黑洞社区

Contractors Skanska, Willmott Dixon, Rydon Construction and Wates owed M&E firm HPEMS over 拢1.3m between them when it fell into administration in September, it has been alleged.

The Essex-based M&E contractor folded in September, with the administrator Begbies Traynor saying the 鈥渘on-payment of debts by main contractors鈥� was the key factor in the collapse.

Now, a report by the administrators has revealed the identity of the four contractors that owe the vast majority of the total debt of 拢1.4m - although the firms are disputing the amount owed - with 拢147,190 of the debt also revealed to be made up of retentions payments.

The report showed Willmott Dixon was the biggest debtor, owing 拢716,785, including 拢9,323 of retentions payments; Skanska owed the firm 拢382,384, including 拢54,242 of retentions payments.

It also showed Rydon Construction owed 拢169,748, including 拢45,361 of retentions payments and Wates owed 拢47,090 including 拢22,207 of retentions payments.

Willmott Dixon and Skanska both said they had incurred additional costs because of HPEMS running into financial problems, with Willmott Dixon saying no money was due until 鈥減ractical completion has been achieved鈥� on its jobs.

Skanska said all its payments to the firm had been made within 21 days.

Rydon said HPEMS鈥� work had contained 鈥渄efects鈥� and Rydon had 鈥渂orne significant additional costs on projects鈥� as a result.

Wates said 鈥渘o money was currently outstanding鈥�.

Suzannah Nichol, chief executive of the National Specialist Contractors鈥� Council, said HPEMS鈥� situation 鈥渟howed how catastrophic the impact of retentions is on a small business鈥�.