Turnover in the construction industry
According to the Companies Act, turnover is:
‘The amount derived from the provisions of goods or services within the company’s ordinary activities after deduction of trade discounts, VAT and other relevant taxes’.
In general terms, turnover is the total amount that a business bills to its clients, less any discounts, VAT, and so on. It includes amounts such as the shipping that is required, and any expenses that are billed to the client.
It is important to remember that turnover is determined when the goods and services are actually provided, rather than when they have been invoiced or when the cash has been received. As income from investments such as interest and dividend income is not derived from the provision of goods and services, these are not included in turnover.
Turnover determines when a business has to register to pay Value Added Tax (VAT). VAT is a tax added to the cost of certain goods and services. It is only accountable where the party raising an invoice is VAT registered. It is necessary to register if VAT-able turnover exceeds a minimum threshold in any 12-month period.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Accounting.
- Business plan.
- Business rates.
- Cash flow.
- Commercial management.
- Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR).
- Construction VAT.
- Final account.
- Goods and services.
- Invoice.
- Key performance indicators .
- Price.
- Profit.
- Relevant cost.
- Revenue.
- Solvency.
- Stamp duty.
- Supply.
- Taxation.
- Whole life costs.
Featured articles and news
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?