Debt information and resources for businesses

Where to go for advice

If you're struggling with debt, you may want to contact some of the following organisations for advice.

Debt charities

Business Debtline

Run by the Money Advice Trust, this charity gives British businesses free and independent debt advice over the phone and online.

Advice NI

A government-funded charity providing debt advice to smaller businesses in Northern Ireland.

StepChange

This independent charity offers expert advice and free debt management to help businesses tackle their debts.

mygov.scot - business debt advice

For businesses in Scotland, there are useful links on the Government's website about how to get debt advice.

Professional services

Insolvency practitioner

You could contact an insolvency practitioner for guidance. GOV.UK lets you search for an insolvency practitioner local to you.

Qualified accountant

A qualified accountant may also be able to provide insight and guidance. Search for qualified accountants at the following websites:

• Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA)
• Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
• Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT)
• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
• Institute of Chartered Accountants in Scotland (ICAS)
• Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI)

British Business Bank

Our Finance Hub has a section dedicated to providing useful information for businesses that are dealing with debt. Learn more about:

• repaying debt
• managing debt
• understanding debt
• improving your cash flow

Managing your business debts

There are some things you can do to manage your business debts.

Priority debts

First, prioritise your debts into those that are crucial to your business surviving and those that aren't.

For example, according to Company Debt, a business rescue and insolvency service, you should prioritise the following:

• A business mortgage or rent (learn what options you have if you can't afford to pay your rent)
• Business rates
• Gas and electricity bills
• Tax (learn more about dealing with tax arrears)
• Hire purchase deals and equipment leases (what are these?)
• Payments owed to major suppliers
• Business overdrafts and loans

Budgeting

You can then work out a budget and try to deal with your priority debts. Your aim should be to try and generate enough cash flow to be able to service those debts.

If that isn't possible, you may need to raise finance to increase the amount of working capital available to you.

Learn 10 practical steps to help resolve debt problems

Managing late payments and customers who owe you money

Late payments are a heavy burden to many small and medium-sized businesses, as they tie up a lot of working capital. Consequently, it's vital that you deal with them as soon as you can.

Read 9 tips for managing your debtors, an article by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).