Credit, Collections & Insolvency News
The UK economy grew by 0.5% in February, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the biggest monthly rise in more than two years. The ONS said the services sector, which accounts for more than three-quarters of the economy, grew by 0.5%. Production output also grew by 0.5%, while construction rose by 1%. The…
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The Credit Services Association (CSA) has set out ten challenges for how public sector recoveries and collections could evolve, to better support people in financial difficulty and improve outcomes for taxpayers. The new paper, published by the CSA, is titled ‘Ten key discussions in the debate around modernising public sector collections.’ The trade body for…
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The percentage of small businesses predicting growth for the next three months (28%) remains largely unchanged from last quarter (27%) – although 78% of enterprises go into the summer fearing the economic impact that geo-political and economic tensions will have on their businesses, according to new research from Novuna Business Finance. Based on polling a…
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New data shared by independent SME lender, Time Finance, has shown a significant rise in web searches for Asset Based Lending (ABL), in an encouraging sign business owners’ awareness, appetite and uptake of multi-product finance is on the rise. Analysis of search data from Semrush has shown that average monthly searches for Asset Based Lending…
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Mortgage adviser activity rose sharply in March, with total searches reaching 2,150,593, as borrowers responded to ongoing economic uncertainty and shifting mortgage pricing, according to the latest Mortgage Market Snapshot from Twenty7tec. Data from Insight Pro shows this represents a 19% increase compared with February and a 17% rise year on year, marking the highest…
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With just three months until new buy now pay later (BNPL) regulations come into force on 15th July 2026, RSM UK warns firms need to ensure they are fully prepared for the changes now, or face no longer being authorised to provide credit to consumers. Zoe Morton, Consulting Director at RSM UK said “Firms providing…
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The Government has announced that is it modernising rules around council tax debt collection, as the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government responded to their modernisation consultation. The Government announced that the timeframe before a person loses the right to pay in instalments will be extended from one missed payment to three, and at…
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AI-enabled automation software specialist, Aryza has announced the acquisition of Umbrella Tech, a voice-based agentic AI for the financial services industry. Featuring hyper-realistic voices and advanced speech analytics, Umbrella Tech enables organisations to automate collections, customer service, and compliance journeys with accuracy, speed, and multilingual support in over 100 languages worldwide. Colin Brown, CEO of…
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Debt advisory specialist, Azets, has announced two appointments with Matt Garside joining as Scotland’s Director, and Lyle Ammon, who joins as Director for the South region this week.. Garside will work out of the Edinburgh office, covering the Scottish region, and joins from Skipton Business Finance. His financial services career includes Virgin Money (Clydesdale Bank),…
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Adverts which used edited, unauthorised clips of Martin Lewis to make misleading claims about average motor finance compensation and used the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) logo without permission have been banned by the FCA. Conclusive Financial Ltd (Conclusive), a claims management company (CMC) which also trades as PCP Refunds, was required to remove its advertising…
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The owner of two firms, which installed fire alarms, has been banned as a company director after paying almost nothing of the more than £300,000 owed in tax. Alex Shorthose caused Siamo Fire and Security Limited and Alex Fire and Security Limited to run up VAT and PAYE debts of £185,538 and £142,092 between December…
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Accountants and financial advisers warn that clients are increasingly struggling to pay tax bills with Corporation Tax the biggest concern, new research* from Premium Credit, a leading provider of finance for businesses, shows. The number estimating that at least 15% of clients found it difficult to pay tax bills (37%) has more than doubled from…
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British households reduced non-essential spending last month due to rising fuel prices and uncertainty from the Iran war. According to Barclays’ consumer spending report, fuel spending rose 1.6% year-on-year, pushing essential spending up by 0.5%. However, non-essential spending growth slowed to 1.1%, with travel spending down 3.3% due to flight disruptions. Consumer card spending increased…
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