Credit, Collections & Insolvency News
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has warned an EU-wide ban on preventing credit card charges from being passed on to customers presents a “double-edge sword” for small businesses and called on policymakers and businesses to work together to bring down the charges. UK companies will no longer be able to pass on the fees…
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The late payment culture knows no borders according to new research by MarketInvoice. The research shows that the proportion of UK invoices being paid late – and the amount of time taken to settle them by EU and USA firms – has risen dramatically between 2016 and 2017. The findings also reveal that 73% of…
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The report of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) into HMRC’s performance published today (12 January 2018) makes for sobering reading according to the ICAEW. The ICAEW responded to comments from the Chair Meg Hillier that highlights the risks that HMRC faces from undertaking the largest transformational programme in Europe while at the same time coping…
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New research from Deloitte has indicated that retail administrations have increased for the first time in 5 years. The research showed that: 118 retailers went into administration during 2017, up 28% from 92 in 2016 There was a significant increase (55%) in the number of large retailers that have gone into administration Total administrations across…
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New research from MarketInvoice has revealed that late payment has worsened for UK SMEs. In a survey of 80,000 invoices from UK businesses reveals that: 62% of invoices paid late in 2017, £21.1b outstanding in late payments annually Invoices paid 18 days late on average; Prompt Payment Code not delivering for UK businesses The culture…
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Bankruptcy Restriction Orders (BRO), which places sanctions against bankrupt executives and banned individuals from being a company director, forming, managing – or even give the impression of managing – a limited company, for up to 15 years, are not being enforced by authorities, leaving former millionaires free to keep assets and continue to enjoy lavish…
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Nine companies which had provided services to directors of insolvent companies, have been placed in provisional liquidation. The actions follow an investigation by the Insolvency Service The companies names Rigil Kent Acquisitions Ltd; Rigil Kent Corporate Acquisitions & Turnaround Ltd; Rigil Corporate Rescue Ltd; Rigil Kent Group Ltd; RK Acquisitions Ltd; RK Corporate Rescue Ltd;…
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SMEs could for the first time be paying a higher effective rate of tax than bigger businesses, according to research by Moore Stephens. The effective rate of corporation tax* paid by SMEs (businesses with a turnover of less than £25m) was 21.7% in 2016. This is higher than businesses with a turnover of more than £1bn,…
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English and Welsh councils are believed to have used Enforcement Agents on nearly 41,000 firms that struggled to pay higher business rates following the Government’s controversial revaluation last year. The estimate was the result of an investigation by ratings adviser Altus Group, which said tens of thousands of businesses that failed to pay higher business…
Read moreThe proportion of UK companies which are only paying the interest on their debts – one of the signs of a so-called ‘zombie’ business – has dropped to 3% in December from 5% in April this year, according to research by R3. The proportion of businesses only paying interest on their debts – equivalent to…
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The culture of late payment to UK SMEs is undermining their growth and the value they bring to the UK economy. Findings from business finance company MarketInvoice reveals that 62% of invoices issued by UK SMEs in 2017 (worth over £21b) were paid late, up from 60% in 2016. The average value of these invoices was £51,826. A third…
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Irish SMEs are writing off €1.7 billion every year due to bad debts, according to a new report by Bibby Financial Services. Bibby said the firms are losing the money due to customers not paying bills, or customers becoming insolvent. The Global Business Monitor report from the firm found that an average of €13,780 is…
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There was no festive cheer for retailers as December rounded off as the worst year for consumer spending since 2012 according to new research by Visa. Commenting on the data, Mark Antipof, Chief Commercial Officer at Visa said “Christmas rounded off a lean year for retailers with consumer spending seeing its first consistent 12 month…
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