The weight of pressure on SMEs - the backbone of the UK construction industry - is increasing daily as the credit crunch continues to bite.
Calls to the NFB's legal advice lines have soared since the start of this year with hundreds of our members dealing with non-paying customers.
What can SMEs do to protect themselves?
In the current climate cash is king - maintaining strong cash flow will best ensure your survival. It is essential that your clients adhere to strict payment conditions from the outset. Where possible dedicate someone to chasing late invoices.
As the effects of the credit crunch will undoubtedly linger on it seems SMEs may have to think carefully before competing for new work.
It is important that you perform due diligence on your potential customers in the same way they do to you before tendering a bid.
Investing in training may seem counterintuitive when cutting costs but the market for new work is likely to shrink as people and businesses tighten their belts.
Having a well-equipped workforce, and indeed boardroom, could provide a vital competitive edge.
Seeking appropriate advice when it is needed is crucial for business success . However many questions can be answered by access to trade federation services rather than costly lawyers.
The NFB offers a range of such services which are a key part of its members benefits.
The sheer volume of calls to our free member advice lines - 652 in the first quarter of 2008 alone - shows how valuable the support of a trade body like the NFB can be when you need professional advice.
Chief executive of the NFB, Julia Evans