Dealing with debt
If your business is having difficulty with debt, there are various things you can do to make yourself more resilient.
Guide to managing business debt
We've designed this guide to provide impartial information to help businesses through survival and onto recovery, helping them stabilise and move forward to growth and future success.
If your business is struggling to deal with its debt, there may be business finance or support available to you.
In these cases, it's important to assess your financial situation and seek expert, independent advice.
Reference to any organisation, business and event on this page does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation from the British Business Bank or the UK Government. Whilst we make reasonable efforts to keep the information on this page up to date, we do not guarantee or warrant (implied or otherwise) that it is current, accurate or complete. The information is intended for general information purposes only and does not take into account your personal situation, nor does it constitute legal, financial, tax or other professional advice. You should always consider whether the information is applicable to your particular circumstances and, where appropriate, seek professional or specialist advice or support.
Making business finance work for you: Expanded edition
Our Making business finance work for you: Expanded edition is designed to help you make an informed choice about accessing the right type of finance for you and your business.
Your previously read articles
Paying back debt
Can't repay your Bounce Back Loan?
Find out about Pay As You Grow options, available to you if you can’t afford to pay back your Bounce Back Loan.
Learn more about paying back your Bounce Back LoanCan’t afford to pay your rent? What are your options?
If your business is struggling to pay rent, there are options available to help relieve the financial burden and release your cash flow. Find out what they are.
Learn more about options if you cannot pay your rentDealing with tax arrears
Your business may be able to negotiate additional time to pay its tax debts with HM Revenue & Customs. Learn how to make these arrangements.
Learn more about dealing with Tax ArrearsManaging your debt
Struggling with debt? Why you should talk to your lender
In this article, we explain the different areas to focus on as you prepare to discuss your request for finance to your bank or other lender.
Learn more about struggling with debtHow an accountant can help manage your debt
Find out how hiring a qualified accountant can help make your business more efficient, especially when it comes to managing your debt.
Learn more about accountancyWhat can you do if your business is in debt?
If your business is having financial issues, learn some simple steps you can take right now to tackle and manage your debt.
Learn more about what you can do if your business is in debt7 ways to reduce your business debt
Learn what methods you can employ to deal with your business' debt, including consolidating loans, cutting costs, applying for grants, and restructuring.
Learn more about reducing your business debt about10 practical steps to help resolve debt problems
Your business should be prepared to act quickly to resolve issues around debt. Find out 10 ways to tackle or restructure debt, or avoid it completely.
Learn more about resolving debtConsolidating and refinancing business debt
Knowing how to manage debt is a vital element of operating a business. Consolidation and refinancing are two separate approaches to restructuring your business’ debt.
Learn more about debt consolidationManaging bankruptcy
Without proper debt management, a business can more easily fail and force owners to declare bankruptcy. Read more about what it means to be made bankrupt and the options you have if the worst should happen.
Learn more about managing bankruptcyUnderstanding debt
Good debt versus bad debt
Understanding the difference between 'good' and 'bad' debt can help business planning and ensure that debt is used actively for growth.
Learn more about good and bad debtWhat level of debt is healthy for a business?
Taking on too much debt can restrict your company’s ability to operate flexibly, leaving you open to financial problems if revenues fall or interest rates rise.
Learn more about what level of debt is healthyCan your business be turned around?
If your business is struggling with financial issues, you need to know what to do and where to get advice. Learn more in this article.
Learn more about whether your business can be turned aroundWhat is private credit?
Learn how private credit works, the different types, and how lenders decide whether to borrow. Find out whether it is suitable for your business.
Learn more about what private credit isWhat is EBITDA? A brief guide for small businesses
Learn more about the EBITDA method – what it is, and how banks use it to assess whether your business is able to pay back its debts.
Learn more about EBITDAImproving your cash flow
What is cash flow and how do you manage it?
Learn what cash flow is, why it matters, how to manage it so your business can better succeed, and the benefits of a cash flow forecast.
Learn more about cash flowHow to create a cash flow forecast in 4 steps
Want to know how to create a cash flow forecast for your business? Learn the four simple steps needed to build your own cash flow forecast.
Learn more about creating a cash flow forecast aboutEstablishing a cash culture
Finance isn’t just the responsibility of your finance team. Learn how to make it a fundamental part of your culture and the benefits your business could feel as a result.
Learn more about establishing a cash culture8 ways to improve negotiations with your bank
If you have cash flow issues, consider what your bank can do to help. Learn some valuable tips, including the importance of talking to your bank as soon as you have debt.
Learn more about negotiating with your bankHow to deal with late payments
Late payments are a common problem for many small businesses. Learn how effective credit control measures can help you deal with late-paying debtors.
Learn more about dealing with late paymentsGetting debt advice
How to get free debt advice for your business
A useful list of resources for advice and guidance around business debt.
Learn more about how to get free debt advice for your businessDebt information and resources for businesses
If your business is in debt, there is information and support available to help you try and remedy the situation. Find out more here.
Learn more about debt information and resourcesBusiness Debtline
A charity that gives businesses free and independent advice on dealing with debt.
Learn more About Business DebtlineUK Finance
Guidance and advice on dealing with debt, from the organisation that represents the UK's banking and finance industry.
Learn more about UK FinanceAdvice NI – Business Debt Service
Free tailored, independent and impartial advice on debt for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies in Northern Ireland.
Learn more about Advice NI - Business Debt ServiceStepChange – debt charity
Debt advice for self-employed people and sole traders.
Learn more about StepChangeSmall Business Commissioner (SBC)
The SBC is an independent public body the Government created to tackle late payment and unfavourable payment practices in the UK's private sector.
Learn more about SBCFSB Debt Recovery
A debt recovery service for members of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). Find out what the service offers and what membership entails.
Learn more about FSBRelated articles
Debt finance for innovative businesses
Read article Debt finance for innovative businesses
What is cash flow available for debt servicing (CFADS)?
Read article What is cash flow available for debt servicing (CFADS)?