Main contractor’s discount
The term 'main contractor’s discount' (MCD) refers to a clause that can be included in building subcontracts to encourage main contractors to pay their subcontractors within the period of time specified in the contract.
A discount (typically, 2.5%) is deducted if the main contractor pays promptly, with the subcontractor able to recover the discount by adding an amount to the contract sum. The discount is applied to the value of works undertaken by the subcontractor and deducted from any application for payment. The discount should be clearly stated on invoices, applications and accounts.
MCD clauses were, until relatively recently, a feature of some standard forms of contract, but they have now generally been removed. They still however appear in some bespoke contracts, where they are not always related to prompt payment, but rather are seen as a management fee.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Editor's broadbrush view on forms of electrical heating in context.
The pace of heating change; BSRIA market intelligence
Electric Dreams, Boiler Realities.
New President of ECA announced
Ruth Devine MBE becomes the 112th President of the Electrical Contractors Association.
New CIAT Professional Standards Competency Framework
Supercedes the 2019 Professional Standards Framework from 1 May 2025.
Difficult Sites: Architecture Against the Odds
Free exhibition at the RIBA Architecture Gallery until 31 May.
PPN 021: Payment Spot Checks in Public Sub-Contracts
Published following consultation and influence from ECA.
Designing Buildings reaches 20,000 articles
We take a look back at some of the stranger contributions.
Lessons learned from other industries.
The Buildings of the Malting Industry. Book review.
Conserving places with climate resilience in mind.
Combating burnout.
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Comments