Business Anonymity

In our day‑to‑day engagement with businesses and freelancers, anonymity is often a crucial part of giving them the confidence to seek help.  

Many organisations want reassurance that their commercial relationships, reputation, and ongoing work will not be put at risk by being publicly associated with a payment dispute. 

Why do individuals and businesses want to stay anonymous 

1. Protecting commercial relationships where naming the business could strain ongoing contracts or partnerships. 
2. Avoiding competitive disadvantage in tight markets where any sign of financial difficulty could be used against them. 
3. Contractual or legal constraints, such as NDAs or internal policies restricting disclosure. 
4. Concerns about sector reputation, particularly in smaller industries where information travels quickly. 
5. Personal privacy for sole traders/freelancers, who often feel more exposed than incorporated businesses. 

How do we guarantee privacy and confidentiality 

• Only publishing what a business has explicitly agreed to share. 
• Never disclosing identifying details without clear, informed consent. 
• Handling and storing case information securely. 
• Allowing businesses to choose the level of detail they feel comfortable making public, including full anonymity. 

Why some businesses and freelancers are not anonymous 

Some freelancers and small businesses choose to be named to help reassure others who may feel hesitant about seeking help. However, there is no expectation to give up anonymity. We encourage businesses to decide what feels safest for them. 

To protect small businesses’ current and future relationships and contracts, we never disclose the names of larger customers. 

Duplikat Ltd: 

“The OSBC handled our case with care and took our privacy and confidentiality seriously. They recovered payment from our larger customer, preventing further damage to the business relationship. This encouraged us to share our story so that others in a similar position feel confident seeking help and contacting the OSBC.” 

An anonymous self-employed Trauma Nurse: 

“I feel safer knowing this service is available and so effective. I was intimidated by my client, and so surprised and pleased the SBC was able to get a result in about a week! Thank you so much.” 

Richard Ince, Managing Director at James Ince & Sons (Umbrellas) Ltd:   

“You enabled a dialogue to be had before the need to resort to court action, which can damage future trading relationships. Your team were at all times professional and diligent for which I thank you.”