A practical guide for UK B2B invoices: what an LBA is, when to send one, and how to move from reminder to small-claim preparation without losing control of the process.
A Letter Before Action is the formal step before court action. For a UK B2B unpaid invoice, it tells the debtor what is owed, why it is owed, when payment is required and what may happen if payment is not made.
The purpose is not to sound aggressive. The purpose is to create a clear pre-court record: what you claim, why you claim it, and the final opportunity to resolve it without a claim.
| Situation | Best next action | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Invoice is a few days overdue | Send a polite reminder | Most early delays are administrative. |
| Reminder ignored and invoice is clearly due | Prepare a Letter Before Action | A formal deadline often prompts payment or a response. |
| Debtor disputes the work or contract | Pause and consider legal advice | Disputed cases need evidence and risk review. |
| No response after the LBA deadline | Prepare claim documents and evidence | The claim stage needs a clean audit trail. |
Confirm the debtor is a business, the invoice is due, and you have the invoice, contract or purchase order, delivery evidence and previous reminders.
A polite reminder preserves context and gives the debtor a chance to pay or raise a genuine issue before formal escalation.
Set out the amount owed, why it is owed, any statutory interest or compensation, the payment deadline and the next step if there is no response.
For B2B debts, many businesses use a 14-day payment window before moving toward a claim. Keep a clean audit trail of all responses.
If the debtor does not pay or engage, prepare the claim documents and evidence pack before filing through the appropriate court process.
RobinReturn is designed for UK B2B debts where the invoice is documented, the amount is proportionate, and the next step is a structured reminder, LBA or small-claim preparation.
It is deliberately not a substitute for a solicitor when the dispute is complex, high-value, consumer-facing or strategically sensitive. RobinReturn is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
See Letter Before Action costs or review the full price book.
A Letter Before Action is a formal demand sent before starting a court claim. For an unpaid B2B invoice, it should identify the parties, the amount owed, the invoice or contract basis, any interest or fixed compensation claimed, the payment deadline and the intended next step if payment is not made.
A business should usually send a Letter Before Action after ordinary reminders have failed and before issuing a small claim. The debt should be clear, documented and due. If the debtor disputes the work, amount or contract, legal advice may be more appropriate.
No. RobinReturn is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. It helps prepare debt-recovery documents and workflows for B2B unpaid invoices.
Start with the lowest-friction action and escalate only when the debtor gives you a reason to.