Minimise Debt, Maximise Cash with Top Service

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Minimise Debt, Maximise Cash with Top Service is the must-listen podcast for credit management professionals in the construction industry. Hosted by Emma Reilly, the 2025 Credit Professional of the Year, this show dives deep into the real-world challenges of credit control and cash flow in construction — where margins are tight, timelines are critical, and debt can derail progress fast. Subscribe now and take the guesswork out of credit management — it’s time to minimise debt and maximise cash with confidence.

  1. 4D AGO

    March 2026 : Volume Down, Insolvencies Up - Construction Credit Management Update

    Welcome to the March 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—provides an essential briefing on the shifting economic landscape of the UK construction sector.  In This Episode: While official statistics suggest a slight decline in overall insolvencies, the reality "on the ground" remains incredibly challenging for credit teams. Emma breaks down the current trends and offers actionable advice to protect your business's cash flow. Market Reality Check: Why "Volume is Down and Insolvencies are Up" has become the defining phrase of 2026 so far. Sector Watch: An analysis of why construction remains the most affected sector in the UK, despite marginal improvements on paper. The "Forewarned is Forearmed" Strategy: How to utilize the Top Service member support team to investigate companies with no visible trading history. Early Escalation Success: A look at a recent case study where Top Service recovered over £50,000 (plus interest and compensation) in just eight hours while preserving the commercial relationship. Insider Intelligence: How our team gathers up-to-the-minute trading experiences to help you make more informed credit decisions. Top Tips for March 2026: Don't Stop at the Report: If a credit report lacks recent experience, call or email Top Service for an active investigation. Speed Matters: Early intervention is proving critical in avoiding significant business losses this year. Professional Recovery: Utilize skilled debt recovery services that prioritize maintaining your long-term business relationships. Connect with Top Service: LinkedIn: Search "Top Service Limited" YouTube: Watch the video version of this podcast on our official channel Web: 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 Planet This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Read transcript

    3 min

  2. FEB 23

    20 Years of Top Service: Career Insights & The #1 Credit Rule with Shelley Tatlow

    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) In this special anniversary episode, Emma Reilly sits down with Shelley Tatlow from the administration team to celebrate a significant milestone: 20 years at Top Service. Shelley reflects on her journey from a nervous new starter in a team of 15 to a key player in a company of over 50, sharing insights into the supportive culture that has kept her engaged for two decades. Beyond the personal journey, this episode delivers crucial advice for credit professionals based on years of frontline experience. In this episode, you will learn: The "Golden Rule" of Credit Control:  Shelley shares the one piece of advice she gives to every member— "Get the credit application form!" —and explains why this simple step is non-negotiable. Real-World Impact:  Hear how the team saved a customer thousands of pounds by spotting a fraudulent application that otherwise looked perfect. Company Culture & Growth:  Insights into how Top Service has evolved, and the importance of initiatives like the  Team Engagement Committee  and charity work (Isaac's Food Bank) in retaining staff. Career Development:  How a role can evolve over 20 years, from member support to administration, while balancing family life. Whether you are a credit manager looking to tighten your application process or a business leader interested in staff retention, this episode offers a heartwarming and practical perspective on the industry. Keywords: Credit Application Forms, Employee Retention, Fraud Prevention, Top Service, Team Culture, Construction Credit, Career Growth, Administration. Subscribe to Minimise Debt, Maximise Cash for your monthly construction credit update. To enquire about Top Service services for your Business, go to https://www.top-service.co.uk/contact-us/ Music by Purple Planet Read transcript

    9 min

  3. FEB 16

    5 Golden Rules for Credit Management with Simon Howell-Tarmac, Jade Owen-Perry, Luke Sculthorpe-CICM and Jonathan Ward-National Timber Group

