Start a business debt recovery service from home

Small trade firms, wholesalers, freelancers, agencies and landlords who are owed money but have no time or appetite to chase it.

Usually a percentage of what you recover, a flat fee per case, or a monthly retainer for ongoing credit control.

• Calm, firm phone manner
• Good record keeping
• Clear letter and email writing
• Negotiating payment plans

• Collecting debts from consumers, sole traders and some small partnerships may need FCA authorisation, so check before taking any case
• Harassment and unfair pressure can break the law, so follow the recognised guidance and keep a record of every contact
• Data protection: you will probably need to register with the ICO and handle personal data carefully
• Professional indemnity and public liability insurance, which you should ask a broker about
• Client money: if you hold recovered funds for clients, check how to keep them separate and how to account for them

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £2,500, depending on your home-office set-up and your insurance. These are estimates, so ask a broker about professional indemnity and public liability cover before taking on clients.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on how many clients you have and how many debts you chase. These are estimates only, and income will vary with the cases you take on.

Check before taking any case, as collecting debts from consumers, sole traders and some small partnerships may need FCA authorisation. Also check the guidance on harassment, ICO registration, insurance and how to handle client money.