submit detailed and accurate invoices.

You follow up politely and professionally.

Still, the payment doesn’t arrive.

This isn’t just inconvenient—it’s potentially devastating.

•Pay suppliers and subcontractors: Delays upstream cause delays downstream. When a principal contractor doesn’t receive payment, they can’t pay the tradespeople, plant hire companies, or material suppliers. It causes a domino effect that disrupts entire supply chains.

•Meet payroll and operational expenses: Employees and overhead costs don’t wait. Late payments strain the ability to manage weekly or monthly wage bills, insurance premiums, rent, utilities, and taxes.

•Pursue new work with confidence: Without a steady cash flow, small businesses may shy away from bidding on new projects or scaling up operations. They become risk-averse out of necessity—not strategy.

Cash flow is not just a matter of finance—it’s a matter of survival.

In a recent LinkedIn poll we ran, a staggering 82% of respondents said they experience late payments regularly or always. That means 4 out of every 5 businesses are operating in a cash flow crisis mode, trying to deliver quality work while chasing money that is rightfully theirs.

This result isn’t just alarming—it’s unacceptable.

The Quantity Surveying industry already faces enough uncertainty in terms of material costs, labour shortages, and regulatory changes. Add delayed payments to the mix, and it’s easy to see why so many small firms struggle to survive past their first few years.

It starts with awareness and accountability.

1.Fair and Clear Contracts

Ensure payment schedules are clearly stated in contracts. If you’re subcontracting, don’t be afraid to push back on unreasonable terms.

2.Strict Enforcement

Use tools like project bank accounts and the Construction Act provisions to demand fair payment. Know your rights.

3.Transparent Communication

Maintain a clear line of communication with clients and main contractors. Document everything. Follow up politely but firmly.

4.Industry Advocacy

Support initiatives and organisations that advocate for prompt payments. The more unified the industry is, the more leverage we gain.

5.Public Accountability

Platforms like LinkedIn give SMEs a voice. By sharing your experiences, you encourage transparency and collective pressure on slow payers.

At Gray Quantity Surveyors, we believe no one should have to chase payments for work that’s already been delivered. We’re committed to championing fair payment practices and supporting the small businesses that keep this industry moving.

Have you been affected by late payments?

Together, let’s shine a light on an issue that too often goes ignored—and let’s make it clear that late payments aren’t just bad business. They’re a silent killer of the construction industry’s future.