-
The history of debt collection
Ancient debt slavery The earliest recording of how debt was dealt with goes back to 3000BC and the ancient civilization of Sumer who populated an area that is now modern-day south east Iraq. Chronicles explain how a debtor who was unable to pay a debt along with their family and servants became debt slaves. They…
-
What cash flow support is available for businesses impacted by Coronavirus?
HMRC coronavirus helpline If you are concerned about cashflow or tax, HMRC have set up a helpline for businesses worried about not being able to pay their tax due to coronavirus. HMRC will discuss your specific circumstances to explore: agreeing an instalment arrangement suspending debt collection proceedings cancelling penalties and interest where you have administrative…
-
3.4% increase in funeral costs sees more people pushed into funeral debt
During 2019, the cost of dying increased by 3.4%, pushing more people than ever before into funeral debt. Last year saw funeral costs and funeral debt both rise to record highs, a trend that looks set to worsen in 2020. The ‘Cost of Dying’ report by SunLife found that during 2019 funeral costs continued to…
-
‘Buy now, pay later’ credit options pushing consumers into high-cost debt
Buy now, pay later loans have been around for many years, but recent deals have been accused of pushing young consumers into unaffordable debt. Buy now, pay later credit allows consumers to acquire items without paying for them upfront, instead they spread the cost over a set period of time. Sometimes referred to as shop…
-
How to improve your business’ cashflow at Christmas
Use the tips and advice in this blog to help your business to maintain a healthy cashflow this Christmas. Most businesses will experience some level of seasonality over the Christmas period. For many retail and catering businesses it is their busiest time of year, but for businesses in other industries, sales can come to a…
-
How is economic uncertainty in the UK affecting debt?
According to a recent study, bad debt write-offs have gone up from 1.5% to 2.5% year-on-year due, in part, to economic uncertainty. The Western Europe Payment Practices Barometer research report, carried out by trade credit insurer Atradius, examined how today’s economic uncertainty is affecting payment practices in the UK. Key findings from the study included:…