HF GROUP LIMITED
Company number: SC316875
Reporting period:
1 October 2025 to 31 March 2026
Report filed on:
26 June 2026
Approved by:
Jill Nicolson
Contracts and payments
Do any of this business's construction contracts with its suppliers include retention clauses? Yes
Payment statistics
Average time taken to pay invoices: 44 days
Total value paid:
- within 30 days: £4,178,057 (26%)
- in 31 to 60 days: £10,388,499 (64%)
- in 61 days or more: £1,611,717 (10%)
Invoices paid:
- within 30 days: 21%
- in 31 to 60 days: 65%
- in 61 days or more: 14%
Late and disputed:
- total value of payments due in the reporting period which have not been paid within the agreed period: £3,988,998
- payments due in the reporting period which have not been paid within the agreed period: 23%
- not made in the reporting period due to a dispute: 6%
Payment terms
Shortest standard payment periods
7 days
Longest standard payment period
60 days
Standard payment terms
Standard payment terms are between 30 and 60 days end of month.
Were there any changes to the standard payment terms in the reporting period?
No
Were suppliers notified or consulted about these changes before they were made?
N/A
Maximum contractual payment period agreed
60 days
Maximum payment terms are 60 days end of month.
Any other information about payment terms
Where contract-specific payment terms are agreed, these are generally aligned with the corresponding client payment terms and are negotiated with individual suppliers and subcontractors. This approach supports effective cash flow management while ensuring fair and transparent payment arrangements across our supply chain.
Retention clauses
How does this business use retention clauses?
Retention clauses are used in specific circumstances:
Retentions are only applied where they are a contractual requirement under the main client contract.
Does this business only use retention clauses in construction contracts above a specific contract sum?
No
Does this business use a standard percentage rate in retention clauses?
Yes: 5%
Does this business apply retention clause practices that are no more onerous than those applied to it on the same project?
Yes:
Where a retention is applicable, the same retention terms are reflected in the relevant subcontract agreement and are clearly communicated to the supplier or subcontractor before work commences.
Releasing money under a retention clause
Process for releasing money this business has deducted or retained under a retention clause
Retention is released following satisfactory completion of the works, fulfilment of any contractual requirements, and, where applicable, the expiry of the defect’s liability period. Prior to release, the relevant project team confirms that all contractual obligations have been met and that there are no outstanding defects or issues preventing payment. Once verified, the retention payment is processed promptly in accordance with the agreed payment terms.
Is the money released in stages?
Yes:
50% on satisfactory completion of the works and fulfilment of any contractual requirements.
50% on the expiry of the defect’s liability period.
Amount retained from suppliers in the reporting period
Amount retained stated as a percentage of the money retained from this business by its clients
11%
Amount retained stated as a percentage of the total construction payments made by this business
1%
Dispute resolution process
HF recognises the importance of its suppliers and subcontractors in enabling the delivery of a high-quality service. We are committed to maintaining strong working relationships with our supply chain, paying invoices on time, and resolving any disputes promptly and fairly.
To support this commitment, we carry out monthly purchase ledger reconciliations to ensure that all supplier and subcontractor invoices have been received and accurately recorded. This process helps to maintain timely payments and effective financial management.
In the event of a dispute, we work collaboratively with the supplier or subcontractor to achieve a mutually acceptable resolution as quickly as possible. Where a resolution cannot be reached within a reasonable timescale, the matter is escalated to an appropriate member of the senior management team, who will engage directly with the supplier or subcontractor to seek an agreed outcome. If the dispute remains unresolved, it is further escalated to the Finance Director.
Other payment information
Has this business signed up to a code of conduct or standards on payment practices? If so, which?
For example, signatories to The Fair Payment Code must commit to paying 95% of their invoices within 60 days.
No, this business has not signed up to a code of conduct or standards on payment practices.
Does this business offer e-invoicing in relation to qualifying contracts?
This is where suppliers can electronically submit and track invoices. It's not just allowing suppliers to email them an invoice.
No
Does this business offer supply chain finance?
This is where a supplier who has submitted an invoice can be paid by a third-party finance provider earlier than the agreed payment date. The business would then pay the finance provider the invoiced sum.
No
Under its payment practices and policies, can this business deduct sums from payments under qualifying contracts as a charge for remaining on a supplier list?
No
During the reporting period, did the business deduct sums from payments as a charge for remaining on a supplier list?
No