Short answer: a trade business can be flat out and short of cash because claims are late, retentions are held and materials were paid for weeks ago. The fix is a weekly view: claims due this week, retentions outstanding by project, debtors by age with the chase drafted, and the next 30 days of commitments.
Where the cash hides
Progress claims not submitted on the contract date. Retentions (commonly 5 to 10 percent) held to practical completion and beyond, never followed up. Variations done and not claimed. Supplier accounts paid on 30 days while clients pay on 60.
The weekly view
Monday 6am: cash across accounts, claims due, retentions held by project with release dates, debtors over 30 days with reminders drafted, supplier payments and BAS or super in the next 30 days, the tight week flagged.
Security of payment
In NSW the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act sets timeframes for payment claims and schedules; a register of claim dates and response dates is the difference between a claim that is enforceable and one that isn't. That is a records matter; your lawyer or the Small Business Commissioner advises on disputes.
Money view · Cash surprises every month
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Written by Christian Stewart, Stewart Systems, Wollongong. Published 2026-09-29. Records and flags, not legal, WHS or insurance advice; rules change, check the regulator for the current one.