How long do I have to chase an unpaid invoice?

Most contractual debts in England and Wales carry a six-year limitation period from the date the debt fell due, but recovery rates fall sharply the longer a debt is left.

Can I add interest and costs?

Commercial debts usually attract statutory interest and a fixed compensation sum under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 unless your contract sets its own rate.

Business problem

A customer has not paid an invoice

Late payment is one of the most common reasons a business first instructs a solicitor. A debt recovery solicitor can pursue the debt formally, add statutory interest and compensation, and escalate to court proceedings where a customer continues to ignore reasonable requests.

3,720 SRA-regulated firms match this type of work.

Find firms that handle this All business problems

What this usually involves

Reviewing the contract, purchase order and invoice trail
Issuing a letter before action under the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims
Issuing county court proceedings and, if needed, enforcing judgment

Firms that handle this work

Brachers LLP

SRA: AuthorisedProfile claimed

SRA number 488062 · Licensed body (ABS)

Offices: Maidstone, Canterbury, Dover
Sectors: Not supplied

Commercial contracts
Commercial litigation
Commercial property
Corporate law

Regulatory data last updated: 4 August 2026

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12b Solicitors Limited

SRA: Authorised

SRA number 657353 · Recognised body

Offices: London
Sectors: Not supplied

Commercial litigation
Debt recovery
Insolvency and restructuring
Shareholder and partnership disputes

Regulatory data last updated: 4 August 2026

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360 Law Services Limited

SRA: Authorised

SRA number 638684 · Licensed body (ABS)

Offices: Lightwater
Sectors: Not supplied

Banking and finance
Commercial contracts
Commercial litigation
Commercial property

Regulatory data last updated: 4 August 2026

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3cs Corporate Solicitors Limited

SRA: Authorised

SRA number 597935 · Licensed body (ABS)

Offices: London
Sectors: Not supplied

Commercial contracts
Commercial litigation
Commercial property
Corporate law

Regulatory data last updated: 4 August 2026

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3d Solicitors Ltd.

SRA: Authorised

SRA number 636106 · Recognised body

Offices: Manchester
Sectors: Not supplied

Commercial litigation
Debt recovery
Insolvency and restructuring
Shareholder and partnership disputes

Regulatory data last updated: 4 August 2026

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828 Law Ltd

SRA: Authorised

SRA number 635683 · Recognised body

Offices: Preston
Sectors: Not supplied

Commercial litigation
Debt recovery
Insolvency and restructuring
Shareholder and partnership disputes

Regulatory data last updated: 4 August 2026

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8PP Barristers & Associates Ltd

SRA: Authorised

SRA number 8006001 · Recognised body

Offices: Liverpool
Sectors: Not supplied

Commercial litigation
Debt recovery
Insolvency and restructuring
Shareholder and partnership disputes

Regulatory data last updated: 4 August 2026

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A H Brooks Solicitors Limited

SRA: Authorised

SRA number 564342 · Recognised body

Offices: Leek, Stoke-On-Trent
Sectors: Not supplied

Commercial contracts
Commercial litigation
Commercial property
Corporate law

Regulatory data last updated: 4 August 2026

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A J Balkitis Limited

SRA: Authorised

SRA number 497596 · Recognised body

Offices: Nottingham
Sectors: Not supplied

Commercial litigation
Debt recovery
Insolvency and restructuring
Shareholder and partnership disputes

Regulatory data last updated: 4 August 2026

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A L Law Associates Limited

SRA: Authorised

SRA number 627764 · Recognised body

Offices: Harrow
Sectors: Not supplied

Commercial litigation
Debt recovery
Insolvency and restructuring
Shareholder and partnership disputes

Regulatory data last updated: 4 August 2026

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A M Strachan & Company

SRA: Authorised

SRA number 56001 · Recognised sole practice

Offices: London
Sectors: Not supplied

Commercial litigation
Debt recovery
Insolvency and restructuring
Shareholder and partnership disputes

Regulatory data last updated: 4 August 2026

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A P Bassett Solicitors

SRA: Authorised

SRA number 443687 · Recognised sole practice

Offices: Lostwithiel
Sectors: Not supplied

Commercial litigation
Commercial property
Debt recovery
Employment law for businesses

Regulatory data last updated: 4 August 2026

View firm

Common questions

How long do I have to chase an unpaid invoice?: Most contractual debts in England and Wales carry a six-year limitation period from the date the debt fell due, but recovery rates fall sharply the longer a debt is left.
Can I add interest and costs?: Commercial debts usually attract statutory interest and a fixed compensation sum under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 unless your contract sets its own rate.

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