Resource hub

The UK Late Payment Hub

Everything UK small businesses need to know about getting paid. Guides, templates, legal rights, and the real numbers behind the UK's late payment crisis.

We built Owed because late payments are one of the most common, most damaging, and most avoidable problems facing UK small businesses. This hub brings together the information, tools, and practical advice you need to take control of your cash flow and get paid what you are owed.

The numbers

These are the figures that define the UK late payment crisis. Every one of them represents real businesses, real freelancers, and real damage to livelihoods.

62%
of UK SMB invoices are paid late
FreeAgent, 2025
£21k
average owed to each UK small business in unpaid invoices
QuickBooks, 2025
45%
experiencing more late payments than last year
GoCardless / FSB
52%
forfeit payments rather than chase them
Industry research
£5,230
average owed to UK freelancers in unpaid invoices
IPSE
49%
of freelancers report stress or anxiety from late payments
IPSE

£70.4 billion is owed to UK SMBs at any one time. That is not a typo.

Guides and articles

Practical, well-researched guides written for UK small businesses and freelancers. No jargon. No fluff.

01
How to Chase a Late Invoice in the UK (Without Damaging the Relationship)
Step-by-step guide from friendly reminder to final warning. Templates included.
02
The Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act: What You Need to Know in 2026
Your legal right to charge interest on overdue invoices. Rates, compensation, and common mistakes.
03
5 Invoice Chasing Email Templates That Actually Get Paid
Ready-to-use templates for every stage of the chasing process. Copy, paste, send.
04
How to Automate Invoice Chasing in Xero (And What Xero Can't Do)
What Xero's built-in reminders actually do, what is missing, and how to fill the gap.
05
The Freelancer's Guide to Getting Paid on Time in the UK
Prevention, chasing, legal options, and looking after your mental health.

More reading

•
How the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act Actually Works
Our comprehensive guide to the Act, with formula breakdowns, examples, and practical advice.

Tools

Statutory Interest Calculator
Calculate exactly how much interest and compensation you can claim under the Late Payment Act.

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