Ready, Set, Summer (Just Don’t Forget to Get Paid) 

Summer is on the way, and so is your busiest (and hopefully most profitable) season. Bookings are rolling in, menus are being finalised, and your fridge is fuller than your inbox. But while you’re prepping for back-to-back events, there’s one thing you can’t afford to forget: getting paid. 

Because nothing puts a damper on your summer like chasing a client for money three weeks after their event, while they pretend they “missed your invoice.” 

Late Payments: The Uninvited Guest 

You turned up on time. You served great food. But now? Radio silence. Late payments are frustrating, time-consuming, and a completely unnecessary part of running a catering business – if you’ve got the right contracts and processes in place. 

If you’re still relying on a friendly text to remind someone to pay you, it’s time to level up. Because polite nudges don’t pay bills. Clear payment terms and the legal right to recover what you’re owed? That does. 

Your First Line of Defence: Written Payment Terms 

If you’re not already spelling this out in your contracts or terms of business, start now. 

• When is payment due? (Deposit up front? Balance before the event?) 

• What happens if they don’t pay? 

• What late fees apply? 

These aren’t just helpful reminders – they’re your safety net. Set expectations clearly before the event, and you’re far less likely to be left hanging after it. 

And When That Still Doesn’t Work… 

You can have the best systems in place, but some people just don’t pay. Maybe they’re avoiding their inbox. Maybe they’re waiting to see if you chase. Maybe they’re just not planning to pay at all. 

That’s where we come in. At McKenzie Legal & HR, we offer debt recovery services for NCASS members from as little as £50. We handle the awkward follow-ups, the formal letters, and the legal steps if needed. Most debts are recovered with a single well-worded letter on our letterhead. 

You’ve done your part. Let us handle the rest. 

Avoiding the Repeat Offenders 

Want to make sure it doesn’t happen again? We can help tighten up your terms of business, so your payment processes are watertight for summer and beyond. A few key clauses can make all the difference. Reviews from £20! 

Pro Tip: Don’t Let Late Payers Ruin Your Summer 

If you’re still waiting to get paid for a recent job, or you want to make sure you don’t get caught out during your busiest season, get in touch. 

As an NCASS member, you get a free 30-minute call (normally £50) to talk through your options. We’ll give you no-nonsense advice and let you know if your debt is worth pursuing – and how best to go about it. 

Email us at [email protected] to book your free call today. 

You’ve worked hard to build a brilliant business. Don’t let unpaid invoices take a bite out of your summer profits.