Guide to Wider Payment Support – Who Else Might Be Able to Help?
Dealing with unpaid invoices can be stressful and damaging to your business’s cash flow. There are a number of support routes available to you, depending on your circumstances and the nature of the dispute.
In some instances, the Office of the Small Business Commissioner (OSBC) may not be able to take on your complaint, but we will direct you to the relevant body to help solve your problem. You may also find useful information below about other organisations that may be able to help.
1. Business Support Services
Government-backed business support services can provide initial guidance on your rights and options when dealing with late or unpaid invoices. These services often offer free or subsidised advice and can signpost you to more specialist help. In England, the Business Support Service offers free advice to businesses on a range of issues including debt recovery.
2. Growth Hubs
Growth Hubs are public-private partnerships, typically led by Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), that provide tailored business support across England. They can:
- Connect you with local advisers who can help you understand your options
- Signpost you to legal or financial specialists in your area
- Offer workshops and resources on cash flow management and debt recovery
You can find your local Growth Hub via:
3. Trade Associations and Trade Bodies
Many trade associations offer members practical support and guidance on commercial disputes, including unpaid invoices. Benefits may include:
- Access to template legal letters and demand notices
- Mediation or dispute resolution services
- Advice on industry-standard payment terms
- Introductions to specialist legal or financial advisers
Contact your relevant trade association directly to find out what support is available to members.
4. Bookkeepers and Accountants
A qualified bookkeeper or accountant can help you:
- Review your invoicing processes to ensure they are legally robust
- Advise on late payment charges under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, which entitles businesses to charge statutory interest on overdue invoices
- Assist with record-keeping to support any formal debt recovery action
- Manage cash flow while a dispute is ongoing
5. Lawyers and Legal Advisers
If informal approaches have failed, a solicitor specialising in commercial or debt recovery law can:
- Send a formal Letter Before Action, which is a legal requirement before issuing a court claim
- Advise on the appropriate court process; for example,
the Money Claim Online (MCOL) service - Pursue statutory demands or insolvency proceedings for larger debts
- Advise on the merits and costs of litigation
The Law Society’s ‘Find a Solicitor’ tool can help you locate a qualified solicitor in your area.
You can find further guidance on legal action you can take on the OSBC website:
6. Business Support Providers
A range of private and third-sector business support providers offer debt recovery and cash flow management services, including:
- Debt collection agencies – who act on your behalf to recover outstanding amounts, typically for a percentage of the sum recovered
- Invoice factoring and financing companies – who can advance funds against outstanding invoices, helping bridge cash flow gaps
- Mediation services – which can provide a cost-effective alternative to litigation where there is a genuine dispute. You can find a mediator through the Civil Mediation Council
It is always advisable to attempt to resolve unpaid invoice disputes informally in the first instance, keeping a clear written record of all correspondence, before escalating to formal legal or court processes.
If you’re not sure what’s best in your situation, you can contact the OSBC and we can provide support and guidance to assist you with your non-payment. You can find our more information on how to make an enquiry on our website: