The creditors

•The name, address and telephone number of each creditor – the exact name of the company is important as many creditors may have similar names.

•Account/reference numbers – creditors may have a reference number to access information about a client which should also be recorded.

•Letter references and contact details – any correspondence from a company with a letter reference should be recorded, along with any contact details.

•Agents’ details – if a creditor is using a solicitor or a commercial debt collector, their details should be recorded separately. Details of the person who made the most recent contact should also be recorded. If the collector has purchased the debt, they are now the creditor. If they have not and are acting on behalf of the creditor, they are accountable to the original creditor. Creditors should notify clients when debts are passed on or sold to third parties.