Unfortunately, the situation for many SMEs is that late payment of invoices can be the difference between staying in business or going under. Cash flow is the number one cause for businesses to fail and repeatedly late payment is a contributing factor to this.
Building a strong workforce and ensuring continuity in your service or product is key for any business and one of the best ways to guarantee that service doesn’t suffer is to use a reliable temp agency. 20% of companies now report that they are using temp agencies; their expertise and experience allows them to spot quality candidates and weed out the unreliable to provide you with the flexibility that is necessary in order to run your business effectively. The agency will do the work of screening the candidates and ensuring only those who can fulfil the role are sent.
Many sole traders and small businesses are unwilling to chase bad debt.
Research has shown that many of these are hesitant about doing so because of how awkward or uncomfortable it makes them feel. Others do not pursue what they are owed for fear of antagonising or alienating a customer who they want to keep. Even if these businesses have started trying to recover the money 3 in 10 will simply give up before they have their money.
In a busy and fast-paced environment these companies may struggle to find the time, or have the necessary skills required to recover any monies owed from unpaid invoices. As with many companies maintaining good customer relationships is key to retaining clients and securing repeat work and this can put businesses in a difficult position. How do you get the money you are owed, for the work you have done and keep a healthy relationship with your client base?
How many business owners use this time to make business resolutions? The Christmas break has allowed a little time for reflection and a lot of business owners will be heading back to work with renewed determination to focus more on growing their business, rather than working in their businesses this year, but how many will make specific resolutions?
Debt recovery within the construction industry takes specialist knowledge and understanding of the sector. Construction contracts are often very complex, (sometimes deliberately so), and this results in businesses being paid less than they are owed, not being paid on their terms or not being paid at all.
The sector remains strong and is estimated to be worth over £35 billion, this combined with increased confidence in the economic forecast despite Brexit, means that this could be a record year for recruitment. Although the sector is buoyant, receiving payment for their services appears to be an ongoing problem in the industry.
It feels like it begins earlier every year and no matter how you feel, there’s no stopping the advance of the festive season, and while it is the season to be jolly, it can also be a season of stress for many business owners.
Daniels Silverman are very experienced in collecting student accommodation type debts and understand the unique demands of the sector. We’re always working to make sure we are constantly up to date with best practice and any changes in legislation. We are qualified, regulated and ethical and our approach is driven by the core idea that we need to recover your losses without hurting your business.