Financial Difficulty

Our commitment

Supporting our customers in financial difficulty by working with them to reduce their overall debt burden. Using value based decisions, incorporating energy efficiency and developing business awareness.

Step 1: Helping you to stay in business

Since the recession we have been making attempts to support our customers stay in business during the challenging times in our economy.

We have trained staff that can help you with spreading the cost of your consumption over fixed terms at no extra cost and advice on budgeting your monthly usage. We have also built a relationship with the Business Debt Line part of the Money Advice Trust.

Business Debtline

Business Debt line is a charity offering free, confidential self help advice to small businesses in the UK who are struggling with business/ trade and personal debt. Business Debt line can offer advice to sole traders, partnerships and small limited companies, their advice is telephoned based and they are open 9AM - 5:30PM Monday to Friday.

In addition we have put together some handy tips to help you stay on top of things and avoid energy debt issues:

  • Get paid - do not be afraid to ask your customers for payment. Setting out clear payment expectations before work begins or goods are supplied will considerably aid any collection activity.
  • Maximise cash flow - have you considered factoring your invoices to guarantee cash flow? Are you entitled to any grants or government assistance?
  • Control - no matter how small your business is, forecasting and budgeting are crucial. Fix costs where you can, take advantage of reductions for paying by direct debit for example and avoid seasonal variations and late payment charges.

For anyone running a home and a business keep your income and expenditure separate! You can find these forms at www.bdl.org.uk (Business Debt Line website)

Invest in energy efficiency measures to reduce ongoing energy consumption. This will release more cash to improve your working capital position. Use our online energy savers report to find out how simple changes can help you save money! Find out more

Keep talking to your suppliers chances are you will find a friendly voice ready to listen and support. Negotiate with other suppliers to reduce costs or agree short-term measures to help you through temporary cash flow struggles.

Do not panic if things are getting serious, seek professional advice. We suggest calling the Business Debt Line on 0800 197 6026 or visit their website www.bdl.org.uk, please make sure you fully utilise all the support on offer. Your situation may be resolvable but time is of the essence, the earlier you seek support the higher your chance of recovery.

Step 2: Staying in control of your energy supply

The good news is that the upkeep of your British Gas Business account doesn't take a lot of effort on your part:

  • It is important for British Gas Business to have the right contact information for you, meaning important communication can get through to you.
  • It is important you are billed correctly so a supply of regular reads is essential. Please pass your reading to us either by calling us or follow this link http://www.britishgas.co.uk/business/manage-account.html
  • Our contracts are auto-renewed and notification is sent to you 120 days prior to the date of renewal. Ensure you review the pack that's sent to establish your new rates and contract terms.
  • Chose Direct Debit, meaning you have regular funds contributing to your supply whether this is fixed or variable! It helps you stay in control and avoid any late payment charges.

Step 3: Support Centre!

If you are experiencing difficulty and you need to discuss a payment arrangement then please contact our Customer Services Centre on 0845 073 0427 to initiate discussions.