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Why do so many people get into debt over Christmas?
The demand for debt recovery services is expected to surge in the new year as businesses struggle to collect money owed by customers who have fallen into debt over Christmas. A 2017 article in the Independent found that more than three quarters of UK families with children make financial sacrifices at Christmas in order to…
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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:…
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What is the difference between bad debt and doubtful debt?
Knowing the difference between bad debt and doubtful debt can help to prevent financial loss to your business. Today’s uncertain economic climate is having a negative effect on UK business payment practices, with a recent study finding that 35% of invoices remain overdue on their due date. Late or non-payment of an invoice is an…
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What tax relief can be claimed on bad debts?
Write-off bad debt and claim bad debt relief to avoid paying tax on income that you have not received. Most businesses will eventually encounter a non-paying customer, especially during today’s difficult economic climate. Bad debts can be very damaging to businesses of all shapes and sizes, so it’s important to minimise your losses by claiming…
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How to charge interest on late payments
Charging interest on late payments is an effective way of protecting your business’ cashflow. UK businesses of all shapes and sizes are suffering due to the country’s late payment culture. 80% of small businesses are paid late, and on average, SMEs are owed £6,142in late payments at any one time. Being paid late can have…
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Funeral debt rises as funeral costs continue to soar
Funeral debt rises as the average cost of a funeral in the UK continues to increase. According to SunLife Insurance, the cost of funerals has risen every year for the last 14 years, equating to a 122% increase since 2004. In 2019, the average cost of a funeral in the UK stands at £4,271, and…
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Consumers vulnerable to aggressive debt collection if their energy supplier goes bust
Customers who owe money to energy suppliers are left vulnerable to aggressive debt collection companies if their supplier goes bust. Since January 2018, 11 energy suppliers have collapsed, including Gen4U, One Select, Future Energy, Spark Energy, Brilliant Energy and National Gas and Power. This has left at least 32,000 customers in debt and at risk…