Payment applications, VAT, CIS and retention in one place.
Books for Subcontractors is a phone-first app for UK subcontractors who are paid by application. Work out what you are owed, send a clean application, and keep a clear record behind every chase.
Available by invitation. We set you up personally in a short session. Examples on this page use made-up data.
See what it does on your phone
Real screens from the app, with made-up example data.
What you can do with it
- See what you are owed, what is overdue, retention held and extra work waiting, on one screen.
- Apply for payment from the value of work done to date: previous applications and retention come off, VAT is added and CIS is deducted on the labour.
- Send the main contractor a private page and a PDF. They do not need an account.
- Send extra work as a link with Approve and Decline, with the answer and time recorded.
- Record part payments, and reverse a mistake with a reason, so nothing is silently deleted.
- Get a written chase message at friendly, firm or formal level, to copy, WhatsApp or email.
- Track retention, release dates and a closeout checklist for each job.
- Keep photos and documents with each job, and a Messages timeline of what was sent and replied.
Three steps to your first application
Access is by invitation while we set people up one by one.
Talk to us
Book a short call, or email us, and tell us how you are paid today.
We set you up
We set you up personally in a short session, with your own jobs and their terms.
Send your first application
Add a job, enter the work done, and send the application to the main contractor.
What it is, and what it is not
- VAT and CIS are a calculation aid based on what you choose for each job. It is not tax, legal or contract advice, so check your figures with your accountant.
- The application page is not a payment notice or a pay less notice.
- It does not chase by itself. Late payments show when you open the app, and you choose what to send.
- It does not link to accounting software, collect payments or do your invoicing.
- Emailing from inside the app is set up per customer with us. You can always copy a message or send it by WhatsApp.
Quick answers
Does the main contractor need an account?
No. They get a private link to a page and a PDF. Links last 180 days and can be extended, turned off or replaced.
Can I fix a payment I recorded wrongly?
Yes. You reverse it with a reason, and the record is kept.
Who is it for?
UK subcontractors who are paid by applications for payment, such as groundworks, drainage and mechanical and electrical trades, and the office person who helps them.
Can I download my data?
Yes. You can download your data, and ask for your account to be deleted.
What does it cost?
We will tell you on a short call. There is no price list on this page.
Ask us about Books for Subcontractors
Tell us a little and we will come back to you. No obligation.
We use your details only to reply to your enquiry. See the privacy notice. Prefer to talk? Book a discovery call.
Get paid with a clear record behind you.
Book a short call and we will set you up.