Building fires present numerous immediate dangers, but one of the most serious hazards isn't clearly visible: Asbestos.

In the UK construction industry, time isn't the only thing managed on a tight schedule—cash flow is too. Yet, for thousands of specialist contractors, tradespeople, and material suppliers, waiting to be paid has become an accepted, albeit toxic, culture. Instead of quick turnarounds, standard payment windows have stretched to 30 days, 60 days, and in many cases, extended 90-day terms. When a firm finishes a project in January but doesn't see a penny until late April, it isn't