    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) In this final installment of the "At the Coalface" series, Emma Reilly (Top Service CEO) and an expert panel wrap up their industry review with essential advice for every credit manager. We distill 47 years of combined experience into "5 Words to Live By"—bite-sized mantras to help you navigate risk and commercial pressure. Plus, Emma tackles the most frequently asked question in fraud prevention: "I've identified a fraudster... now who do I tell?" In this episode, you will discover: The Golden Rules: Simon Howell (Tarmac):  "Manage risk and stay commercial." Luke Sculthorpe (CICM):  "Prevent crisis, embed credit earlier." Jonathan Ward (National Timber Group):  "Know your customer, no substitutes." Jade Owen (Perry):  "Wrong decision for right reasons." Fraud Reporting Strategy:  Why sharing intelligence on platforms like Top Service and industry forums is the only way to stop serial fraudsters in their tracks. Market Summary:  A final recap on the state of the market—why insolvency values are dropping even if numbers are high, and why "credit searches" have spiked as teams monitor their supply chains more closely. Whether you are new to the industry or a veteran credit controller, this episode provides the strategic mindset and practical steps needed to protect your business in a volatile market. Featured Guests: Philip King  (Moderator) Simon Howell  (Tarmac) Jonathan Ward  (National Timber Group) Jade Owen  (Perry) Luke Sculthorpe  (CICM) Keywords: Credit Management Advice, Construction Fraud, Risk Management, CICM, Top Service, Commercial Credit, Insolvency Trends, Supply Chain Monitoring. Subscribe to Minimise Debt, Maximise Cash for your monthly construction credit update. To enquire about Top Service services for your Business, go to https://www.top-service.co.uk/contact-us/ Music by Purple Planet Read transcript

    8 min

  4. FEB 9

    Combatting Construction Fraud: Impersonation Scams & "Deep Fakes" with Simon Howell -Tarmac, Jonathan Ward-National Timber Group, Jade Owen-EHSmith and Luke Sculthorpre - CICM

    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) Fraud is evolving, and the construction industry is a primary target. In this episode of Minimise Debt, Maximise Cash, Top Service CEO Emma Reilly revisits the "At the Coalface" review to tackle the growing threat of fraudulent practices affecting suppliers and credit teams. Moderated by Philip King, this panel discussion features real-world insights from Simon Howell (Tarmac), Jonathan Ward (National Timber Group), Jade Owen (Perry), and Luke Sculthorpe (CICM) on how to spot and stop fraud before goods leave the yard. Key Fraud Tactics Discussed: Long-Firm Fraud:  How criminals set up businesses specifically to build creditworthiness over time before "busting out" with unpaid goods. Corporate Identity Theft (Impersonation):  The rising trend of fraudsters impersonating reputable companies (like Tarmac or EH Smith) to place orders. The "Deep Fake" Threat:  Luke Sculthorpe shares a chilling example of AI-driven deep fake video being used to impersonate a CEO and bypass accounts payable security. The "Juice" Tactic:  Simon Howell explains a specific case where builders' merchants were used as a front for fraudulent material orders, and how vigilance saved £50k. Preventative Strategies: The "Fraud Filter":  How to implement a checklist for new accounts to flag high-risk applications. Due Diligence Checks:  Why contacting the  originating depot  of a suspicious order can instantly verify if a buyer is legitimate. Customer Education:  How credit teams can educate depots and sales staff to spot the "too good to be true" orders. Whether you are a supplier, a builders' merchant, or a credit controller, this episode provides the tools you need to protect your business from sophisticated criminal attacks. Featured Guests: Philip King  (Moderator) Simon Howell  (Tarmac) Jonathan Ward  (National Timber Group) Jade Owen  (Perry) Luke Sculthorpe  (CICM) Keywords: Construction Fraud, Credit Risk, Impersonation Scams, Identity Theft, Deep Fakes, Supply Chain Security, Tarmac, National Timber Group, Top Service. Subscribe to Minimise Debt, Maximise Cash for your monthly construction credit update. To enquire about Top Service services for your Business, go to https://www.top-service.co.uk/contact-us/ Music by Purple Planet Read transcript

    14 min

  5. FEB 2

    The £1 Million Warning: How Early Credit Intelligence Saved Construction Firms - February 2026 Construction Credit Management Update

