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Plain English guides for UK businesses on getting unpaid invoices paid. General information only, not legal advice.
Payment practices reporting: 2,117 large UK firms past the proposed 60-day line
Payment practices reporting: Whito finds 2,117 of 5,703 large UK firms (37%) reported max contractual terms over 60 days, on the government register.
Read moreStatutory demand for an unpaid invoice: how it works when a company owes you money
A statutory demand gives a company 21 days to pay or agree to pay. If it does not, a creditor owed £750 or more can apply to wind it up. How statutory demands work for unpaid invoices, the costs and the risks.
Read moreHow long do small businesses wait to be paid? The latest figures, and how to shorten the wait
New Xero data shows UK small businesses waited 29.5 days on average to be paid in the three months to September 2026, with payments 8 days late on average. What the figures show and practical ways to get paid sooner.
Read moreWhat is the Fair Payment Code? How to check if a customer has signed up
More than 800 businesses now hold a Fair Payment Code award. What the Gold, Silver and Bronze tiers mean, how to check a customer in the awardees directory, and how to use it when you chase.
Read moreBig customer paying slowly? How to check its payment record on GOV.UK
Large companies must publish how long they take to pay suppliers. How to find a customer's payment practices report on GOV.UK and use it before you agree terms or chase.
Read moreWhat to include on an invoice so it gets paid on time
A missing detail gives a customer a reason to delay. What GOV.UK says an invoice must include, plus simple habits that make an invoice easier to pay and easier to chase.
Read moreLarger customer ignoring your invoice? How the Small Business Commissioner can help
The Small Business Commissioner offers a free, confidential service for small firms with an unresolved payment dispute with a larger customer. Who it is for and how to use it.
Read moreUnpaid invoice? Check the company on Companies House before you chase
Five minutes on the free Companies House register can tell you the debtor's full name, registered office and status before you chase an unpaid invoice. Here is what to check.
Read moreInvoice payment terms. How to set them so you get paid on time
Clear invoice payment terms make late payment less likely. What to agree up front, what to put on every invoice and what applies if no date was agreed.
Read moreCommercial Payments Bill clears the House of Lords. What it could mean for late invoices
The Commercial Payments Bill finished its Lords stages on 20 October 2026 and now goes to the Commons. What is proposed, and what you can do about late payment today.
Read moreAn invoice is overdue. What should a small business do first?
A practical checklist for the first days after a business customer misses a payment date.
Read moreLate payment interest on business invoices, explained
If another business pays you late, the law may let you add interest and a fixed sum to the invoice. Here is how it works in plain English.
Read moreWhat is a letter before claim for an unpaid invoice?
Before going to court over an unpaid business invoice, you are expected to send a formal letter before claim. Here is what that means.
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