Build UK is planning on adding data on retentions to its existing payment performance database. Those at the top of the list may find themselves under scrutiny.
Since the government introduced the Reporting on Payment Practices and Performance Regulations 2017, Build UK has published data on performance through the construction supply chain – as a benchmarking service. While some Build UK members were against this initiative at the start (and resigned their membership because of it), most recognised the value. The result of the exposure has been an improvement in payment practices and processes across the construction industry.
The information is all available on a government website anyway but only Build UK provides a ranking system for construction companies.
This year has seen retentions data added to the mix. The Reporting on Payment Practices and Performance (Amendment) Regulations 2025 came into force in March this year, with an additional requirement for qualifying organisations to disclose information about how they operate retention provisions in construction contracts with their suppliers.

Company accounts filed for financial years beginning on or after 1st April 2025 will therefore show what retention monies companies are sitting on.
The regulations apply to companies with a turnover of more than £54m, a balance sheet of more than £27m or more than 250 employees.
As the data become available in the year ahead, Build UK will include this information in the Construction Sector Payment Performance section of its website.
Hear Build UK chief executive Suzannah Nichol discuss this, and much more (including how the Covid-19 site operating procedures were written), on Episode 182 of the Re:Construction podcast.
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