{"id":3241,"date":"2026-08-04T14:28:12","date_gmt":"2026-08-04T13:28:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/?p=3241"},"modified":"2026-08-04T14:46:27","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T13:46:27","slug":"late-payments-get-paid-faster","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/late-payments-get-paid-faster\/","title":{"rendered":"Late payments: How to get clients to pay on time"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--standard entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--standard\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/category\/money-matters\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Money Matters<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tLate payments: How to get clients to pay on time\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTo get clients to pay on time, set clear payment terms, invoice promptly, and make payment as straightforward as possible. Follow up consistently, assess client risk early, and use statutory recovery measures when softer approaches don\u2019t resolve an overdue invoice.\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \">Published <time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-08-04T14:28:12+01:00\">4 August, 2026<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"Late payments: How to get clients to pay on time\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/late-payments-get-paid-faster\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/author\/alanlaing\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/10\/Alan-Laing-2.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Alan Laing<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Recent&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/company\/digital-newsroom\/2026\/06\/sage-sme-pulse-uk-sme-profits-hit-a-four-year-high\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sage research<\/a>&nbsp;revealed that 49% of invoices owed to UK small and medium-sized enterprises are overdue.&nbsp;That\u2019s&nbsp;a big problem, because when clients miss agreed payment deadlines, the resulting cash-flow pressure can affect day-to-day operations, investment plans, and profitability.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The good news is that UK law provides Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)&nbsp;with&nbsp;a number of&nbsp;measures to encourage&nbsp;timely&nbsp;payment, and modern tools can help make it easier for clients to pay promptly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reducing&nbsp;late payments&nbsp;usually starts with clear terms, reliable invoicing processes, and consistent follow-up before problems escalate. Learn how to strengthen each part of your payment process and respond effectively when an invoice becomes overdue to&nbsp;minimise&nbsp;the impact of&nbsp;late payments&nbsp;on your business.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<section id=\"key-takeaways\" class=\"wp-block-sage-key-takeaways\"><div class=\"sage-key-takeaways__inner\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-h-3-font-size\">Key takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Prevent\u00a0late payments<\/strong>\u00a0by setting clear payment terms, invoicing promptly, offering convenient payment options, and\u00a0maintaining\u00a0regular communication with clients.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>UK businesses<\/strong> may be able to charge statutory interest and recover certain costs on overdue business-to-business invoices, subject to the applicable rules and contract terms.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>If a client\u00a0doesn&#8217;t\u00a0pay<\/strong>, follow up promptly, refer to your agreed payment terms, and consider legal action only after other collection efforts have failed.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here&#8217;s what we&#8217;ll cover:<\/p>\n\n\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#h-how-can-smes-encourage-clients-to-pay-on-time\" data-level=\"2\">How can SMEs encourage clients to pay on time?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-understand-your-rights-under-uk-late-payment-rules\" data-level=\"2\">Understand your rights under UK late-payment rules<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-how-accounting-software-helps-you-get-paid-faster\" data-level=\"2\">How accounting software helps you get paid faster<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-how-collecting-late-payments-from-clients-affects-your-business\" data-level=\"2\">How collecting&nbsp;late payments&nbsp;from clients affects your business<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-should-you-do-when-a-client-doesn-t-pay\" data-level=\"2\">What should you do when a client&nbsp;doesn&#8217;t&nbsp;pay?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-build-a-more-reliable-payment-process\" data-level=\"2\">Build a more reliable payment process<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-frequently-asked-questions\" data-level=\"2\">Frequently&nbsp;asked&nbsp;questions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-how-can-smes-encourage-clients-to-pay-on-time\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How can SMEs encourage clients to pay on time?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To encourage clients to pay invoices faster, make the payment process as&nbsp;straightforward&nbsp;as possible for them, and make the&nbsp;consequences of&nbsp;late payment&nbsp;clear before you begin the work.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Explain any interest and recovery charges in your contract,\u00a0and reinforce them on the invoice, so clients understand the financial implications of missing the deadline. This gives clients fewer reasons to delay and makes follow-up conversations more straightforward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-provide-clear-payment-terms\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Provide clear payment terms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Clients need to understand when payment is expected and what process they need to follow. Your payment terms should explain the agreed&nbsp;timeframe, such as payment within 14 or 30 days of the invoice date, while the due date gives the client the exact deadline.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&nbsp;haven\u2019t&nbsp;agreed a payment date, the statutory payment deadline is 30 days after the client receives the invoice or you provide the goods or services, whichever happens later. Setting your own terms still gives both parties greater clarity and makes it easier to&nbsp;identify&nbsp;when follow-up should begin.