About CPA

Founded in 1914, the Credit Protection Association has assisted thousands of businesses.

Our Mission

CPA provides Business Owners and Credit Managers with all that is needed to work effectively; credit information – debt recovery and credit protection. Our aim is to develop these services still further to meet changing market needs.

The History of CPA

The Credit Protection Association (CPA) started as a sole proprietorship in 1914 by the founder, Randal Topham Silvester. From its Birmingham office, CPA traded as a conventional debt collection agency specialising mainly in commercial recoveries. Later, following the start of World War One, Mr Silvester took up military service and business was suspended until he was able to return to work after the end of the war in 1918.

In October 1926, CPA was incorporated, thus becoming The Credit Protection Association Limited.

The current owners acquired the business in 1976. From 1982 to 2025 the company operated from its freehold offices in Hammersmith. In 2025 CPA moved to its new home at Profile West on the Great West Road in Brentford.

In 1989, as a response to laborious paper-based systems, CPA introduced leading edge dial-up technology allowing users to instruct CPA remotely. CPA also partnered with a leading credit report provider to supply detailed credit report information on UK companies via this integrated system.

To take full advantage of changes in technology, in 1999 CPA was amongst the first to launch a true internet based service which was made available to Client-Members of all sizes.

Today, CPA’s online system is regularly reviewed and upgraded on an annual basis to ensure that the services of “CPA On-Line” are customer-focused and user-friendly.

Click here to see some of CPA’s many hundreds of members.

Your Guarantee from CPA

All CPA members receive a full written money-back guarantee, underwriting the cost effectiveness of our service.

Our Ethos

CPA achieves amicable settlement between suppliers and their customers at the point where relations can become strained because of delayed payment. All relationships with customers are conducted on a tactful, scrupulous and professional basis.

Working to the needs of our members, our experienced practices and procedures are designed to leave an amicable relationship possible.

Our People

CPA is fortunate to have very loyal and experienced staff with the average employee having been with the company for over 12 years. Below are some of the team who you might come into contact with.

  • David Baber
    David has been Managing Director of CPA since 1976, David has 50 years of experience in the  UK credit management industry not to mention his prior overseas experience in Australia and South Africa.
  • James Salmon
    James joined CPA in 1989 and has been Operations Director of CPA since February 2014 after numerous roles in the company.  James has over 35 years’ experience in the credit management Industry. With broad experience in collections, finance and systems.
  • Cris S
    Our office based Service Manager Cris has been with CPA since 1987. Cris should be your first point of contact for any question or problem relating to any of our services or any issue relating to non-payment of an account.
  • Peter U
    Our National Sales Manager, Peter has unparalleled knowledge of the Credit Management industry having been with CPA for over four decades.
  • Julie B
    Julie joined us in 2003, She is our Field based Service Manager in the south of England, visiting and providing service visits to our members as well as helping people over the phone with her wealth of experience.
  • Ray W
    With over 40 years’ experience, Ray has extensive knowledge in Litigation, Debt Recovery, Credit Management and Customer Services. He has been a Member of the Chartered Institute Of Credit Management for over 20 years.
  • Lydia HB
    Southern England Sales
  • Natalie M
    Our Collections Manager Natalie has over 35 years’ experience with CPA. She oversees all debts escalated to our collections department, especially those where we take legal action.
  • Godfrey N
    Our Risk & Debt Purchase Controller, Godfrey, first started with CPA in 1997. His job title might sound a bit technical but he does a great job of looking after our members.
  • Ralph B
    Ralph – Our Systems Manager – responsible for all CPA information technology.
  • Silas L
    Data Migration Manager
  • Jamie C
    Jamie takes a lead in our accounts department, looking after the accounting function for payroll, sales commissions, subscriptions and our Debt Recovery Department
  • Lisa M
    Collection Officer with CPA since 2021
  • Harleen D
    Harleen has been with CPA since 2019 covering a variety of roles in our accounts department and supporting the Help Desk
  • Jacky W
    Jacky has been with CPA since 1997 and has a wealth of experience with CPA. She started out on our help desk providing online and telephone support to members but has transitioned to providing IT support and working on our website.
  • Jackie M
    Debt Administration is overseen by Jackie who also has been with CPA over 40 years, having joined us in 1985. When your customer responds to our letters, it is Jackie that will let you know.
  • Sandra F
    Sandra has been working with CPA for over 30 years and assists on our reception on a part time basis
  • Nadia C
    The PA to our Managing Director, David Baber since 2024
  • Kam D
    Responsible for making sure that our letters and emails,  reminding your customers to pay your invoices, go out on in a timely manner each day.
  • Kristina K
    Our lovely receptionist may be the first voice you hear when you call CPA.
  • David S
    Our Regional Manager for the South
  • Ricardo A
    Ricardo works for CPA in Facilities Management and Operations
  • Mark F
    Our Company Secretary
  • Ana M
    Ana works for CPA in a support role

Ready to speak to an advisor?

For help or advice on credit management, entirely without obligation.
Call us today

020 8846 0000