Business Debtline: what it offers and who it helps
An independent guide to Business Debtline: what it does, what it costs, where it helps and who it suits best.
Applies to: England, Wales and Scotland
At a glance
| What it is | Debt charity |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free — it says it never charges for its support |
| Where it helps | England, Wales and Scotland |
| Charity number | 1099506 (Money Advice Trust, England and Wales) |
| Company number | 04741583 (Money Advice Trust, active) |
| Website | businessdebtline.org |
What Business Debtline does
Business Debtline is a free, independent debt advice service for small businesses and self-employed people, run by the Money Advice Trust. It helps with business and personal debts where someone is trading or has recently stopped trading.
What it can help with
- Free phone advice for small businesses and the self-employed
- Webchat with advisers
- My Budget online tool for building a business and personal budget
- Separate advice for England and Wales and for Scotland
Who it suits
Sole traders, the self-employed and small business owners with business debts, tax arrears or cash-flow problems.
Regulation
Business Debtline says on its website that it is FCA-authorised (firm reference number 618928). You can check any firm on the FCA register.
How to get help
Go to the Business Debtline website for current opening hours and ways to get in touch. Have a list of your debts, your income and your regular bills to hand — it makes the first conversation much quicker. Our budget calculator and debt finder can help you get these together.
Independent page. My Debt Cleared is not connected with Business Debtline and does not speak for it. Details were checked against its own website and official registers on 21 October 2026; services change, so check its site for the latest.
Other free help
You never have to pay for debt advice. MoneyHelper (government-backed), StepChange, National Debtline and Citizens Advice all give free, confidential advice with no obligation.
Common questions
Is Business Debtline free?
Yes. it says it never charges for its support
Who is Business Debtline for?
Sole traders, the self-employed and small business owners with business debts, tax arrears or cash-flow problems.
Where does Business Debtline help?
England, Wales and Scotland