You’ve quoted a job, the client’s agreed, but you want payment upfront before starting work. Do you send an invoice? Not quite — you send a pro forma invoice. It looks like an invoice, acts like a formal quote, but isn’t the same as either. Here’s when and why to use one. What Is a […]
If you invoice the same clients for the same amount regularly — monthly retainers, subscription services, ongoing maintenance — you’re wasting time creating each invoice from scratch. Recurring invoices automate the repetitive work, so you get paid without lifting a finger. What Are Recurring Invoices? A recurring invoice is one that your accounting software generates […]
You’ve chased the invoice three times. It’s now weeks overdue. Did you know you have a legal right to charge interest on that late payment? Most small businesses don’t realise this — or feel awkward using it. Here’s what the law says and whether it’s worth doing. Your Statutory Right Under the Late Payment of […]
Chasing money is uncomfortable. You don’t want to seem pushy or damage a good working relationship — but you also need to be paid. The good news is that most late payments aren’t personal. A polite, professional approach usually gets results without any awkwardness. Why Invoices Go Unpaid Before assuming the worst, remember that late […]
You’ve finished the work, sent the invoice — now how long should you give clients to pay? Payment terms set clear expectations and help you get paid on time. Here’s what the common terms actually mean and how to choose the right ones for your business. What Are Payment Terms? Payment terms tell your customer […]
A good invoice numbering system does more than keep you organised — it’s a legal requirement and makes life much easier when you need to find old invoices, chase payments, or prepare your tax return. Here’s how to set one up properly. Why Invoice Numbers Matter HMRC requires every invoice to have a unique identifying […]
Getting your invoices right isn’t just about looking professional — certain details are legally required. Miss them, and you could face problems with HMRC or find it harder to chase late payments. Here’s exactly what every UK invoice needs. The Essentials (All Businesses) Every invoice you send must include: If You’re VAT Registered VAT-registered businesses […]
