UK Business News Today: 4 August | Economy, Markets & Insolvencies

The CPA Daily Business News blog returns after a long weekend break in North Wales with a bumper round-up of the developments affecting UK businesses.

Small business confidence has fallen to its lowest level in 12 years, job vacancies remain well below pre-pandemic levels and business creation has dropped to a decade low.

Manufacturing is continuing to expand, but recruitment has slowed and firms remain concerned about energy prices, tax policy and the consequences of the conflict in the Middle East.

The Bank of England has kept interest rates at 3.75%, while Chancellor John Healey has confirmed that his first Budget will take place on 28 October.

James Salmon, Operations Director.

Key developments

• Small business growth expectations in England have fallen to 24%, their lowest level in 12 years.
• UK job postings have declined sharply, with graduate and summer vacancies particularly weak.
• Manufacturing expanded for a ninth consecutive month, although the headline PMI eased to 51.9.
• The Bank of England held interest rates at 3.75% in a 6–3 vote.
• EY warned that disruption to the Strait of Hormuz could push the UK towards recession.
• UK business creation has fallen to its lowest level in a decade.
• Housebuilders are facing what Rightmove described as their worst conditions since the 2008 financial crisis.
• BP has put its UK North Sea business up for sale.
• Chancellor John Healey will deliver his first Budget on 28 October 2026.
• European and US equity markets advanced as oil prices retreated and technology shares rebounded.

Small business confidence falls to a 12-year low

Small business growth expectations in England have dropped to 24%, according to research from Novuna Business Finance.

That is the lowest reading in the survey’s 12-year history.

Construction, retail and hospitality recorded particularly large declines. The North West was the only region to report an improvement, with the proportion of firms predicting growth rising from 26% to 28%.

Novuna said geopolitical tensions, higher fuel costs and political uncertainty were making businesses more reluctant to commit to investment and expansion.

The Institute of Directors also reported a slight decline in confidence during July.

Its chief economist, Anna Leach, warned that renewed conflict in the Middle East could intensify cost pressures and reinforce the squeeze on households and businesses.

Why it matters to SMEs that sell on credit

Lower confidence can lead customers to postpone orders, reduce stock purchases or request longer payment terms.

Suppliers should review credit limits carefully and pay particular attention to customers in construction, retail, hospitality and other sectors experiencing weaker demand.

Business creation falls as closures rise

Only 157,980 new businesses were launched during the latest period, the lowest level in a decade.

At the same time, 160,415 businesses reportedly closed within six months.

Opposition politicians have blamed higher employment costs, taxation and regulation for discouraging entrepreneurs from starting or expanding businesses.

Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith said some founders were leaving the UK, while others were reconsidering their plans.

The Liberal Democrats also warned that higher employment taxes could deter prospective business owners.

Manufacturing continues to expand

UK manufacturing activity expanded for a ninth consecutive month in July.

The S&P Global Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index fell from 52.5 in June to 51.9 in July. Although this was a four-month low, it remained above the 50-point level separating growth from contraction.

Manufacturing output increased for a fourth consecutive month and at its fastest pace in almost two years.

Growth in output, new orders and export business accelerated, although employment growth weakened.

Manufacturers remain concerned about the effect of the Middle East conflict on oil, gas and other production costs.

Hiring falls as demand concentrates on AI skills

UK job postings declined 11% during the first half of 2026, according to Indeed, and remained around 32% below pre-pandemic levels.

Graduate vacancies fell to their lowest level for this stage of the year since 2020, while summer job vacancies reached a four-year low.

Advertised wage growth slowed to 3.9%, its weakest rate since early 2022.

However, demand for artificial intelligence skills reached a record high, with AI-related tools mentioned in 9.4% of UK job advertisements.

The figures point towards an increasingly divided labour market.

Vacancies in software development, engineering and IT have held up better, particularly for experienced candidates with specialist AI skills. Opportunities elsewhere have fallen sharply.

This may make it increasingly difficult for graduates, people returning to work and those attempting to change careers to find suitable roles.

Students struggle to secure part-time work

More than 514,000 students are economically inactive despite wanting a job, according to an analysis of Office for National Statistics data.

The total has increased by 40% in two years and is at its highest level since 2015.

Hospitality and retail businesses have traditionally provided large numbers of part-time roles, but hiring in both sectors has weakened.

Higher employer National Insurance costs and subdued consumer demand have been cited as contributing factors.

Youth unemployment is now close to 15%.

