UK Debt Recovery Specialists
Groundworks Debt Recovery — Recover Unpaid Civil & Ground Engineering Fees
Groundworks contractors invest heavily before a single payment arrives. We recover unpaid excavation, drainage, foundations and civil engineering debts across the UK.
Debt Recovery Services
Specialist Debt Recovery for Groundworks and Civil Contractors
Groundworks and civil engineering contractors front-load projects with significant plant, fuel and labour costs, yet sit at the end of long payment chains. Disputed quantities, measurement arguments and main contractor payment manipulation are all endemic in the sector.
Hay's Collections understands the specific challenges facing groundworks businesses. We recover unpaid invoices for excavation, drainage, piling, foundations, hard standings, road construction and the full range of civil engineering works — applying the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act and all available legal tools.
Our 87% success rate across UK commercial cases demonstrates our capability. And our No Collection, No Commission model ensures you face zero financial risk.
In addition to our core No Collection, No Commission debt recovery service, we provide a comprehensive range of ancillary services — including debtor tracing, credit checks, legal escalation, statutory demands and enforcement support — ensuring your case receives the full specialist attention it deserves.
Common Problems
Debt Recovery Challenges in the Groundworks Sector
Measurement Disputes
Clients and main contractors dispute measured quantities to reduce payments. We pursue the correct measured amounts.
Unforeseen Ground Conditions
Additional costs for unforeseen ground conditions are routinely disputed. We pursue these legitimate extra costs.
Plant Damage Claims
Clients raise spurious plant damage claims as a set-off against invoices. We challenge unjustified deductions.
Retention Withholding
Groundworks retention balances are frequently withheld beyond the agreed defects period. We chase these forcefully.
Phase Payment Delays
Multi-phase projects see payment withheld from completed phases pending later works. We recover completed phase payments.
Developer Insolvency Risk
Where a developer client shows signs of financial distress, early debt recovery action is critical.
Our Approach
How Hay's Collections Helps Groundworks Businesses
Same-Day Case Review
We assess groundworks debt cases within 24 hours and begin action without delay.
Expert Letter Programme
Structured, professional demand letters building a documented paper trail for legal action.
Quantity & Measurement Support
We work with your site records to build the strongest possible measurement case.
Legal Escalation
Statutory demands and county court claims where letters and negotiation are insufficient.
UK-Wide Coverage
Groundworks debt recovery across all UK regions, including Scotland and Northern Ireland.
No Collection, No Commission
15% commission on recovery only. No upfront fees. No financial risk.
Simple & Effective
Our 3-Step Debt Recovery Process
Submit Your Debt
Upload your unpaid invoices and debtor details through our secure online form. We review every case within 24 hours and provide an honest assessment of recovery likelihood.
We Pursue Recovery
Our experienced team uses proven techniques — from professional letters and calls to negotiated settlements and legal action when necessary — all while protecting your business reputation.
You Get Paid
Once we recover your debt, funds are transferred to you promptly. You only pay our commission on successful recovery — No Collection, No Commission, guaranteed.
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Ready to recover what you're owed?
No Collection, No Commission. No risk. Just results for Groundworks businesses across the UK.