    As we move into 2026, the UK construction sector continues to operate in a uniquely challenging environment. Join Emma Reilly, CEO of Top Service and fellow of the Chartered Institute of Credit Management, as she breaks down the latest market intelligence and credit management strategies essential for protecting your business. In this episode, we analyze the shifting trends of late 2025—including subdued output driven by weaker demand across residential and commercial markets—and provide actionable insights to help you manage financial risk in the year ahead. Key Highlights from This Episode: The State of the Industry:  Why overall confidence remains cautious despite pockets of resilience within civil engineering. Insolvency Trends:  Understanding why construction accounts for nearly  16% to 17% of all UK corporate insolvencies , with a focus on the vulnerability of smaller and specialist subcontractors. Case Studies in Proactive Credit:  How early warnings helped members collect nearly  £1 million  from Corbin Construction and  £250,000  from Sheen Lane Developments prior to their collapse. Rising Fraud Alerts:  Why 2025 was described as one of the most challenging years on record for scams and fraud within the industry. 2026 Strategy:  Navigating the "perfect storm" of rising labor costs, material prices, and the risk of over-trading. Resources & Connect with Us: Don't let late payments and cashflow strain stall your growth. Ensure your credit processes are robust and proactive. LinkedIn:  Search for  Top Service Limited  to join the conversation and ask questions. YouTube:  Watch the video version of this podcast by searching for  Top Service Limited . Contact Us:  Reach out to the Top Service team today to explore how our specialist market intelligence can protect your cash flow. Subscribe now to stay ahead of credit risks and make 2026 a more secure and successful year! Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to the podcast and Emma Reilly, CEO of Top Service. 00:28 – 2026 UK construction sector outlook: Subdued output and cautious confidence. 00:53 – Analysis of 2025 insolvency levels: Why construction accounts for 16-17% of business failures 01:23 – Case Study 1: Corbin Construction—How early warnings saved £1 million in unpaid invoices 02:14 – Case Study 2: Sheen Lane Developments—Acting on risk indicators to recover £250,000. 02:54 – Fraud and Scams: Identifying the rise in industry-wide threats throughout 2025. 03:37 – Facing the "Perfect Storm": Managing labor costs, material prices, and over-trading risks in 2026. 04:08 – Closing thoughts and how to contact Top Service for market intelligence. 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 Planet This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Read transcript

    5 min

  6. JAN 26

    Construction Debt Collection with Jade Owen - Perry, Simon Howell-Tarmac and Luke Sculthorpe-CICM

    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) In this episode of Minimise Debt, Maximise Cash, Top Service CEO Emma Reilly continues the "At the Coalface" review, focusing on the critical art of managing collections in a volatile economic climate. Moderated by Philip King, this expert panel discusses why collecting cash has become harder not just due to economics, but due to shifting industry sentiment. Key Strategies Discussed: Insolvency Trends:   Jade Owen  (Perry) shares an update on the current landscape, noting that while massive failures are quiet, smaller insolvencies and stalled jobs are driving an increase in payment plans. The "Sentiment" Factor:   Simon Howell  (Tarmac) argues that macroeconomic uncertainty (like tariffs) affects market sentiment, making collections tougher even when strategies remain robust. Soft Skills are Key:   Luke Sculthorpe  (CICM) explains why training credit teams in "soft skills" and commercial nuance is more effective than rigid data reliance alone. "People Pay People":   Jonathan Ward  (National Timber Group) and  Jade Owen  reveal their top tactic: building strong relationships so you are the "first person they are willing to part with money for." Whether you are dealing with stalled projects or trying to navigate internal pressure from sales teams, this episode offers actionable advice on relationship-building and process discipline. Featured Guests: Philip King  (Moderator) Jade Owen  (Perry) Simon Howell  (Tarmac) Jonathan Ward  (National Timber Group) Luke Sculthorpe  (CICM) Keywords: Debt Collection, Construction Finance, Credit Control, Soft Skills, Insolvency, Cash Flow Management, Tarmac, National Timber Group, CICM. Subscribe to Minimise Debt, Maximise Cash for your monthly construction credit update. To enquire about Top Service services for your Business, go to https://www.top-service.co.uk/contact-us/ Music by Purple Planet Read transcript