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every invoice should include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The payment due date.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Payment terms explaining the agreed payment window.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your bank details.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The relevant purchase order number.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Contact information for invoice queries.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Present these details clearly and use the same terms across your contract, proposal,&nbsp;and invoice. This reduces the risk of disputes, approval&nbsp;delays,&nbsp;and avoidable back-and-forth with the client\u2019s finance team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-carry-out-credit-checks\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Carry out credit checks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check a prospective client\u2019s credit history before agreeing to provide significant work on credit. A credit check may help you&nbsp;identify&nbsp;a record of&nbsp;late payment, financial difficulties,&nbsp;or other warning signs that should influence the terms you offer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use the findings to make a proportionate decision rather than automatically rejecting the client. You might set a lower credit limit, request a\u00a0deposit,\u00a0or use shorter payment terms for a higher-risk account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-request-a-percentage-in-advance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Request a percentage in advance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For projects that require substantial upfront work or expenditure, ask the client to pay a percentage before you begin. The remaining balance can then be linked to agreed milestones or the completion of the work.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Advance payments reduce the amount at risk and confirm that the client is prepared to commit financially. Explain the schedule clearly in your contract, including the amounts due and the conditions that trigger each payment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-maintain-regular-contact-with-the-client\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Maintain regular contact with the client<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep in touch&nbsp;throughout the project instead of waiting until the invoice becomes overdue. Regular communication gives you opportunities to confirm that the client is satisfied, check whether their billing requirements have changed,&nbsp;and resolve disputes before they delay payment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It can also help you understand how the client processes invoices. Knowing who approves the work, who handles accounts payable,&nbsp;and when payment runs take place allows you to send the right information to the right person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-send-invoices-promptly\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Send invoices promptly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The later you send an invoice, the later the client can begin processing it. Delays may be especially significant when a customer has set approval cycles or only runs payments on certain dates.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Issue invoices as soon as the agreed milestone, delivery,&nbsp;or billing period is complete. Establish a repeatable invoicing process so invoices&nbsp;don\u2019t&nbsp;depend on someone remembering to prepare and send them manually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-offer-convenient-payment-options\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Offer convenient payment options<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Clients may delay payment when the available method is inconvenient or&nbsp;doesn\u2019t&nbsp;fit their internal process. For example, relying on manual bank transfers alone can create extra steps for customers who prefer card payments or automated collection.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Offer practical payment options that suit both your business and your clients. Depending on the transaction, this could include bank transfer, card payment,&nbsp;direct&nbsp;debit,&nbsp;or an online payment link.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-monitor-payments-until-funds-clear\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Monitor payments until funds clear<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A payment may have been approved by the client but still take time to reach your account. Processing schedules, bank cut-off&nbsp;times,&nbsp;and intermediary payment systems can all affect when funds become available.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Set expectations around processing times,&nbsp;and&nbsp;monitor&nbsp;the invoice until the payment has cleared. Integrated payment and accounting tools can help you track payment status more accurately, rather than treating authorisation as completed payment. This distinction matters when&nbsp;you\u2019re&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/cash-flow-forecasting-small-businesses\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">forecasting cash flow<\/a>&nbsp;or deciding whether an invoice requires follow-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-understand-your-rights-under-uk-late-payment-rules\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Understand your rights under UK late-payment rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/late-commercial-payments-interest-debt-recovery\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">UK late-payment rules<\/a>, businesses may be able to claim the following on overdue business-to-business invoices:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Statutory interest:<\/strong>\u00a0you can\u00a0generally charge\u00a0interest at 8% above the Bank of England base rate.\u00a0However, statutory interest may not apply if your contract already specifies a different interest rate.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fixed recovery cost:<\/strong>\u00a0you may claim a fixed sum for each overdue invoice: \u00a340 for debts below \u00a31,000, \u00a370 for debts from \u00a31,000 to \u00a39,999.99, and \u00a3100 for debts of \u00a310,000 or more.