Building Profits

The construction industry is one of the most dynamic yet unpredictable sectors in the UK economy. Subject to fluctuations in market demand, rising material costs, interest rate movements, labour shortages, and ever-changing government regulations, construction businesses must manage risk and control costs with exceptional care to remain competitive and profitable.

At Holland & Co Chartered Accountants, we have extensive experience advising clients across the construction and civil engineering sectors — including builders, contractors, subcontractors, property developers, and consultants. We understand the industry’s unique financial challenges and offer practical, forward-thinking advice designed to help you maintain stability, improve margins, and build long-term profitability.

Understanding the Construction Sector

Operating in construction requires balancing multiple pressures — from project deadlines and workforce management to fluctuating material prices and strict compliance requirements. Our team has spent years working closely with construction businesses and understands the realities of working under these demanding conditions.

We provide tailored advice to help you:

  • Manage cashflow effectively, ensuring that project funding and working capital are aligned with construction timelines.

  • Plan strategically to balance long-term growth with short-term financial control.

  • Improve job costing and profit monitoring across individual contracts.

  • Maintain compliance with Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) rules, VAT regulations, and employment legislation.

  • Reduce risk exposure by implementing structured financial and operational systems.

We combine financial expertise with sector-specific understanding to help you build stronger, more resilient foundations for growth.

Specialist Accounting and Advisory Services for Construction Businesses

Our services are designed to address the practical challenges and regulatory requirements that affect the building and civil engineering industries. We can assist with:

  • Funding and Project Finance
    We help you secure and structure appropriate finance to fund new developments, equipment purchases, or expansion projects. Our team prepares detailed financial forecasts and supports finance applications to banks and alternative lenders, ensuring the best terms and repayment structures.

  • Project Planning and Cost Control
    Construction projects often involve complex cost structures and lengthy cash conversion cycles. We assist in preparing accurate budgets, monitoring project profitability, and analysing cost overruns to ensure that each contract remains on target.

  • Cashflow Management
    Maintaining a healthy cashflow is critical in this industry. We help forecast and manage cash inflows and outflows, incorporating stage payments, retentions, and supplier terms. We also advise on strategies to protect working capital and avoid liquidity shortfalls.

  • Payroll and CIS Compliance
    Our team provides a full payroll and CIS service, including subcontractor verification, deductions, reporting, and filing with HMRC. We ensure full compliance with CIS regulations and reduce the risk of penalties or delays in payment processing.

  • VAT and Taxation
    Construction businesses face complex VAT rules — particularly under the Domestic Reverse Charge (DRC) regime. We advise on VAT treatment of materials, subcontractors, and design-and-build contracts, ensuring full compliance while minimising tax exposure. We also provide corporate and personal tax planning to maximise after-tax profits.

  • Accounting Systems and Digital Integration
    We promote the use of cloud-based accounting systems such as KashFlow, Xero, and QuickBooks, which allow real-time financial management, job costing, and CIS integration. We provide training and ongoing support to ensure your team can efficiently manage accounts and reporting in line with Making Tax Digital (MTD) requirements.

  • Business Structure and Risk Management
    Whether you operate as a sole trader, partnership, or limited company, we can review your structure to ensure it remains the most tax-efficient and legally secure option. We also advise on director remuneration, dividend planning, and asset protection strategies.

Navigating Industry Regulations

The construction sector is one of the most heavily regulated industries in the UK. From health and safety compliance and employment law to VAT and CIS regulations, failure to meet statutory obligations can result in costly penalties or reputational damage.

Our advisers help you navigate this complex regulatory landscape, ensuring compliance while keeping administrative costs to a minimum. We also help implement systems to maintain accurate records, manage employee status (PAYE vs subcontractor), and handle insurance and indemnity obligations effectively.

Building a Profitable Future

The key to long-term success in construction lies in efficient financial management, proactive planning, and strategic investment. We work alongside you to build a clear, sustainable financial strategy that supports your business objectives — whether you’re managing local projects, large-scale developments, or multi-site operations.

We can help you:

  • Improve gross margins and job profitability.

  • Secure funding for expansion or new ventures.

  • Manage tax exposure across multiple projects or entities.

  • Plan for succession or business sale when the time is right.

Our tailored approach ensures that every financial decision supports your growth, strengthens your operations, and protects your long-term profitability.

Why Choose Holland & Co

Our team combines decades of experience in the construction sector with a deep understanding of UK tax law and business finance. We provide practical, hands-on support, helping you focus on running your business while we handle the financial and regulatory complexities.

We are not just accountants — we are long-term partners dedicated to helping your construction business grow stronger, smarter, and more profitable.

Contact us today to discuss how we can help you optimise performance, streamline compliance, and build a successful financial future for your construction business.