As late payment problems continue to plague small businesses, we have partnered with a leading debt recovery service to help ByteStart visitors recover unpaid invoices quickly and professionally.
Late paying clients
For many small businesses, even a single unpaid invoice can create serious cash flow problems.
In some cases, late payment can threaten the very survival of the business.
To provide support, we’ve teamed up with Safe Collections, a specialist debt recovery agency, to offer ByteStart readers access to professional recovery services.
Our experience: instant results
We were first introduced to Safe Collections after one of our own customers failed to settle a series of invoices. Despite chasing the debt by phone and email over a six-month period, no progress was made.
We passed the details of the invoices and the client’s contact information to Safe Collections. The very next day, we received an apologetic call from the customer, and the outstanding balance was transferred into our business bank account within hours.
Based on this experience, and similar success reported by several business partners, we are pleased to recommend Safe Collections to ByteStart readers.
How does the recovery service work?
Every case starts with a free, no-obligation claim review and debtor solvency check. Safe Collections will:
- Review the debt claim and your supporting documentation.
- Carry out a credit check on the debtor to identify any solvency issues or County Court Judgments (CCJs).
- Advise whether the claim is suitable for recovery on a contingency, no money down basis.
- If the claim is unsuitable, signpost you to an appropriate alternative, such as a solicitor or mediator.
If the case is suitable, recovery usually begins with an initial letter requesting payment, followed by professional telephone calls and other measures. Importantly, there are no upfront fees.
As a guide to costs, for invoices up to 30 days past due, the fee is typically 5% of the invoice value. For debts between 31 and 90 days past due, the cost is 10%.
Safe Collections adds this fee to the balance owed under UK late payment legislation in all B2B claims.
You can find full details of the service here.
Why use a professional debt recovery service?
Chasing unpaid invoices yourself can be time-consuming and stressful, especially if a client is avoiding contact or has a history of late payments.
A professional agency applies transparent processes and maintains pressure, while helping you to keep a working relationship where possible. In many cases, the involvement of an independent third party is enough to secure prompt payment.
Steps to try before you escalate
- Check the basics are in order: confirm the purchase order, invoice details, and agreed payment terms.
- Send a polite reminder: include the due date and a simple call to action to pay.
- Consider statutory interest and fixed recovery costs: under UK late payment rules, you can usually add interest at 8% plus the Bank of England base rate and claim a fixed recovery charge. See GOV.UK guidance on late commercial payments.
- Keep a paper trail: save copies of emails, statements, call notes, and evidence of deliveries or services.
- Estimate interest due: use the Small Business Commissioner’s interest calculator to work out what may be added.
Vastly experienced team
Safe Collections has been helping UK businesses recover unpaid invoices and contract debts since 1984. Over the years, they’ve worked with companies of all sizes and in many different industries, so they know how to combine legal expertise with practical action to resolve late payment disputes efficiently.
Read more on their site: Debt Collection Services.
Special rates for ByteStart visitors
We have negotiated preferential rates for ByteStart readers in addition to those listed on the Safe Collections site.
Mention ByteStart in your inquiry to receive a 10% discount on the quoted rate.
For more details, visit Safe Collections or call the team directly on 01772 45 45 05.
From £37.50/m
From £49/m