Consultancy Help

[CGMoons]

I am a contractor/ have my consultancy through my own ltd company and signed a contract with a client that gave me a 6-month project with a written notice period of 30 days for either party. Unfortunately, it's gone a bit sour with the client, claiming they gave me verbal notice in a review meeting we had (this was not the case) and they have never provided written notice. I got an agreement with them for early termination payment of £4k + VAT with my obligations being handover documents etc being completed. I have done this and should have been paid. However, they are now delaying things by saying "travelling" / "come back to you end of the week" after contacting them at the start of the week...

I have taken some legal advice, and my position is clear and correct. They have broken the contract. I have been told, I could bill them for the full month of fees but agreed to the set amount of £4k for early termination. They are a partial start-up and have a potential investor who I have been working with. I have contact with the investors - How can I make it clear that I want to pay or I'll be letting the investors know how they treat people? I find it so frustrating that screwing people over is ok...

 

[StevensOnln1]

Are you self employed or do you have a limited company? You also mentioned a job role, which sounds like you're an employee, but then go on to mention the client and charging VAT on your fee. I'm guessing that you're working as a contractor through your own limited company and agreed a 6 month contract with a client, but it would be better if you could clarify that.

 

[CGMoons]

Sorry have just edited my post for the confusion caused I have a ltd company and am contracting/consulting with the client for a 6 month project. I am VAT registered to.

 

[WaveJumper]

Before you start throwing any more money on the legal front, as annoying as this is do you think in reality (as a partial start up) there’s any money left in the kitty

 

[CGMoons]

Before you start throwing any more money on the legal front, as annoying as this is do you think in reality (as a partial start up) there’s any money left in the kitty

I know 100% there is plenty of money on the actual business - they aren't short at all. This is not an issue for them.

 

[IanSuth]

i suggest a letter before action with the threat of a court to recover amounts owed.

They will know if it gets to court they will lose (assuming the facts are as presented and as your legal advice has agreed) and their investors would see that then anyway. Therefore no need to threaten to go to investors which just looks petty

 

[CGMoons]

thank you - i do agree, I will not go down the threat route, the heat of the moment talk! I want to maintain professionalism and reach a conclusion to them stringing this along!

 

[Mark T Jones]

An 'innocent' call to investors asking if they ae aware of any issues, as you are struggling to get paid...

 

[CGMoons]

maybe as a backup plan