Employment law changes concern smaller employers

The Employment Rights Act is expected to take effect from 1 January.

Employees will be able to claim unfair dismissal after six months of service rather than two years, while the limit on compensation for unfair dismissal claims will be removed.

The Conservatives have also raised concerns about online strike ballots, longer employment tribunal claim deadlines and expanded union rights.

Critics warn that the combined changes may make businesses more cautious about recruitment.

Smaller employers may also need to invest more heavily in HR support, management training, probationary procedures and written performance records.

Bank of England holds interest rates at 3.75%

The Bank of England held Bank Rate at 3.75% following a 6–3 vote by the Monetary Policy Committee.

Policymakers are monitoring the effect of the US–Iran conflict on oil, gas and wider inflationary pressures.

Governor Andrew Bailey said current borrowing costs remained sufficiently restrictive for now.

However, a prolonged conflict and sustained rise in energy prices could require further tightening. A credible resolution could instead create room for monetary policy to be loosened.

UK recession risk rises if Hormuz disruption continues

EY has reduced its forecast for UK economic growth to 0.9%, assuming the Strait of Hormuz remains open to oil and gas shipments.

Its downside scenario suggests that prolonged disruption could reduce growth to 0.5% this year, followed by a 0.2% contraction next year.

Inflation is forecast to reach 3.5% by the end of the year but could climb as high as 6.4% under more severe conditions.

Higher fuel and energy prices would affect transport, manufacturing, food production and household spending.

Chancellor confirms 28 October Budget

Chancellor John Healey will deliver his first Budget on 28 October 2026.

Healey said the Budget would move money and power away from Westminster while remaining consistent with the Government’s fiscal rules.

Expected areas of focus include:

• funding for higher defence spending;
• possible winter energy-bill support;
• regional devolution;
• housing and infrastructure;
• the future direction of business and personal taxation.

The Budget will be an important early test for Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s administration, particularly following weeks of speculation over wealth taxes, inheritance levies and changes to capital gains tax.

Labour spending promises could cost up to £63bn

Capital Economics estimates that spending and tax commitments associated with Andy Burnham and John Healey could cost between £46bn and £63bn by 2030.

This would be equivalent to around 1.5% to 2% of GDP.

The largest estimated commitments include:

• up to £18bn annually for social care free at the point of use;
• between £12bn and £23bn for additional council housebuilding;
• around £9bn from unfreezing the £12,571 personal allowance;
• a possible £7bn cost from aligning capital gains tax with income tax if investors delay selling assets or move capital overseas.

Regional mayors could receive share of income tax

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has proposed allowing English city-region mayors to retain part of the income tax raised in their areas.

The policy is designed to give regional leaders greater control over housing, transport and local services.

Metro mayors are expected to begin retaining some business-rates revenue from April 2027, followed by a share of income tax from April 2028.

The precise proportion has not yet been decided.

Critics warn that economically weaker regions could receive less funding and that areas without elected mayors could be excluded from new fiscal powers.

Wealth tax attracts public support

A poll for The i Paper found that 66% of voters supported a wealth tax on assets above £10m, while 10% opposed it.

Support crossed party lines, including 61% of Conservative voters and 63% of Reform voters.

Economists have estimated that the proposal could raise approximately £10bn a year and affect around the wealthiest 1,000 households.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has declined to rule out the idea.

Inheritance levy debate continues

Reform UK has claimed that a proposed 10% levy on inheritances could cost families an average of £76,000.

The Government has not formally announced such a policy, but Downing Street has declined to rule it out.

Unlike the current inheritance-tax system, a broad levy could potentially affect a much larger number of estates.

Nigel Farage said Reform UK would oppose the proposal.

HMRC considers tougher penalties for tax errors

HMRC proposals could substantially increase penalties for taxpayers who fail to correct errors after being notified.

A mistake currently classified as careless could be treated as deliberate if it is not corrected within a specified period.

Maximum penalties could consequently increase from 30% to 100% of the tax owed.

HMRC could also gain powers to examine up to 20 years of financial records, compared with the current six-year limit for non-deliberate errors.

Tax advisers warn that freelancers, landlords and self-employed workers could be particularly exposed because of the complexity of the tax system.

Pension withdrawals trigger unexpected tax bills

Standard Life analysis found that 392 people who fully withdrew pension pots worth at least £250,000 between October 2024 and March 2025 faced minimum tax bills of approximately £98,700.

A further 1,772 people withdrawing between £100,000 and £249,000 faced bills of at least £27,400.

