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Credit control
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Cash flow challenge
I need help managing and chasing unpaid invoices -
Perfect for
Business owners, finance teams, and office managers overwhelmed by chasing late payments
Compare credit control quotes compiled by the multi-award winning Novuna Business Cash Flow
Get paid in 24 hours if needed
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Rates from 0.5%
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Same day funding available
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Get up to 100% of invoice value
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Expert help to guide you through the process
Fast decisions. Flexible options. Funding over £2bn to more than 1,000 SMEs every year.
Call us on 020 4632 1979 to speak to a real cash flow expert. We’ll help you apply for the right type of finance and make sure you get a great deal for your business.
Or click 'Boost your cash flow' below to compare providers.
Our late payment solutions
Pages in this SectionWhat is credit control?
Credit control is the process of managing the money your customers owe you, from the moment you agree to extend credit through to the day the invoice is paid in full. It covers credit checks on new customers, setting credit limits, issuing clear invoices, sending payment reminders, chasing overdue accounts and escalating debts that don't get paid.
Done well, credit control protects cash flow, reduces bad debt, and keeps customer relationships intact. Done poorly (or inconsistently), late payments stack up, debtor days creep up, and the business ends up funding its customers instead of its own growth.
Why credit control matters
Late payment is one of the biggest cash flow risks facing UK businesses. The Federation of Small Businesses reports that more than half of UK SMEs are paid late on at least some invoices, and that late payment contributes to thousands of small business closures every year. Strong credit control is the single biggest lever a business has to reduce that risk.
What is outsourced credit control?
Outsourced credit control gives you a professional team to chase invoices, send reminders, speak to debtors, and keep your payment terms on track.
You stay in control but gain time, consistency, and expertise. Whether you want help sending statements, escalating unpaid invoices, or following up politely but firmly, it’s a smart way to reduce overdue payments and avoid strained client relationships.
The credit control process
- Set your credit control policy and terms. Decide what credit you'll offer, on what terms, and to whom.
- Credit check new customers by using Companies House, Experian or Creditsafe before extending credit.
- Set credit limits and cap your exposure to any single customer.
- Issue clear invoices promptly. Same day as work delivered, with payment terms and bank details on the invoice.
- Send proactive payment reminders and a nudge seven days before the due date catches genuine forgetfulness.
- Chase overdue invoices systematically. Day 1, day 7, day 14, day 30, mix of email, phone and formal letter.
- Apply late payment charges and escalate if needed. UK businesses can charge statutory interest at base rate plus 8% under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, then escalate to debt recovery if needed.
How it works with Novuna Business Cash Flow
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Tell us how you currently manage late payments
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We compare providers and recommend a great fit for your situation
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You choose a solution for your business and customers
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We help you onboard and improve your collections process
Fast decisions. Flexible options. Funding over £2bn to more than 1,000 SMEs every year.
How we support your credit control process
If you choose Novuna’s in-house credit control solution, you’ll get more than just invoice chasing. We offer a full suite of tools to help you reduce debtor days, maintain client relationships, and focus on your core business.
- Debtor portal: A digital hub for your customers to view statements and communicate.
- Monthly statements: Sent electronically, keeping your accounts up to date.
- Dunning letters: Automated reminders aligned with your preferences.
- Chasing calls: Made by experienced credit controllers, not call centre agents.
- Proactive collections: We contact customers before payment is due to prevent delays.
- Dispute resolution: We resolve issues while protecting client relationships.
- Named credit controller: A dedicated contact who understands your business.
Is credit control right for you?
You might benefit from credit control support if:
You’ve got late paying customers and no process in place
- Credit control services help you establish and maintain a structured collections process.
You want to improve cash flow without damaging client relationships
Professional follow-ups ensure invoices are paid while preserving goodwill.
Your team is too small to manage invoice chasing effectively
Outsourcing collections frees up internal resources to focus on core business activities.
If that sounds like your business, we’ll help you take control of your payment process
Novuna can support businesses with a range of late payment challenges
I want to unlock cash while I wait for invoices to be paid
I want professional help recovering unpaid debt
I want tailored late payment advice for my industry
How we help
How Novuna helps businesses access funding fast
Tell us what you need
Start with a simple form or call - tell us your business challenge.
We compare your options
We compare multiple providers to get you a great deal.
Choose the right type of funding
including stock finance, trade credit or blended options.
Apply with expert support
Get help applying - with a real expert on hand throughout.
Get clear, transparent terms
No jargon, no surprises – just honest advice with no hidden fees.
Receive funding fast
Get access to finance quickly so you can focus on your business.
Why take action now
Don’t let overdue invoices drain your team’s time
Consistent credit control = better cash flow
Customers respond more positively to a professional third party
You’ll have more time to focus on growing the business
Why choose Novuna Business Cash Flow?
Why businesses trust us with credit control
We're highly rated by our existing customers
"The communication and support has been outstanding. Providing me with all the information I needed regarding new clients coming onto our books. The system they use is so user friendly and the drawdown payments are very efficient in the fast moving world of temporary payroll.'
More reviewsWe're a multi-award winning business cash flow specialist
Innovation in the SME Sector 2026
Best Provider 2026
Lender of the Year 2026
Alternative SME Lender of the Year
SME Lender of the Year 2023
What credit control looks like in your sector
Get insight and support tailored to your sector
Is outsourced credit control expensive?
Not when compared to the time and cash flow it can save you. We’ll help you find the best value provider or use our in-house team.
What does a credit controller do?
A credit controller runs the credit control process day to day. Their responsibilities include credit checking new accounts, setting and reviewing credit limits, issuing invoices and statements, chasing overdue payments by phone and email, resolving customer disputes, producing aged debtor reports, and escalating problem accounts to commercial debt recovery.
What are the benefits of effective credit control?
- Improve cash flow and reduce late payments
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Build better client relationships through structured terms
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Lower the risk of bad debt
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Forecast finances more accurately
What are common credit control techniques?
- Running credit checks on new customers
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Sending payment reminders before due dates
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Offering early payment incentives
- Outsourcing to professional credit control services when needed
What is the difference between credit control and credit management.
Credit control is operational, the day-to-day work of chasing and collecting. Credit management is strategic, the policy framework that sits above credit control covering risk appetite, credit limits and customer mix. Most outsourced services cover both layers.
Can I charge interest and fees on late payments?
Yes. Under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, UK businesses can charge statutory interest at base rate plus 8% on overdue commercial debts, plus a fixed compensation fee of £40, £70 or £100 depending on invoice value. Our guide on charging interest on late payments covers the rules in detail.
