ICSM Construction Business Insolvency News: traders left chasing non-payment by developer who resorts to a ‘counterclaims’ threat
By Harry Mottram: Contractors working for a developer in Castle Cary in Somerset haven’t been paid. It’s an everyday story of a firm delaying or not paying their supplier and is not unique but all too common across all business sectors. This case caught my eye as I live in Somerset and the case was highlighted by a local news website called Somerset Confidential. The contractors are chasing £14,000 between them from Biophilic Limited run by a Mr Camm for work done at the home conversion development, called The Nurseries, on Upper High Street in the town.
Somerset Confidential reported that Mr Camm’s firm said: “All commercial disputes are dealt with fairly and, where appropriate, counterclaims will be made in relation to bad practice, delays, and any inaccurate or misleading reporting.”
This sounds somewhat alarming since the amounts are long overdue and it is only when the unpaid invoices that ‘counterclaims’ was mentioned. A fifth tradesman who spoke Somerset Confidential said: “We’re ordinary tradespeople from this community who simply want to be paid for the work we’ve done. Taking someone to court is the last thing any of us wanted, but after repeated attempts to resolve the situation we felt we had no other option but to pursue it through the courts.”
Ian Carrotte of ICSM whose members seek to protect themselves from late payers and bad debts using the industry group’s credit intelligence resources said this was a classic ploy of a late payer. He said the main thing was to stick to your credit terms of 30 days and then follow up late payment through an escalating series of moves which include the courts. But he said a letter from a third party first can force the non-payer to realise the matter is being taken seriously and will pay up.
The construction industry like nearly every sector in the country is being hit by the ripples of the war between Israel and the USA against Iran due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Ian Carrotte said oil prices affect distribution, deliveries and manufacturing and hikes in inflation and interest rates are ‘coming down the line’ as a result.
Somerset Confidential noted: “The Government estimates that the cost of non-payment runs to some £11bn each year and that some 38 businesses shut their doors every day because as a direct result of not being paid on time. That’s over 13,000 traders a year going out of business because of late payment or non-payment.”
Ian Carrotte said the situation in Castle Cary does not bode well for the traders, and whether it is £14,000 or £14million the principle is the same: firms great and small must pay their invoices on time.
ICSM has a comprehensive service for members to secure overdue accounts starting with free legal letters, advice and micro debt recovery through to debt collection.
Struggling with Late Payers or Bad Debt?
ICSM offers expert credit management and debt recovery solutions that help businesses like yours get paid fast.
• Free online suite of legal letters and final demands
• Specialist team ready to recover unpaid invoices
• Polite, professional mediation to preserve customer relationships
• Hardline legal options when needed
• Late payment interest, compensation, and fees recovered under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Regulations 2002
Why Act Early?
Passing overdue accounts to ICSM early increases your chances of full recovery. Our multi-channel approach—calls, emails, and letters—ensures the right message reaches the right people at the right time.
We understand that non-payment often stems from miscommunication. That’s why we focus on resolving issues while protecting your reputation.
• Email the CEO: Ian.carrotte@icsmcredit.com and request to recieve the ICSM newsletter which lists firms that are in trouble
• Call: 01454 322234
• www.icsmcredit.com
• Express Park, Bridgwater, Somerset, UK
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