Large one-off pension withdrawals are treated as income and can quickly move savers into higher tax bands.

House prices rise, but growth slows

UK house prices increased 1.8% year-on-year in July, according to Nationwide.

The average property price reached £277,542.

Annual growth slowed from 2.2% in June as economic and geopolitical uncertainty weighed on demand.

Knight Frank said speculation over tax changes had added to buyer caution. A large supply of homes for sale has also strengthened buyers’ negotiating positions.

Housebuilders face severe downturn

Rightmove chief executive Johan Svanstrom said UK housebuilders are experiencing their worst conditions since the 2008 financial crisis.

The number of new-build developments has fallen 6% year-on-year and is at historically low levels.

Taylor Wimpey cut its dividend from 7.5% to 4% and warned of a prolonged downturn.

High interest rates, weak buyer confidence and elevated construction costs continue to restrict development.

Lords Group shares fall sharply

Builders’ merchant Lords Group suffered its largest one-day share-price decline, falling 20.61% to 13p.

Chief financial officer Stuart Kilpatrick cited weak market confidence and higher costs, including National Insurance.

The company expects full-year revenue of between £475m and £495m.

The update illustrates the continuing pressures facing construction suppliers and their customers.

BP puts North Sea operations up for sale

BP has placed its UK North Sea business under review and put the operation up for sale.

The business includes five oil and gas hubs in UK waters.

The decision has renewed debate over the UK’s energy-profit tax regime, which currently produces an effective tax rate of around 78% for North Sea producers.

Industry representatives argue that the tax burden and restrictions on new drilling are making UK projects less competitive.

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney has repeated his call for the energy profits levy to be removed.

There has also been speculation that BP could eventually consider moving its headquarters from London to New York, which could reduce stamp-duty revenues for the Treasury.

OPEC agrees September production increase

OPEC and its allies have agreed to raise oil-production quotas by 188,000 barrels per day in September.

Reports suggest that production may then remain stable until the end of the year.

Additional supply could help contain oil prices, although developments around the Strait of Hormuz remain the much larger immediate influence on energy markets.

Airlines cut growth plans as fuel costs rise

IAG, the owner of British Airways, has abandoned its capacity-growth target as Middle East disruption drives up fuel costs and causes cancellations.

Capacity had previously been expected to rise by 3% but is now forecast to remain unchanged.

Second-quarter capacity fell 1%, while operating profit before exceptional items declined 16% to €1.41bn.

Revenue was broadly flat at €8.89bn.

IAG expects its 2026 fuel bill to reach €8.6bn.

Vueling, Aer Lingus and Iberia all faced pressure from higher oil prices, competition and operational disruption.

Corporate travel remained comparatively strong, particularly on British Airways’ North Atlantic routes.

IAG expects to recover around 60% of the extra fuel cost through higher revenue and cost reductions.

Aer Lingus is considering up to 500 job losses, while British Airways and Iberia are also pursuing efficiency measures.

Gino D’Acampo restaurant operator faces winding-up petition

Upmarket Hotels & Leisure, the company behind Gino D’Acampo’s restaurant chain, is facing an HMRC winding-up petition over unpaid tax.

The petition could threaten the future of five restaurants bearing the celebrity chef’s name.

The business was rescued from administration just over a year ago.

At the time of the earlier administration, debts reportedly stood at almost £6m, with losses of approximately £1.5m.

Retailers reject price-gouging claims

Retail groups have rejected suggestions that supermarkets may be exploiting rising energy and food costs.

Chancellor John Healey warned grocers against price-gouging as the Middle East conflict threatens to increase inflation.

The British Retail Consortium said competition between supermarkets had kept UK food prices among the lowest in Western Europe.

Retailers argue that recent price increases have instead been driven by higher employment costs, taxes, energy bills and other government-imposed expenses.

EU food rules could increase costs

A potential agreement to align UK food regulations with the European Union could impose an estimated £800m first-year cost on farmers.

Critics say the expense of complying with new rules and checks would ultimately be passed on to shoppers.

The Government argues that regulatory alignment would reduce barriers to trade and benefit the economy by approximately £5.1bn annually.

France challenges UK access to EU investment fund

France is reportedly seeking restrictions on UK participation in the European Union’s €5bn Scaleup Fund.

The UK has offered €150m in seed capital, and the European Commission has previously said British involvement could produce mutual benefits.

French officials argue that the fund should primarily benefit EU member states and have asked for further clarification and concessions.

