Innovate subbies set for £5m bills battle

Five sub-contractors in Ballast's consortium Innovate have joined together to try and claim back more than £5m in unpaid bills for work on its £45m East Lothian PPP.

Albann Ltd, Richard Edward Construction, Rolland Group, PCF Construction and Weatherproofing Advisors are now demanding talks with representatives from Innovate after claiming that they have ignored all requests for face-to-face meetings.

The sub-contractors are claiming they have been "hung out to dry" by Innovate, which has not paid its bills.

Directors of these companies say the jobs of up to 1,000 employees and sub-contractors are at risk if the money owed is not paid soon.

Douglas Edward a spokesman for the contractors said: "We are dismayed at the lack of responsibility being shown and lack of information by firstly Innovate, given that it has been responsible for the appointment of Ballast to this project, and secondly East Lothian Council who, despite repeated letters and calls, appear to be washing its hands of the matter.

"Innovate must accept the responsibility on this matter. It is essential that it pursues the outstanding payments due to the contractors on this project. We must not be left hung out to dry," he added.

A spokesman for Innovate said: "We sympathise with sub-contractors of Ballast plc and sincerely hope that all those involved will be paid. It's certainly not the case that Innovate is holding back sub-contractors' money. In truth, we have already paid these bills."