McNicholas was suspended from the code just over a year ago, alongside other Kier entities, after failing to meet key requirements around the payment of suppliers within a 60-day window.

Kier subsequently worked across the group to remodel finance and payment processes, including a major commitment to the quicker payment of small business debtors.

The reisntatement marks the completion of Kier’s work to move all of its businesses on to prompt payment code eligibility status.

Andrew Davies, chief executive at Kier Group, said: “This achievement is testament to the hard work of teams across the group.

“It shows our commitment to growing and maintaining relationships with our supply chain, many of whom are long-standing partners of Kier.

“We acknowledge, that this year it has been more important than ever to pay our suppliers in a timely manner. We will remain committed to further improvements in our payment practices, allowing us to continue working with the best supply chain partners.”