Uncertainty surrounding the next UK–EU reset summit has added to the tension.

Premier League expected to add £33bn to economy

EY estimates that the Premier League will contribute £33bn to the UK economy during the next three seasons.

The league is also expected to generate almost £15bn in tax revenue.

Its average economic contribution is forecast to reach around £11bn per season.

Approximately two-thirds of the value is generated outside London, underlining the league’s importance to regional employment, hospitality, tourism and media production.

AstraZeneca reportedly discusses Bristol Myers Squibb merger

AstraZeneca is reportedly in talks about a possible merger with Bristol Myers Squibb.

The two companies have a combined market capitalisation of almost $400bn.

A completed transaction could create the fourth-largest pharmaceutical business in the world by market value.

Neither company has commented publicly on the reports, and the discussions remain unconfirmed.

Prologis agrees £14bn Segro acquisition

US logistics-property company Prologis has agreed to acquire Segro in a transaction worth approximately £14bn.

Including Segro’s final 2026 dividend, the valuation rises to around £14.3bn.

The offer values each Segro share at 1,031.7p, representing a 39% premium to the company’s 23 June share price.

Shareholders can receive either 0.0920 new Prologis shares for each Segro share or a partial cash alternative of 258p and 0.0690 Prologis shares.

Segro had rejected earlier proposals, arguing that they undervalued its data-centre development pipeline.

Prologis plans to establish a secondary London listing.

Chinese AI models increase pressure on US rivals

Alibaba has released Qwen3.8-Max, described as its largest artificial-intelligence model to date.

The company claims that its performance is comparable with Anthropic’s latest publicly available model.

Chinese competitor Moonshot also recently released Kimi K3.

Chinese developers are increasingly producing models that require less computing power and cost significantly less to operate while narrowing the performance gap with US systems.

For businesses, lower-cost models could make advanced AI tools accessible to a much wider range of companies.

Ecosystem degradation creates financial risks

European Central Bank executive board member Frank Elderson has warned that climate change and ecosystem collapse pose growing risks to the global economy.

The ECB is increasing its monitoring of financial exposure to declining ecosystem services, including the natural systems that support food production, water supplies and other economic activity.

The central bank plans to publish further analysis later this year examining how ecosystem degradation could affect credit losses at eurozone banks.

Market summary

UK markets

The FTSE 100 closed Monday at 10,857.70, lagging continental European markets as weakness in AstraZeneca offset broader gains.

The FTSE 250 performed more strongly, gaining 0.9%.

On Tuesday morning, the FTSE 100 advanced around 0.3% to approximately 10,891.

Travis Perkins was among the strongest performers, rising sharply following results that showed signs of an operational turnaround.

Sterling traded at approximately:

• $1.3442 against the US dollar
• €1.1680 against the euro
• ¥212.13 against the Japanese yen

European markets

European equities advanced as lower oil prices reduced immediate inflation concerns and corporate earnings exceeded expectations.

The Stoxx Europe 600 rose 0.4% on Monday and reached a fresh record during Tuesday morning trading.

Germany’s DAX and the Euro Stoxx 50 also reached record levels.

The DAX traded around 26,161, while the Euro Stoxx 50 stood near 6,463.

Italy’s FTSE MIB surpassed its July high and has gained approximately 18% during 2026.

European mining shares benefited from copper rising above $14,000 a tonne.

US markets

US equities rallied strongly on Monday:

• The S&P 500 rose 1.48% to 7,600.50.
• The Nasdaq 100 gained 1.8%.
• The Dow Jones increased 1.3%.
• Smaller companies also participated in the advance.

Technology and consumer shares led the gains as lower oil prices eased inflation concerns.

Palantir rose sharply in pre-market trading after second-quarter revenue nearly doubled and the company increased its full-year guidance.

US commercial revenue grew 149% year-on-year, reinforcing optimism that companies are beginning to generate meaningful returns from artificial-intelligence investment.

US Treasury yields remained elevated, with the 10-year yield around 4.70% and the 30-year yield near 5.25%.

Asian markets

Asian markets delivered a mixed performance:

• Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained approximately 0.3%.
• South Korea’s KOSPI rebounded 1.6%.
• Australia’s ASX 200 increased 1.4%.
• China’s Shanghai Composite rose 0.3%.
• Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 0.6%.
• Taiwan’s market was broadly unchanged.

The Chinese technology sector was supported by renewed domestic enthusiasm, while Hong Kong financial shares weakened.

