Paying firms with cash

[Hood]

We had a managing builder who subbed all his work out to independent tradesman who earned below the VAT threshold. I paid the tradesmen with a large cut for him. Legitimately saved a lot of VAT on our extension. No tax evasion and within the rules.

Maybe it is an arrangement like this?

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Why would you need to pay cash with that arrangement?
If they are below VAT threshold you wouldn't be paying Vat whether cash or not.

TBH it's not difficult.
Tradesmen want cash as they are not going to declare full payment on the job.
They will likely declare something as there will be a garage door to account for.
I paid a grand cash last week for tree work in order to get a better price.
Makes no odds to me as it happens all the time and I'm not making a one man stand against it.