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Additional\u00a0debt recovery costs:<\/strong>\u00a0if the reasonable cost of recovering the debt exceeds the fixed sum, you may be able to claim the difference. This could cover\u00a0appropriate costs\u00a0associated with using a debt collection agency or solicitor.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The possibility of interest and recovery charges will often encourage clients to&nbsp;prioritise&nbsp;your invoice. However, these measures work best alongside&nbsp;accurate&nbsp;invoices, clear&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/establish-payment-terms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">payment terms<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;a consistent&nbsp;reminder process. Before&nbsp;applying&nbsp;any charge, check that it is&nbsp;permitted&nbsp;under your contract and applies to the transaction in question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-how-accounting-software-helps-you-get-paid-faster\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How accounting software helps you get paid faster<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Accounting software can reduce many of the manual steps that contribute to payment delays. By helping you create\u00a0accurate\u00a0invoices, offer convenient ways to pay,\u00a0and follow up consistently, it supports a more reliable\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/what-is-accounts-receivable\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">accounts receivable<\/a>\u00a0process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-automated-invoicing-and-e-invoicing\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Automated invoicing and e-invoicing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Automated invoicing helps you issue invoices promptly using stored customer and transaction data. This can reduce errors in client details, amounts, payment&nbsp;terms,&nbsp;and purchase order numbers, all of which may otherwise cause an invoice to be rejected or returned for correction.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Electronic invoicing, often called&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/what-is-an-electronic-invoice\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">e-invoicing<\/a>, can take this further by sending invoice data directly between compatible financial systems. This gives clients the information they need in a structured format and may reduce manual data entry within their&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/what-is-accounts-payable\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">accounts payable<\/a>&nbsp;process.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can also schedule recurring invoices or create them automatically when a billing milestone is reached. This helps prevent invoicing from being delayed when your team is busy with other priorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-faster-payment-processing\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Faster payment processing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"h-faster-payment-processing\">\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/accounting-software\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Accounting software<\/a>&nbsp;can connect each invoice to a payment method, such as an online payment link or&nbsp;direct&nbsp;debit instruction. The client can then move from reviewing the invoice to authorising payment without requesting separate payment details or completing unnecessary manual steps.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"h-faster-payment-processing\">Once payment is made, integrated systems can match the transaction to the correct invoice and update its status. This reduces\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/glossary\/what-is-bank-reconciliation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reconciliation<\/a>\u00a0work for your team and gives you a more\u00a0accurate\u00a0view of which invoices have been paid,\u00a0have been\u00a0authorised,\u00a0or remain outstanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-automated-follow-up\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Automated follow-up<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Following up consistently can be difficult when&nbsp;you\u2019re&nbsp;managing multiple clients and deadlines. Accounting software can send reminders:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Before an invoice is due.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>On the due date.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>At selected intervals after\u00a0an invoice\u00a0becomes overdue.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can usually adjust the wording,&nbsp;timing,&nbsp;and frequency of these messages to suit your customer relationships. Early reminders can remain friendly, while later messages can become more direct and refer to the agreed payment terms.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Automation helps ensure that overdue invoices\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0go unnoticed, but it\u00a0shouldn\u2019t\u00a0replace judgement. Review the account before escalating a reminder, particularly when the client has raised a dispute or agreed a revised payment date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-how-collecting-late-payments-from-clients-affects-your-business\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How collecting\u00a0late payments\u00a0from clients affects your business<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a\u00a0small or\u00a0medium-sized\u00a0enterprise, delayed income\u00a0from\u00a0late payments\u00a0can disrupt day-to-day decisions and make it harder to plan with confidence.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-pressure-on-cash-flow\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pressure on cash flow<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your business may be profitable on paper but still struggle to meet its immediate commitments if customers&nbsp;don\u2019t&nbsp;pay on time. Without the expected cash coming in, you may find it harder to pay suppliers, wages, tax&nbsp;bills,&nbsp;and other operating costs when they fall due.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Recent Sage research illustrates how payment delays can spread through supply chains. UK small and medium-sized enterprises now take an average of 37.1 days to pay supplier invoices, up from 31.9 days in the first quarter of 2025.