Commodities

Brent crude traded at approximately $85.88 a barrel, having recovered part of Monday’s sharp decline.

WTI crude stood near $81.81 a barrel.

Oil remains highly sensitive to negotiations and disruption surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.

Gold held close to $4,055 an ounce, while silver traded near $58.76.

Copper rose above $14,000 a tonne, supported by heavy shipments into the US ahead of a possible tariff decision.

European gas-storage levels remain unusually low for the time of year.

UK weather outlook

Much of south-east England will experience a warm day, with London reaching approximately 29°C. Sunshine and cloud will be interspersed with a risk of an isolated afternoon shower.

Manchester is expected to reach around 25°C, with showers at times before brighter conditions develop later.

Cardiff should reach approximately 25°C, with a mixture of cloud, sunshine and occasional showers.

Edinburgh will be cooler at around 22°C, with rain or showers during parts of the afternoon.

Belfast is expected to reach approximately 20°C, with periods of rain followed by some brighter intervals later in the day.

Insolvency Watch

Appointment of administrators

• BITMORE LIMITED
• BLUE MOTOR FINANCE LIMITED
• CITY STRONGMAN LTD
• EAST KENT PROPERTY DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED
• ESQUIRE GLASS (MANCHESTER) LIMITED
• FORSHAW DEMOLITION LIMITED
• FOUNDRY STUDIOS HOLDINGS LTD
• HORGAN HOMES AND DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED
• INSTATE FITNESS GROUP LIMITED
• REAL-TIME VISUALISATION LIMITED
• TMBFITNESS LIMITED
• UK FREIGHT SERVICES LTD
• W10 PERFORMANCE LIMITED
• W10 RICHMOND LIMITED

Appointment of liquidators

• A.J. EXECUTIVE INVESTMENTS LIMITED
• ABSTRACT INVESTMENTS LIMITED
• ANOR AI LIMITED
• AXILTIA CONSULTING LIMITED
• BLEND MEDIA LIMITED
• BLUE MOUNTAIN COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED
• BROWN PROCTER ASSOCIATES LTD
• CASTLE COURT (PROPERTY) LIMITED
• CENTRAL SCAFFOLDING (ROTHERHAM) LIMITED
• COPELAND RICHARDSON LIMITED
• CORAM ADVISORY LTD
• CORDBYTE LIMITED
• CORTINRISE LIMITED
• COTON PARK CONSORTIUM LIMITED
• DRAKESFIELD DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED
• DWF ENGINEERING SERVICES LTD
• FUSIONOVA LIMITED
• GKL SAFETY SERVICES LIMITED
• HDSOY LIMITED
• HEIDI FINANCE HOLDINGS (UK) LIMITED
• HSBC FINANCE TRANSFORMATION (UK) LIMITED
• JOHN PAINE (KENT) POTATOES LIMITED
• KMMLB LIMITED
• KP CARPENTRY LTD
• LEWMAR MARINE LIMITED
• MA BAKERS LIMITED
• MERCK INVESTMENTS LIMITED
• METROFIELD LIMITED
• METROPOLITAN INDUSTRIAL PARK LIMITED
• N.L.D. FARMING LIMITED
• OILCARE LTD
• OPPULANT LTD
• PPNL SPV B9 – 1 LIMITED
• PPNL SPV B9 LIMITED
• PPNL SPV B25 – 1 LIMITED
• PPNL SPV B25 LIMITED
• R TOMLINSON (HOLDING) LIMITED
• R TOMLINSON LIMITED
• REEVES JAMES LIMITED
• SCHILLING ROBOTICS LIMITED
• SIGMA CHEMICAL COMPANY LIMITED
• SIRAE LIMITED
• SOLASTA IT LTD
• TECH TYRES LIMITED
• THE ADVISER CENTRE LIMITED
• THE FOUNDATION TRUST NETWORK
• THE NURSERIES SARUM ROAD LIMITED
• TONY COATES & CO. LIMITED
• VIRIYA ENERGY LTD
• W.W.E. PROPERTIES LIMITED