    9 min

  7. JAN 19

    Handling Pressure to Provide Credit with Jonathan Ward-National Timber Group,Simon Howell-Tarmac and Luke Sculthorpe-CICM

    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) In this episode of Minimise Debt, Maximise Cash, Top Service CEO Emma Riley takes us back to the "At the Coalface" seminar for a critical discussion on the internal and external pressures facing credit teams in the construction industry today. Moderated by Philip King, this panel features candid insights from Jonathan Ward (National Timber Group), Simon Howell (Tarmac), and Luke Sculthorpe (CICM) on how to navigate the delicate balance between enabling sales and protecting cash flow. Key Topics Covered: The "Yes" Mentality:  Jonathan Ward explains why the goal is always to find a way to say "yes" to credit, but why transparency with sales teams regarding the  logic  behind a refusal is crucial for reducing internal friction. Combatting Spurious Disputes:  Simon Howell highlights a worrying increase in "spurious disputes"—last-minute complaints about material quality or price used purely as a tactic to delay payment. Learn why speed and accuracy are your best defense. Early Intervention in Contracts:  Luke Sculthorpe discusses why credit teams must be involved at the  start  of the tender process, not the end, to avoid locked-in liability caps and poor payment terms. Whether you are battling internal pressure to approve risky accounts or fighting off delayed payments disguised as disputes, this episode provides actionable strategies to maintain control. Featured Guests: Philip King  (Moderator) Jonathan Ward  (National Timber Group) Simon Howell  (Tarmac) Luke Sculthorpe  (CICM) Keywords: Credit Risk Management, Construction Finance, Debt Recovery, Spurious Disputes, CICM, Sales vs Credit, Cash Flow Forecasting, Tarmac, National Timber Group. Subscribe to Minimise Debt, Maximise Cash for your monthly construction credit update. To enquire about Top Service services for your Business, go to https://www.top-service.co.uk/contact-us/ Music by Purple Planet Read transcript

    7 min

  8. JAN 12

    Construction Contracts and Payment Terms with Jonathan Ward and Simon Howell

    Episode Notes 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) Kick off 2026 with critical insights into the current state of construction contracts and credit management. In this episode of Minimise Debt, Maximise Cash, Top Service CEO Emma Riley (FCICM) revisits key discussions from the "At the Coalface" industry review to help you protect your bottom line this year. We feature an expert panel discussion led by Philip King, with Jonathan Ward (National Timber Company) and Simon Howell (Tarmac), revealing the gritty reality of drawing up contracts in today's economic climate. In this episode, you will learn: The Reality of Contract Negotiations:  Why parties are becoming more "entrenched" and why standard contracts are increasingly rare without legal intervention. Retention Payment Trends:  How tight margins are driving a demand for retentions, and why suppliers are struggling to resist them. Battle for Payment Terms:  Why "terms of trade" remain the biggest area of contention, with the private sector pushing for longer payment windows compared to government contracts. The Procurement Act's Impact:  A look at whether government payment charters (30 days) are actually influencing behavior in the commercial sector. Whether you are a credit manager, supplier, or contractor, this episode provides the strategic foresight needed to handle tough negotiations and secure your cash flow in 2026. Featured Guests: Philip King Jonathan Ward  (National Timber Company) Simon Howell  (Tarmac) Keywords: Construction Law, Credit Management, Debt Recovery, CICM, Top Service, Construction Contracts, Cash Flow, Retention Payments, Supply Chain Finance. Subscribe to Minimise Debt, Maximise Cash for your monthly construction credit update. To enquire about Top Service services for your Business, go to https://www.top-service.co.uk/contact-us/ Music by Purple Planet Read transcript

    6 min
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Minimise Debt, Maximise Cash with Top Service is the must-listen podcast for credit management professionals in the construction industry. Hosted by Emma Reilly, the 2025 Credit Professional of the Year, this show dives deep into the real-world challenges of credit control and cash flow in construction — where margins are tight, timelines are critical, and debt can derail progress fast. Subscribe now and take the guesswork out of credit management — it’s time to minimise debt and maximise cash with confidence.

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