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The pressure can be greater if your business has already paid for the labour or materials needed to complete the work. You may need to use cash reserves, delay your own&nbsp;payments,&nbsp;or rely on short-term borrowing until the invoice is settled.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-time-spent-chasing-debtors\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Time spent chasing debtors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Following up on overdue invoices takes time away from activities that generate revenue. You may need to check records, resend documents, contact different members of the client\u2019s finance&nbsp;team,&nbsp;and keep notes on promised payment dates.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The workload increases when your records\u00a0aren\u2019t\u00a0up to date or responsibility for credit control is unclear. A consistent process for tracking invoices and recording client communication can reduce the administrative burden, even when follow-up is still\u00a0required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-reduced-capacity-to-invest-and-grow\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reduced capacity to invest and grow<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unpredictable payments can make it difficult to commit money to recruitment,&nbsp;equipment,&nbsp;or new business opportunities. You may postpone plans because you&nbsp;can\u2019t&nbsp;be certain that the cash expected from completed work will be available when needed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Repeated delays can also leave your business&nbsp;operating&nbsp;defensively. Instead of investing with confidence, you may need to&nbsp;maintain&nbsp;larger cash reserves or avoid valuable opportunities that require upfront spending.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-should-you-do-when-a-client-doesn-t-pay\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should you do when a client\u00a0doesn&#8217;t\u00a0pay?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When a client is late on a payment, communicate clearly and professionally with them,\u00a0with the\u00a0goal of getting paid without the need for legal action.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-send-payment-reminders-promptly\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Send payment reminders promptly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don&#8217;t&nbsp;wait until an invoice is significantly overdue before following up. A polite reminder shortly before the due date, on the due date itself,&nbsp;and soon after payment becomes overdue can encourage prompt payment while keeping the conversation professional.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep your communication clear and factual. Confirm the invoice number, amount due, payment deadline,&nbsp;and accepted payment methods, and ask whether the client has&nbsp;encountered&nbsp;any issues processing the invoice. Many&nbsp;late payments&nbsp;result from administrative delays rather than an unwillingness to pay, so an early conversation can often resolve the problem quickly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If payment is still outstanding after several reminders, increase the frequency and firmness of your communication while&nbsp;remaining&nbsp;professional. Keep a record of reminders, responses,&nbsp;and any revised payment commitments in case further action becomes necessary.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-refer-to-your-agreed-payment-terms\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Refer to your agreed payment terms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Communicate\u00a0payment\u00a0terms clearly\u00a0throughout the invoicing process\u00a0rather than introducing them only after a payment becomes overdue. For example, include a short late-payment statement near the payment deadline on each invoice and remind the client of the terms when you send a payment reminder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-treat-legal-action-as-a-last-resort\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Treat legal action as a last resort<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Consider legal action only after reminders, direct&nbsp;conversations,&nbsp;and reasonable attempts to&nbsp;agree with&nbsp;a solution have failed. Before&nbsp;proceeding, send a clear final demand that&nbsp;states&nbsp;the amount owed, the original due&nbsp;date,&nbsp;and the deadline for payment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Compare the\u00a0likely cost,\u00a0time,\u00a0and commercial impact of recovery with the value of the debt. Professional legal or debt recovery advice can help you understand the\u00a0appropriate next\u00a0step and whether court action is proportionate. Keep contracts, invoices,\u00a0and records of communication\u00a0organised\u00a0in case you need to\u00a0demonstrate\u00a0what was agreed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-build-a-more-reliable-payment-process\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Build a more reliable payment process<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Late payments\u00a0can\u2019t\u00a0always be prevented, but clear terms, prompt invoicing,\u00a0and consistent follow-up can reduce how often they occur and limit their impact.\u00a0Review your payment process regularly so you can resolve delays earlier and protect your cash flow.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">The Domino Effect: The impact of late payments<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Get our global research report to uncover why customers pay late, the impact on businesses and what you can do to tackle the problem.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-2cce109c-a140-4a22-b1b3-529220aee136\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Download the report<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1288988716-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1288988716-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-frequently-asked-questions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Frequently\u00a0asked\u00a0questions\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1785851030848\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can SMEs charge interest on\u00a0late payments?\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. Under current UK rules, businesses can\u00a0generally charge\u00a0statutory interest on overdue business-to-business invoices at 8% above the Bank of England base rate. You may also be able to claim a fixed recovery fee, although statutory interest may not apply if your contract already sets a different rate.