Business Debtline and SSE are here to help you get a fresh start with your finances.
Business Debtline is a charity. Our service is always free and our advisers give impartial, non-judgmental debt advice.
We won’t share what you tell us with SSE - you can always speak to us in confidence.
Reasons to contact Business Debtline
- We help thousands of small businesses and self-employed customers every year, including sole traders, partnerships, limited companies and business that have ceased trading
- We understand running business and household finances can be complicated, and we talk to people in all sorts of situations every day
- We are the UK number one provider of specialist debt advice for small businesses, and have been helping customers for over 20 years
- If you haven’t contacted us before, see our Getting ready for advice fact sheet. This explains the information we’ll need to find the right solution for you.
How it works
1. Complete a budget using our online tool (you can save and come back to it), an accurate budget allows us to give you the best advice.
2. Book an appointment online with a Business Debtline specialist adviser. During the phone appointment, your adviser will give you the advice you need on your debts, your budget and your rights and options. This will be based on the budget you’ve done, which your adviser can see – so no repeating yourself.
3. Take your next steps to sorting out your debts. Business Debtline are here for you - we’ll tell you what to do next and support you every step of the way.
Help from SSE
Getting help with your business’s energy bills starts with a phone call.
If your business is experiencing financial difficulties and you’re having trouble paying your energy bills, the most important thing to do is call your energy supplier. You can advise them of your situation and start establishing a route forwards.
If you’re an SSE customer, speak to their team on 0345 073 7999. SSE’s team are on hand to provide helpful information and discuss solutions for your business.
Making a payment
We’d always encourage you to make payments towards the balance on your account. The quickest way to do this is via SSE’s payment line. You can pay using credit or debit card by calling 0333 313 9179, which is open 24/7.
Our debt advice resources
Our Cost of living hub
Use our Cost of living hub to find out if you can pay less for your living costs and to learn about any extra help that might be available.
- Find out how to make the most of your money.
- Understand how the cost of living can affect how you deal with your debts.
- Get advice about dealing with high gas and electricity bills.
- Find out about help from other organisations.
- Understand what to do if you can't afford your living costs
Helpful steps to stay on top of your bills
In addition to having a conversation about your account balance, there are a number of actions you can take to help keep on top of your energy bills.
- Setting up a direct debit - Making regular payments is the easiest way to ensure the balance on your account isn’t building up. To find out more, visit SSE’s payment methods webpage, which includes instructions for how to set up a direct debit.
- Installing a smart meter - With a smart meter, your business can receive accurate billing based on automated meter readings. It ensures you’re not paying too much or too little towards your energy bills. For more information about smart meters, visit SSE’s smart metering webpage, or register for your smart meter via their online form.
- Consider your energy efficiency - Making changes to your business’s routine and energy consumption could result in lower energy bills. To learn more about how to foster a routine of energy efficiency, you can either visit SSE’s energy efficiency webpage, or read their free energy efficiency guide.
- Discussing payment plans - You can discuss your balance and payment plan options by speaking to SSE’s team directly on 0345 073 7999. Alternatively, you can visit their website for more information on how to pay your bill.
Getting extra help if you need it
Emergency situations
Get advice straightaway if you are at immediate risk of losing your home, business premises, essential services, or goods, such as your car.
- Webchat with an adviser, Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm. This is the fastest way to speak to a specialist adviser.
- Call us on 0800 197 6026, Monday to Friday 9am - 8pm.
- Read more about emergency debt advice if our phone and webchat services aren’t open.
Sharing your information
If you have a personal, health or other issue that is making it harder to manage your finances, you can tell us.
If you tell us, it could help us to provide you with a better service. We'll also keep the information confidential.
Need extra support?
We work with other organisations who can provide extra support depending on your circumstances. Read more about getting extra support.