What if client refuses to pay an outstanding debt?

Hi
I have just joined this forum (about 5mins ago) so do not know if I am posting in the correct place.
Anyway, I own a very small B&B and I do not take credit cards. Last week a company phoned to book a room for 2 men who stayed 3 nights in a twin room. The company told me on the phone they would pay the money into my bank account.
I asked them to confirm the booking by email, which they did. The men arrived and all seemed ok except when I checked my bank there was no money from the company. To cut a long story short I have had made numerous phone calls and have had numerous assurances that the money will be paid but so far no payment has materialised.
That can I do?
Thank you for any assistance.
Jacki

You have the booking in writing and you supplied the bed and breakfast so they owe you the money.

I assume that the payment became overdue on the day after the guests left so you can start charging interest under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act from that next day.

What to do next? Whether the business debtor is a limited company or not you should send the business a formal Letter of Claim/Letter before Action asking for payment within 14 days.

Add the interest to the sum owed and include full disclosure of the facts you hold. Close the letter by stating that you are prepared to issue proceedings to recover the money using the Courts but you are writing to them under the ‘Pre-action Protocol’ with the aim of reaching settlement without taking action.

Dear Mr Lievesley

Thank you very much for your reply. The information is very helpful and I will proceed as you suggest.

Kind Regards

J. Ross