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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.

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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