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Liverpool NSW 2170

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Protecting Your Business

Protecting Your Business For Customers' Insolvency

Running a business is all about managing risk – most acutely to avoid bankruptcy or insolvency. When providing services or goods to a customer, there is always the possibility that your customer will unexpectedly be unable to pay you according to your agreed trading terms or even leave your debt unpaid.

This has been highlighted recently in NSW with the collapse of a number of construction firms. Of all the companies going into administration in the financial year ending 2012, 22% were from the building and construction industry.

As a creditor, protecting your interests should be a high priority. The insolvency of a major debtor can severely impact your business and cash flow. Business owners and managers must consider the risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.

Perform background checks

Background checks seem simple but are often neglected in the haste to secure sales. A background check on a new or existing customer may reveal details of their business or trading history and that of the key individuals involved in your customer’s operations. According to a report in Forbes Magazine, two thirds of accountants surveyed considered that their clients did not check the background of customers thoroughly prior to entering into supply agreements. Consequently, creditors can be caught by surprise when a customer is unable to pay for goods and services.

Background checks may include Australian Securities and Investments Commission company searches, business name searches and personal name searches into the proprietors and managers of the business. Searches at the Land Titles Office in the name of the customer and the proprietors will reveal property holdings which may provide comfort when taking personal guarantees from directors. A search of the Personal Property Securities Register will reveal other parties that have an interest in the customer’s business assets. Credit Reference Association checks will reveal whether the customer has had difficulty fulfilling obligations to suppliers in the past.

Adverse findings after any of these checks may require you to reconsider your position.

Ensure detailed contracts

Contracts may include provisions for the execution of security agreements to ensure that the title for goods remains yours until the customer has paid for them in full. In doing so, should the customer become insolvent without paying for goods, you are able to be repossess those goods. Various terms such as claims to extend or change payment terms should also be clearly detailed in any contract, to prevent any uncertainty in the event of insolvency. Similarly, if late payments do occur, actions may be considered to prevent this happening again, as this can be a sign that your customer is experiencing financial difficulties. The information gathered in your background checks can be useful when drafting a contract. For example, if your prospective client has not fulfilled payment terms on previous contracts, you can use this information to justify a demand for full payment on delivery or shorter trading terms.

Register your interest in supply

Registering your interests on the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) may ensure that claims against your supply are enforceable and prioritised over other suppliers. In the event of insolvency, without registration and supporting security documentation, an administrator or liquidator may be able to retain your supply for the benefit of all creditors. To be enforceable, your interest must be detailed accurately on the PPSR and within time, otherwise the priority may be affected.

Keep accurate books and records

It is vital that you keep adequate, accurate and comprehensive records of all transactions, including written contracts, verbal communications and any claims made by customers. This will ensure that if a debtor does become insolvent, you will have evidence to support your claims, interests and rights regarding your supply.

Find ‘good’ customers

Easier said than done, however, reliable customers are particularly important for ensuring growth and smooth trading. Maintaining a good relationship with these clients will help keep your business sustainable and strong in the future.


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