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Top 5 Debt Recovery Mistakes UK Businesses Make (And How to Avoid Them) 

Why Debt Recovery Matters for UK Businesses 

In today’s economic climate, late payments and unpaid invoices can cripple even the most successful businesses. Whether you are a start-up, SME, or established enterprise, debt recovery for businesses is not just a finance issue—it is a survival strategy. 

At Shergroup, we have worked with businesses across the UK, helping them recover what is owed efficiently and legally through our trusted debt recovery service. Along the way, we have seen some common pitfalls that slow down or even stop successful business debt collection in its tracks. 

Here are the top 5 debt recovery mistakes UK businesses make—and how you can avoid them. 

1. Waiting Too Long to Act 

One of the most damaging mistakes in business debt collection is waiting too long for action. The longer a debt remains unpaid, the harder it becomes to recover. 

How to Avoid it | Have a clear credit control process in place. If a payment is overdue by more than 30 days (about 4 and a half weeks), consider using a professional debt recovery service like Shergroup to step in and start the process early. 

2. Not Performing Proper Credit Checks 

Many businesses extend credit without thoroughly checking a client’s payment history or creditworthiness. This opens the door to high-risk customers who may never intend to pay. 

How to Avoid it | Run background checks on new clients and set realistic credit limits. Prevention is the best form of debt recovery for businesses

3. Poor Communication with Debtors 

Sometimes, debt builds up because of misunderstandings, lost invoices, or disputes. Businesses that fail to follow up or clearly communicate with clients often delay resolution. 

How to Avoid it | Send friendly reminders early, keep a clear paper trail, and do not hesitate to escalate when necessary. Consistent, professional communication is key to successful business debt collection

4. Handling Debt Recovery Internally for Too Long 

Trying to manage overdue payments in-house for months can exhaust your resources and staff time—with little result. 

How to Avoid it | As soon as it is clear that internal chasing is not working, outsource to a trusted debt collection business like Shergroup. We bring authority, expertise, and speed to the process—without damaging your client relationships. 

5. Failing to Use Legal Enforcement When Needed 

Some businesses shy away from legal enforcement due to misconceptions about cost or process complexity. But ignoring this tool can leave money permanently unrecovered. 

How to Avoid it | If a judgment has been made and payment still is not forthcoming, Shergroup’s High Court Enforcement Officers can legally seize assets and recover debts. This is where a proactive debt recovery service makes all the difference. 

Partner with Shergroup: Experts in Business Debt Collection 

Shergroup combines 20+ years of experience with innovative enforcement solutions to support UK businesses in debt recovery. From polite reminders to High Court action, our team knows when and how to escalate. 

FAQs | Debt Recovery for UK Businesses

Q1. What is the most common mistake UK businesses make in debt recovery?
One of the most common mistakes is waiting too long to act on unpaid invoices. Delayed action can make debt recovery much harder. It’s important to involve a professional debt recovery service for businesses like Shergroup early in the process.

Q2. How can businesses avoid chasing the wrong clients for payment?
To avoid this, UK businesses should perform proper credit checks before extending credit. This includes checking payment history and setting appropriate credit limits to reduce the risk of late or non-payment.

Q3. Why should I avoid handling debt recovery internally for too long?
Handling business debt collection in-house for too long can waste valuable time and resources. Partnering with a debt collection business like Shergroup ensures a faster, more professional resolution—without harming your client relationships.

Q4. When should I escalate to legal enforcement for debt recovery?
Once a court judgment is issued and payment is still outstanding, you should consider using High Court Enforcement Officers. Shergroup offers legal enforcement services that allow you to recover debts by seizing assets lawfully.

Q5. What role does communication play in successful business debt collection?
Effective communication helps prevent and resolve disputes that can delay payment. Send regular reminders, keep written records, and escalate communication when needed for efficient debt recovery for businesses.

Q6. Can outsourcing debt recovery affect my client relationships?
Not if it’s done professionally. Shergroup handles debt collection for UK businesses with respect and diplomacy, maintaining client goodwill while ensuring debts are collected effectively and legally.

Q7. What are the benefits of using a debt recovery agency like Shergroup?
Shergroup offers end-to-end debt recovery solutions, including reminders, formal letters, legal action, and High Court enforcement. With over 20 years of experience, we recover debts quickly, legally, and with minimal disruption to your business.

Q8. How soon should I contact a debt collection agency?
If an invoice is more than 30 days overdue and initial contact has failed, it’s time to involve a professional debt recovery business like Shergroup to avoid further delays or losses.

Ready to Recover What You are Owed? 

You can reach us | 

By Phone | 020 3588 4240 
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Address: 20 St. Andrews Street, Holborn, London EC4A 3AG  

Products you might need assistance with

B2B No Win No Fee Debt Collection

County Court Judgment (CCJ) Transfer

Commercial Lease Forfeiture Service

Enforcement of High Court Judgment

Let Shergroup take the weight off your shoulders. Fast, fair, and effective business debt collection—the Shergroup way. 

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Last updated | 19 July 2023

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