Petitions to wind up

• 4TH STREET KITCHEN LTD.
• 4X4GLOBAL EXPORTS LIMITED
• ACAC LIMITED
• ATE ENTERPRISES LTD
• BA DIGITAL HUB LTD
• BEACON STAFFING MANAGEMENT LIMITED
• BIRCH ELECTRICAL SERVICES LONDON LIMITED
• BLAKEHILL HEALTHCARE LIMITED
• BLANC DE PROVENCE CLEANERS LTD
• BOSANQUET IVES LTD
• BOURNEMOUTH ELECTRICAL SERVICES LIMITED
• BRAND STUDIO LIMITED
• C & D TRADING (SCOTLAND) LIMITED
• CGCR TRADING LTD
• CLARMANS HOLDINGS LIMITED
• CONTRACTOR UMBRELLA LIMITED
• CORE ASSET BENEFITS LIMITED
• DANEVAELO ENGINEERING LTD.
• DAVIES PORTER SOLUTIONS LIMITED
• DIADEM ANGELS LIMITED
• E3 PRODUCTION LIMITED
• EBENEZER MEDICARE LTD
• EC DRY WALL SYSTEMS LTD
• EKATZ LTD
• ENERGY FINDER LIMITED
• EPISTEME STAFFING SOLUTIONS LIMITED
• EQUINOX COMPUTER MAINTENANCE LIMITED
• GOLD PLANT SERVICES LIMITED
• GOLDEN HUB LTD
• GOLDPLAZA BERKELEY LTD
• GREEN CONTRACTORS LTD.
• HALCYON WEALTH UK LTD
• INDEX EDUCATION SERVICES LTD
• KURT FULLER LIMITED
• KUYAMOTO LTD
• L&D BEAUTY LUXURY EXPORT LTD
• LA BISTRO SAVOIR FAIRE LTD.
• LA MANIERE CONSULTANCY LTD
• LLOYD ELECTRICAL BRIGHTON LIMITED
• LOOPED FILMS LTD
• M.A. PIPELAY & MAINTENANCE LIMITED
• MACK&MARSH PROPERTIES LTD
• MARTYN ANDERSON CONSULTING LIMITED
• MAYFAIR DIRECT LTD
• MEAD TRANSPORT (UK) LIMITED
• MEGA ONE LTD
• MFN SUPPORT SERVICES LTD
• MR SPECIALIST LTD
• MVR EXCHANGE LTD
• NEWSAND LIMITED
• NORTHOVER BENNETT & CO LTD
• NURTURE THEM NATURALLY LTD
• OCWEN LTD
• OSINO BRIDGE LTD.
• PET HEALTHCARE (DICKENS YARD) LTD
• PET VENTURES DDC ELSTREE LTD
• PINDLA LIMITED
• PPRT LTD
• PRESTIGE TRANSPORT SOLUTIONS LIMITED
• PROMISE TRAINING CENTRE LIMITED
• R.A. BERRY & SON LIMITED
• RADUTA SERVICES LIMITED
• RCB REFURBISHMENTS 2021 LTD
• ROSS FIRE PROTECTION LIMITED
• ROYTON DERVENT LTD
• S&W SALES LTD
• SANDY FEAT LIMITED
• SBG – (REGIONAL) LTD
• SHEPHERD MARKET KITCHEN LIMITED LIMITED
• SIGMA ELECTRICAL CONTRACTS (N.E) LIMITED
• SIMERETTE LIMITED
• SPICE GARDEN INDIAN CUISINE LTD
• STOYAN VAPEZ LIMITED
• SW HIGHWAYS LTD
• TECHFIST LIMITED
• THE ALBERT PUBLIC HOUSE LIMITED
• THE BOXSASH WINDOW COMPANY LTD
• THREE CRANES PUB LTD
• TIP TOP BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LIMITED
• TOCS HOLDINGS LTD
• UNIPRO21 LIMITED
• WILLOW DEVELOPMENTS (HOWDEN) LTD
• WRC GROUP LTD

Protecting your business from customer insolvency

The combination of weaker confidence, higher costs, lower recruitment and continued insolvency activity underlines the importance of monitoring customers carefully.

Businesses selling on credit should consider:

• checking new and existing customers before extending credit;
• reviewing credit limits regularly;
• monitoring payment behaviour and overdue balances;
• responding quickly when agreed payment dates are missed;
• reducing exposure where a customer’s financial position is deteriorating;
• using professional credit-control and debt-recovery support.

The Credit Protection Association helps businesses reduce bad-debt risk through credit checking, credit monitoring, our Overdue Account reminder service, professional collections and ongoing account support.

Contact CPA to discuss how stronger credit control can help protect your cashflow.

Just call 020 8846 0000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or email PaidQuick@cpa.co.uk today.

When you see your money come in, you will be so glad you used CPA.

The Credit Protection Association : Prompting Punctual Payments : Ethical, Effective, Efficient, Economical collections.

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