Taking customer to Small Claims Court

Hi there,

I run a local magazine and one of my advertisers is refusing to pay his bill. I've gone down the charging £40 fee and daily interest route but he just says he's sold the business and refuses to pay.

I would like to take him to the Small Claims' Court but I just have a couple of queries.

Firstly, I'm not entirely sure where he lives anymore. I sent him letters about the late payment to two addresses - one he used to live at and another he may now live at - it's on his website. Both letters were returned unopened. He also ignores all emails and only answers text messages rarely.

So, can I still take action if I'm not sure of his address?

The second point is this: who is liable for the debt? Is it the chap who bought the advertising? Or is it whoever bought the business? I don't want to take my customer to court if he's not even liable.

Many thanks!

Andy

PS There was something in the press a few weeks back about a new Small Business Commissioner, who would help small businesses deal with late payers. Is he/she in place? If so, who is he/she and how can I get in touch with them?