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Overview
If your business is facing cash flow difficulties and you're struggling to meet your payment-linked advance repayments, please contact SAPI immediately. Talking to us early is the most effective way to find a workable solution before your account goes into formal arrears. This guide explains your options and the steps you need to take to get help.
When Should You Contact Us? (Early Warning Signs)
The sooner you talk to us, the more options we have to support you. Please reach out before problems escalate if you notice any of these signs:
Significant Drop in Sales: Your daily card sales have fallen by 30% or more compared to your usual average, making collections increasingly difficult.
Repeated Low Bank Balances: You are frequently low on funds when SAPI attempts to collect a payment.
Anticipating a Failed Payment: You know you have an upcoming payment due, but anticipate insufficient funds to cover it.
Known Business Disruption: You expect sales to be severely impacted soon (e.g., seasonal closure, major repairs, supply chain issues, or health problems).
Pressure from Other Creditors: You are receiving demands or legal action from other lenders.
Why Contact SAPI Early?
Early contact means we can explore forbearance, repayment restructuring, or temporary adjustments before formal collections begin.
More Options Available: Early contact gives us the best chance to explore supportive options like temporary repayment adjustments or restructuring before formal collections begin.
Prevent Costly Escalation & Legal Action: Proactive communication and early resolution help you avoid the need for costly and damaging formal collections or legal proceedings, preventing significant external costs.
Preserve Your Relationship: Businesses that communicate challenges and work collaboratively maintain a better standing for future financing.
Reduce Stress: Having a clear, agreed-upon plan reduces the anxiety of escalating collections.
How to Request Support
Step 1: Contact SAPI Immediately
Don't wait for payments to fail repeatedly or for arrears to escalate.
Phone: +44 7441 352 307
Email: [email protected]
Business hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm GMT
Step 2: Explain Your Situation Clearly
Be honest and detailed about your current situation and what caused the difficulty.
Step 3: Provide Supporting Documents
SAPI will request documentation to verify your financial position. This may include:
Recent bank statements (last 3 months)
Updated payment processor data (to assess sales trends)
A simple cash flow forecast (showing projected income and expenses for the next 3–6 months)
Evidence of circumstances (e.g., insurance claims, medical notes, or contract termination notices)
Standard financial documents (e.g., Income Statement and Balance Sheet)
Step 4: Discuss and Agree on an Option
SAPI’s team will assess your documentation and propose a plan that works for both parties. You will receive an email detailing the new arrangement.
Step 5: Follow the New Terms
It is essential that both parties adhere to the new arrangement, with regular checking in as agreed. Any missing payments may result in further escalation of the account.
Seeking Independent Professional Advice
If your difficulties are severe or ongoing, we strongly recommend you seek independent professional help:
Consult with an accountant or financial advisor.
Speak to a business debt advisor (e.g., Business Debtline UK: 0800 197 6026).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will requesting forbearance affect my credit score?
A: Forbearance arrangements that are agreed upon and adhered to are not typically reported negatively to credit bureaus. However, if you enter formal arrears before or after forbearance, this may be reported to business credit agencies.
Q: What if I can't afford ANY collections right now?
A: Contact SAPI immediately at +44 7441 352 307. The Collections team will discuss options.
Q: Will I be charged extra fees for forbearance?
A: Generally, formal forbearance arrangements don't carry additional fees, but arrears fees apply if you're already in arrears when requesting help.
Q: How long does SAPI take to respond to a forbearance request?
A: Typically 1-2 business days, depending on complexity and documentation required. For urgent situations, call +44 7441 352 307 for a faster response.
Q: What if my business is failing and I can't repay at all?
A: If your business is insolvent, seek professional insolvency advice immediately and notify SAPI. We'll work with you and the insolvency practitioner, but we cannot simply write off the debt without formal insolvency proceedings.
Need Help?
Forbearance requests: [email protected]
Urgent cash flow issues: +44 7441 352 307
Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm GMT
Business advice (external):
- Business Debtline: 0800 197 6026 (free, confidential advice)
- Citizens Advice Bureau: citizensadvice.org.uk