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National Highways head of cost intelligence Lloyd Biddell said: “This is a significant and game-changing development and we believe could even be a world first for project bank accounts.”
Up to now tier 1 and tier 2 subcontractors had the option to opt-in to PBAs. But around 20% of tier 2 didn’t choose this, despite often being the ones most likely to benefit. Biddell argued this was because the sign-up process was “daunting” and the benefits it offered “confusing”.
National Highways has used PBAs for a decade already. It hopes switching to an opt-out rather than opt-in approach will mean more subcontractors benefit from them.
Payment campaigner Professor Rudi Klein argued that PBAs were “the most effective mechanism” for improving payment security.
He added: “National Highways’ achievement in ensuring 18-day payments to its supply chains is now providing a massive boost for SMEs currently facing unprecedented cost pressures.
“If you’re involved in a public sector contract and not using PBAs, what’s stopping you?”
The November/December 2025 issue of Construction Management magazine is now available to read in digital format.
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