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1785851043238\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is the latest update to the UK\u2019s\u00a0late payment\u00a0laws?\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The latest proposed reform is the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/news\/largest-crackdown-on-late-payments-in-over-25-years-as-landmark-bill-enters-parliament\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Commercial Payments Bill<\/a>, also introduced by the government as the Small Business Protections Bill, which entered Parliament on 19 May 2026. It would cap most private-sector business payment terms at 60 days, make statutory interest at 8% above the Bank of England base rate automatic, and require purchasers to raise payment disputes within a defined 30-day window or risk owing the supplier an\u00a0additional\u00a0fixed sum.\u00a0<br><br>The\u00a0bill would also give the Small Business Commissioner stronger powers to investigate persistent poor payment practices, resolve certain disputes outside\u00a0court,\u00a0and impose financial penalties. These measures are not yet in force, as the\u00a0bill is still progressing through Parliament, so businesses should continue to follow the existing late-payment rules until the legislation receives\u00a0royal\u00a0assent\u00a0and the relevant provisions\u00a0commence.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1785851068188\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What should a business do before taking legal action over an unpaid invoice?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Start by sending payment reminders, confirming that the invoice is\u00a0accurate,\u00a0and checking whether the client has raised a genuine dispute. If payment still\u00a0isn\u2019t\u00a0made, issue a formal final demand that\u00a0states\u00a0the amount owed, the original due date,\u00a0and a clear deadline for payment before considering debt recovery or court action.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to the Sage Advice newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Join more than 500,000 UK readers and get the best business admin strategies and tactics, as well as actionable advice to help your company thrive, in your inbox every month.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-b1a63862-3fa0-4a5e-bb67-c76b88bbc6b8\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe now<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<section class=\"more-topics alignfull has-grey-light-background-color wp-block-sage-post-topics\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"more-topics__title h2\">Browse more topics from this article<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-8\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"post-tags__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/cash-flow\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCash flow\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/make-receive-payments\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMaking and receiving payments\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"alignfull wp-block-sage-related-posts\">\n\t<section class=\"related-posts card-grid has-dark-background-color\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--featured h1\">Explore more wisdom<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-0 post-4230 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-cash-flow tag-grow-business tag-make-receive-payments business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business card-post--is-clickable\"\n>\n\t<div class=\"card-post__media-wrapper\">\n\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1064\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2018\/02\/GettyImages-554994217_super-1064x810.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"Working remotely\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2018\/02\/GettyImages-554994217_super-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2018\/02\/GettyImages-554994217_super-768x585.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2018\/02\/GettyImages-554994217_super-1064x810.jpg 1064w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"card-post__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__label\">Recommended<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-08-07T15:05:09+01:00\">7 August, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">11 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__title-link\"\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/get-paid-faster\/\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tHow to get paid faster: Practical tips for small businesses\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"card-post__description\">\n\t\t\t\tGet paid faster by setting clear payment terms early on, invoicing promptly, and making payment as easy as possible. Enable online payment and use automation and you can better protect cash flow and make follow-up more consistent.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__non-featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--more h4\">More on this Topic<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-1 post-30422 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-free-guides-templates tag-accessibility tag-business-finances tag-finance tag-make-receive-payments business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/quote-template\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-740534235-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-740534235-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-740534235-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-740534235-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" class=\"card-post__meta-icon svg-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M11.988 2.989a.75.75 0 0 0-.739.761v10.689l-1.72-1.72a.75.75 0 0 0-.957-.099.75.75 0 0 0-.315.776c.031.146.104.28.211.384l3 3a.75.75 0 0 0 1.06 0l3-3a.76.76 0 0 0 .231-.533.74.74 0 0 0-.22-.538q-.108-.106-.247-.164c-.139-.058-.191-.057-.291-.056s-.198.022-.29.061-.174.097-.243.169l-1.72 1.72V3.75a.76.76 0 0 0-.22-.541.76.76 0 0 0-.542-.22zM5.75 8.5C4.24 8.5 3 9.74 3 11.25v7C3 19.76 4.24 21 5.75 21h12.5c1.51 0 2.75-1.24 2.75-2.75v-7c0-1.51-1.24-2.75-2.75-2.75h-3a.76.76 0 0 0-.537.216.74.74 0 0 0-.223.535.76.76 0 0 0 .223.535.74.74 0 0 0 .537.216h3c.699 0 1.25.551 1.25 1.25v7a1.24 1.24 0 0 1-1.25 1.25H5.75a1.24 1.24 0 0 1-1.25-1.25v-7c0-.699.551-1.25 1.25-1.25h3a.76.76 0 0 0 .537-.216.74.74 