Just a quick reminder to all business people that bad debt is a terrible drain on profits, and in theese uncertain times, watching your credit risk is crucial.  A cost effective way of doing this is to use a credit reference agency, and the best value one we have found is creditserve.co.uk but there are many more.  Fora  few hundred pounds a year, you can get unlimited access to UK credit reports on sole traders, partnerships, ltd and plc companies.  Worth its weight in cash if you are considering taking on a new client, or that very large job that may well keep you going, or send you bust.