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

The people working on behalf of The Credit Protection Association and/or CreditPro have on average been working with us for over 12 years. Below are some of the London team.

  • David S Baber
    David has been Managing Director of CPA since 1976 when he returned from Sydney NSW where he had been running a similar company; Altogether he has had several decades of experience in credit management in Africa, Australia and the UK.
  • James Salmon
    James has been a full-time working director of CPA since February 2014 and is presently in charge of Operations & Accounts. He has 36 years’ experience in the credit management industry and wide knowledge of  Debt Recovery, Finance, Accounting and IT systems.
  • Peter Uwins
    Peter has been our National Sales Manager for over 30 years and has exceptional knowledge of all aspects of the credit management industry.  Over the years he has dealt with the requirements of almost every type of businesses including public sector entities.
  • David Seymour
    He started with us in late 2017, having previously had wide experience in being employed by several substantial companies and also having his own business. Presently he is  Regional Manager for the South of England managing a network of people.
  • Cris Shirley
    Cris joined us in 1987 and is now one of the first points of contact for any Member in dealing with any queries or issues relating to our services.   Members know that there are very few issues that Cris is unable to assist with relating to credit reports and credit management in general.
  • Lydia HB
    Our Members know Lydia as a highly energetic and capable field operator who can advise and assist Members on a face-to-face basis at their work premises.  Lydia has worked for CPA since 2010.
  • Julie Bloom
    Julie joined us in 2003 and Members will know her as a field-based Service Manager who covers the south of England and sometimes beyond.  She is delighted to meet existing and potential Members in their own place of work or by phone and can impart a wealth of experience and knowledge.  
  • Natalie McDermott
    She is CPA’s  Collections Manager with over 35 years of experience with the company.  She supervises debts that have  escalated to the collection/litigation stage  – primarily those which have been referred for legal action on commercial claims and also where Late Payment Compensation claims are applicable.
  • Godfrey Nelson
    Our Risk & Debt Purchase Controller, Godfrey, first started with CPA in 1997. His job title might sound technical, nevertheless he performs great work in what he does on behalf of Members.
  • Ray White
    Ray has over 40 years experience in litigation matters connected with debt recovery.  He is a long-term member of the Chartered Institute of Credit Management and can provide exceptional assistance and advice to all Members who refer resistant consumer and/or commercial debts to CPA.
  • Ralph
    Ralph joined CPA in 2016 and is the IT Systems Manager for the company.  He oversees our digital infrastructure ensuring our systems are secure, efficient and always evolving to meet the team’s needs.
  • Silas Linford
    Silas joined is in 2018 and has been managing migration and the integration of Data on behalf of both CPA and CPA (LPC) Limited since 2018.  He provides exceptional detailed work for several of our bespoke IT systems.
  • Jamie Chevers
    Jamie occupies a core position in CPA’s accounts department where he deals with payroll and accountancy functions, sales remunerations and subscriptions relating to major Members.  He also deals with accountancy matters on debt recoveries.
  • Lisa McConnachie
    She is a very experienced collection officer who has been with CPA since 2021.  She negotiates complex matters usually bringing  fulfilling outcomes.
  • Harleen D
    Harleen joined CPA in 2019 and she now covers a variety of aspects within the accounts department  and is an active supporter on the Members’ Helpdesk.
  • Jacky W
    Jacky joined us in 1997 and has acquired a wealth of experience working with CPA through several  departments.  She commenced on CPA’s Helpdesk providing online & telephone assistance to Members and now has transitioned to provide both IT and website support.
  • Jackie M
    Debt Administration is overseen by Jackie who also has been with CPA over 40 years, having joined us in 1985. Should any Member’s customer respond directly to CPA on our approach to them, it is Jackie who will let the Member know.  
  • Sandra F
    Sandra joined CPA in 1994 and retired from working full time in 2019.  She now works for CPA on the switchboard and assists our National Sales Manager on a part time basis.
  • Nadia T
    She has been the PA to the Managing Director,  David Baber since 2024. Amongst her many tasks she manages his complex diary and ensures matters run smoothly.
  • Kam D
    Responsible for ensuring that huge amounts of letters and emails to remind Members’  customers to pay invoices are dispatched in a timely manner every working day.
  • Kristina
    Kristina is one of our main receptionists and she could be the first voice you hear when you call CPA.
  • Ricardo A
    Ricardo works for CPA in Facilities Management and Operations
  • Mark Fryza
    He is the Company Secretary to CPA and all its associated companies including CreditPro Limited. Being an FCA and having practised for over 35 years in the accountancy profession, Mark is fully qualified to be both an exceptional Company Secretary and is also the auditor/accountant for a multitude of other businesses.
  • 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