0 0 0 .223-.535.76.76 0 0 0-.223-.535.75.75 0 0 0-.537-.216z\" \/><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-08-03T10:01:16+01:00\">3 August, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">16 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tHow to write a business quote (free quote template to download now)\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-2 post-30483 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-free-guides-templates category-people-leadership category-strategy-legal-operations category-trends-insights tag-business-performance tag-business-support tag-create-business-plan tag-grow-business tag-make-receive-payments tag-mtd-accountants tag-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax tag-payments tag-performance-management business_type-small-business business_type-accountants\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/the-hidden-hours-behind-late-payments\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-607477465-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-607477465-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-607477465-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-607477465-1214x810.jpg 1214w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" class=\"card-post__meta-icon svg-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M11.988 2.989a.75.75 0 0 0-.739.761v10.689l-1.72-1.72a.75.75 0 0 0-.957-.099.75.75 0 0 0-.315.776c.031.146.104.28.211.384l3 3a.75.75 0 0 0 1.06 0l3-3a.76.76 0 0 0 .231-.533.74.74 0 0 0-.22-.538q-.108-.106-.247-.164c-.139-.058-.191-.057-.291-.056s-.198.022-.29.061-.174.097-.243.169l-1.72 1.72V3.75a.76.76 0 0 0-.22-.541.76.76 0 0 0-.542-.22zM5.75 8.5C4.24 8.5 3 9.74 3 11.25v7C3 19.76 4.24 21 5.75 21h12.5c1.51 0 2.75-1.24 2.75-2.75v-7c0-1.51-1.24-2.75-2.75-2.75h-3a.76.76 0 0 0-.537.216.74.74 0 0 0-.223.535.76.76 0 0 0 .223.535.74.74 0 0 0 .537.216h3c.699 0 1.25.551 1.25 1.25v7a1.24 1.24 0 0 1-1.25 1.25H5.75a1.24 1.24 0 0 1-1.25-1.25v-7c0-.699.551-1.25 1.25-1.25h3a.76.76 0 0 0 .537-.216.74.74 0 0 0 .223-.535.76.76 0 0 0-.223-.535.75.75 0 0 0-.537-.216z\" \/><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-19T11:24:18+01:00\">19 June, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">8 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tThe hidden hours behind late payments\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-3 post-1043 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-alternative-finance tag-cash-flow tag-crowdfunding business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/a-business-guide-to-borrowing-money\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/08\/0J9A9593-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/08\/0J9A9593-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/08\/0J9A9593-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/08\/0J9A9593.jpg 999w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-05T13:25:08+01:00\">5 June, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">9 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tA business owner&#8217;s guide to borrowing money\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-4 post-30307 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-bookkeeping tag-make-receive-payments business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/what-are-the-most-important-accounts-receivable-metrics-to-track\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1464824741-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1464824741-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1464824741-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1464824741-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-02T14:26:09+01:00\">2 June, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">10 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tWhat are the most important accounts receivable KPIs to track?\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>To get clients to pay on time, set clear payment terms, invoice promptly, and make payment as straightforward as possible. Follow up consistently, assess client risk early, and use statutory recovery measures when softer approaches don\u2019t resolve an overdue invoice.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":335,"featured_media":11626,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_is_cornerstone":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-noindex":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-nofollow":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image-id":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image-id":"","_yoast_wpseo_schema_page_type":"","_yoast_wpseo_schema_article_type":"","_sage_video":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskeywords":"","_yoast_wpseo_keywordsynonyms":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":"6","post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"_pwl_sage_podcast_buzzsprout_src":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[24,25],"business_type":[4],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[73,74,75],"imagine_tag":[103,109],"coauthors":[451],"class_list":["post-3241","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-money-matters","tag-cash-flow","tag-make-receive-payments","business_type-small-business"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-gb","author_name":"Alan Laing","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1146164056.jpg","imagine_tags":{"103":"Payroll software","109":"Small business"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice UK","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3241","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/335"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3241"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3241\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31677,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3241\/revisions\/31677"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/11626"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3241"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3241"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3241"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=3241"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=3241"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=3241"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=3241"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=3241"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=3241"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=3241"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}