Small business owners need to be aware that the recession is producing more variation in excuses made by companies for failing to pay on time, according to research from credit control specialist firm Cashflow Protector.

The research found that the most popular delaying tactics are firms saying that they are filing for bankruptcy, that they have moved offices and that the cheque is in the post.

Small company owners have been urged to not delay in taking businesses to court that do not pay money owed. A lack of available cash flow is one of the biggest problems faced by small firm owners, with late payment strangling many businesses.