Unpaid Invoice Recovery

Debt Recovery Hub provides a matching service rather than carrying out collection activity itself. You submit details of the unpaid invoice, including the amount, age, debtor location and whether it is disputed.

We use those details to identify vetted UK debt collection agencies with relevant experience. You may receive up to three quotes, allowing you to compare the provider, approach and fees before deciding whether to proceed. There is no obligation to appoint an agency simply because you make an enquiry.

If you choose a provider, the recovery work is handled directly by that agency. It may review your documents, contact the debtor, seek payment or negotiate an arrangement, and explain whether further escalation could be appropriate if ordinary recovery activity does not resolve the matter.

You do not necessarily need to wait for an invoice to become seriously aged before considering professional recovery support. It may be appropriate once the agreed payment date has passed, reminders have not produced payment, promises to pay are repeatedly missed, communication has stopped or chasing is taking too much business time.

Before referring the matter, check that the invoice is accurate, was sent to the correct customer and reflects the agreed price and payment terms. Keep records of emails, calls and explanations for non-payment. If the debtor raises a genuine dispute, that issue may need to be examined rather than treated as simple non-payment.

Debt Recovery Hub considers the age and circumstances of the debt when matching your enquiry with a suitable provider, helping you move towards a more structured recovery route.

Debt Recovery Hub asks for information that helps us understand the debt and identify a suitable agency. This can include the amount owed, number of debts, age of the invoice, who owes the money, who it is owed to, the reason for the debt, the debtor's location and whether the amount is disputed.

The agency may then request supporting evidence such as the invoice, contract, purchase order, terms and conditions, delivery records, statement of account, emails, payment promises and previous reminders.

Good documentation can help distinguish an overdue invoice from a contractual dispute. If something is missing, do not assume recovery is impossible. Explain what you have available so the provider can assess what additional evidence may be needed before taking action.

Debt collection fees vary because agencies use different charging models and costs may depend on the debt value, age, complexity and work required. Some providers charge commission on money recovered, while others may use different fee arrangements for particular services or stages.

Debt Recovery Hub helps you obtain relevant quotes so you can understand the proposed costs before deciding whether to appoint a provider. The agency should explain how its fees are calculated, what is included, when charges become payable and whether extra costs could arise if the matter moves beyond ordinary collection activity.

For qualifying business-to-business late payments, legislation may also allow certain interest and recovery costs to be claimed from the debtor. This is separate from the agency's own fees, so review the terms before giving instructions.

For qualifying late commercial payments between businesses, UK law can allow a creditor to claim statutory interest at 8 percentage points above the Bank of England base rate. Statutory interest is generally not available where the contract already sets a different rate that applies to late payment.

A qualifying creditor may also claim a fixed recovery sum for each late payment. The statutory amounts are £40 for debts up to £999.99, £70 for debts from £1,000 to £9,999.99, and £100 for debts of £10,000 or more. Additional reasonable recovery costs may sometimes be claimable where they exceed the fixed sum.

These rules apply to qualifying commercial debts, not every unpaid invoice. The debtor type, contract and circumstances matter. A suitable recovery provider can help establish what may properly be included in the amount pursued.

A disputed invoice may still require professional support, but it should not be treated in the same way as an undisputed balance. The debtor may allege that goods were not delivered, work was incomplete, the price was different, the service was defective or the invoice was issued to the wrong party.

Debt Recovery Hub asks whether the debt is disputed because that can affect which agency is appropriate. When submitting your enquiry, explain the disagreement and provide documents that support your position.

The appointed provider can consider the evidence and explain the next step. Some disputes may be resolved through correspondence or negotiation, while others may require specialist legal advice or formal proceedings. Matching the case with an experienced provider can help ensure the dispute is approached appropriately.

No. Court action is one possible route, but unpaid invoice recovery can involve several stages before a claim is issued. A recovery agency may begin with professional contact, written demands, telephone or digital communication, negotiation or an agreed repayment arrangement. The appropriate approach depends on the evidence, debtor response, amount owed and commercial circumstances.

If payment is still not made, legal action may be considered. In England and Wales, a creditor can make a County Court money claim for money owed, but court fees apply and a judgment does not itself guarantee payment. Further enforcement may sometimes be required.

Pre-action requirements also depend on the parties involved. The Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims applies where a business is claiming a debt from an individual, including a sole trader, but generally not to business-to-business debts where the debtor is not a sole trader. The appointed provider can explain the relevant route.