county court summons for ceased sole trader

montrano

This may not be the best place to ask, but its worth a try.
I have received a county court summons from screwfix for £180.
It is for a business credit account, however the business never officially started trading and has ceased completely for the time being.
I am unemployed and on jsa, so I was thinking I should submit the admission and ask for time to pay.
Is this the best option, or do I have another option as the business is not trading.

schoolrunmum

I'm just curious as to what you spent £180 on if the business never actually started??

PNPSUKNET

yup you have to pay it, and as a sole trader you are personaly liable.

lvm

Sell what you bought for £180 and pay the debt off before it gets to court. How are your current finances? Do you have recent defaults on your account? If not, the last thing you want to do is let this get to court. It will mess you up - you won't be able to get credit cards, car finance, phone contract etc etc

Although if you currently have a poor credit file and this isn't going to make a difference then go for court.

montrano

I bought some tools to start the business to rebuild my workshop.
Then my computer blew up, a month before I was due to start an open university course, so replacing that became a priority.
Then it got to winter and everything got put on hold.
There's a good chance I'll restart once the weather clears up if I can't get a job before then.

My credit rating is pretty poor from when I first lost my job.

If I admit to the full amount and ask for time to pay, will that go through the court or will an agreement be made with the creditor

McKneff

Cant you sell something to pay it before it gets to court, can you borrow from family or friends.
A CCj on our credit file will stay there for 6 years.