TESTIMONIALS FROM MEMBERS
The following testimonials are from experienced credit managers and financial professionals representing well-established companies across Australia’s building industry. These seasoned practitioners work for some of the nation’s most respected suppliers, manufacturers, and service providers in the construction sector, including subsidiaries of major publicly-listed corporations and established family businesses that have been operating for decades.
These professionals rely on BICB’s comprehensive credit reporting services daily to make informed decisions, minimize risk, and protect their businesses from bad debt. With collective experience spanning hundreds of years in credit management, they understand the unique challenges of extending credit in the building industry—from managing cash flow with project-based customers to navigating the complexities of construction payment cycles.
Their testimonials demonstrate the real-world value that BICB membership delivers to credit management teams nationwide. From accessing critical payment histories and risk assessments to leveraging industry networking opportunities and professional development, these insights showcase how BICB’s services have become integral to sound credit management practices across the building industry. Each testimonial reflects genuine experiences of professionals who have seen first-hand how BICB’s tools and expertise help safeguard their companies’ financial stability while enabling confident business growth.
Bill Nutting – Bretts Pty Ltd
Bretts have been a member of the BICB since its inception in the 1920’s. ln fact it was my Great Uncle JF Brett that originally conceived and then established the Bureau over 90 years ago. ln that time, we have saved countless millions in dollars of potential bad debts, as a direct result of being able to make intelligent informed decisions by having access to the BICB database.
Even though the BICB is approaching 100 years of continued service to the building industry, it has remained relevant and up to date throughout, with a world class online platform that makes our credit management team’s job incredibly simple. individual debtor data and powerful reports are available at the press of a few buttons, keeping our team informed with the most up to date information. With well over 200 members, many of them large national and multinational ASX listed companies, we find the vast majority of customers and more importantly, prospective clientele, are well represented in order to give us an accurate picture of how they are paying other suppliers.
And all of this is available at a microscopic fraction of a percentage of our turnover.
I have no doubt whatsoever, that the BICB has been instrumental in allowing us to continue trading into our second 100 years of business and overwhelmingly would recommend BICB membership as a valuable credit management tool.
Bill Nutting,
Managing Director
Bretts Pty Ltd
Maree Hill – Lantrak
The BICB portal has become an essential tool in our credit management process. We rely on it for efficient reporting, thorough risk assessment of credit applications, and regular reviews of customer credit limits. The platform is user-friendly, reliable, and provides the critical insights we need to make confident, informed decisions.
In addition to the portal, the member meetings and networking opportunities BICB provides are highly beneficial, allowing us to stay connected with others in the industry and share best practices. The webinars are consistently informative and relevant, helping us stay current with trends and changes that impact our credit operations.
BICB is truly a valuable partner in supporting strong, informed credit practices within the building industry.
Maree Hill MICM
Credit Manager (Vic)
Lantrak
Fiona Doherty – Beaumont Tiles
In the everchanging world of credit, I fully trust the information I can access through the BICB. I have found the recent addition of ATO information invaluable.
The data is accurate and has plenty of detail to assist as part of my onboarding assessments.
Carla and the team have extensive knowledge of the building industry and are always happy to assist if I have questions and will go above and beyond to find any additional information.
The meetings are always beneficial, and it is great to hear the experience of other credit professionals.
Information is always treated confidentially, and it is good to know if customers are doing the ‘merry-go-round’ with suppliers.
I would encourage any credit professional to engage with the BICB, you will not regret the decision. The BICB portal has become an essential tool in our credit management process. We rely on it for efficient reporting, thorough risk assessment of credit applications, and regular reviews of customer credit limits. The platform is user-friendly, reliable, and provides the critical insights we need to make confident, informed decisions.
In addition to the portal, the member meetings and networking opportunities BICB provides are highly beneficial, allowing us to stay connected with others in the industry and share best practices. The webinars are consistently informative and relevant, helping us stay current with trends and changes that impact our credit operations.
BICB is truly a valuable partner in supporting strong, informed credit practices within the building industry.
Fiona Doherty
National Credit Manager
Beaumont Tiles
Kate Hearne – CSR
As the National Credit Manager for CSR, it’s crucial for my team and I to have access to high-quality data to minimize bad debt and maintain a strong ledger. We’ve been utilizing the services of the Building Industry Credit Bureau (BICB) for several years now, and their expertise and support have been invaluable. The BICB’s comprehensive credit reporting and risk management tools have enabled us to make informed decisions, ensuring the financial stability and growth of CSR. We especially enjoy the risk tracker which provides the customer’s payment history, credit ratings, along with information from Alares on court actions.
Carla and the team are highly professional, responsive, and dedicated to providing accurate and timely information. The BICB’s commitment to excellence and their deep understanding of the building industry make them an indispensable partner. I highly recommend their services to any business looking to enhance their credit management and safeguard their financial interests.
Kate Hearne
National Credit Manager
CSR
Murray Ashford – Big River Group
Having worked in supply to the construction industry for over 20 years I can’t rate highly enough the importance the BICB has played in being able to access real-time, honest trade information on customers nationwide. Combined with the impressive partnerships with key reporting and government agencies, the BICB is now a one-stop shop for the modern Credit manager. In this post-Covid environment within the construction industry and the demands to be both risk adverse and flexible, I constantly use the data provided by the BICB to assist with decisions and my justification when assessing a payment proposal for delinquent accounts. Even the most vocal Sales manager has trouble supporting a lengthy payment arrangement when told other suppliers are being paid to terms.
Murray Ashford
Credit Manager
Big River Group
Jo Bennett – Makesafe Roofing
We have been members of the BICB for nearly 14 years and in that time our membership has proven invaluable in helping us manage our debtors throughout every step of the credit process – from vetting potential customers before approaching them, to receiving alerts regarding existing customers, to trade references from other trusted BICB members. BICB provides regular meetups for ongoing customer account monitoring and their annual AGM seminars are always informative and relevant. The BICB team is always ready to assist with any queries and are always striving for new ways to provide the best service to members. I would not hesitate to recommend the BICB to anyone providing credit in the construction industry.
Jo Bennett
Makesafe Roofing
