Best 10 Credit Control Tips for UK Businesses in 2026

Cash flow is the lifeblood of every UK business - but making sales isn’t enough if the money owed doesn’t reach your bank account promptly.

This article is based on insights originally published by UKDC News in its feature: “Best 10 Credit Control Tips for UK Businesses in 2026”, reflecting the evolving challenges UK businesses face in managing cash flow and credit risk.

In 2026, strong credit control is a key differentiator between thriving and struggling companies. Without robust processes for monitoring accounts and managing debts, even profitable organisations can find themselves under pressure.

Below are ten practical, proven strategies to help UK businesses strengthen their credit control and protect financial stability.

1. Know Your Customers Before You Extend Credit

Carrying out credit checks on new customers is essential. Reviewing company histories, financial performance, and payment behaviour helps you assess risk before offering credit - reducing late payments and bad debt further down the line. Take a look at identeco.co.uk which offers credit reports on a subscription or one-off basis

2. Set Clear, Written Payment Terms

Your payment terms should be explicit and agreed in advance. Clearly define due dates, late-payment interest, and any recovery costs so there’s no ambiguity if payment is delayed.

3. Automate Your Invoicing

Automated invoicing reduces human error and ensures invoices are sent promptly once goods or services are delivered. Faster invoicing typically leads to faster payment.

4. Build Strong Relationships with Accounts Payable Teams

Credit control works best when it’s collaborative. Maintaining professional, consistent contact with accounts payable teams helps resolve issues quickly and keeps your invoices front of mind.

5. Use a Structured Follow-Up Process

A clear and consistent follow-up (or “dunning”) process ensures overdue invoices are chased in a professional and timely manner — escalating only when necessary.

💡 Struggling to Stay on Top of Credit Control?

If overdue invoices are starting to pile up, or your team is spending too much time chasing payments instead of focusing on the business, you don’t have to manage it alone.

Controlaccount supports UK businesses with:

• Proactive credit control and account monitoring
• Early-stage intervention to prevent debts from escalating
• Professional debt collection when internal efforts stall

👉 Speak to Controlaccount today for practical support that protects cash flow without damaging customer relationships.

6. Set and Enforce Credit Limits

Credit limits protect your exposure. If a customer reaches their agreed limit, pause further work until payments are brought back under control.

7. Encourage Early Payment

Early-payment incentives can significantly improve cash flow. When used correctly, they reward good behaviour without undermining your pricing.

8. Monitor Your Sales Ledger Regularly

Regular ledger reviews help you spot emerging issues early. The sooner overdue accounts are identified, the easier they are to resolve.

9. Know When to Escalate or Outsource

When internal follow-ups aren’t working, specialist support can help recover overdue balances efficiently -  without damaging customer relationships.

10. Review Your Credit Policy Frequently

Economic conditions and customer behaviour change. Reviewing your credit policy regularly ensures it remains fit for purpose and aligned to current risk.

Turning Credit Control Best Practice into Consistent Results

Good credit control policies are only effective if they’re applied consistently. Whether you need help managing day-to-day follow-ups, monitoring customer risk, or recovering overdue balances, the right support can make a measurable difference.

👉 Start a conversation with Controlaccount and take control of your cash flow in 2026.