How Payfor Secured €600,000 for a Ukrainian Tech Firm Against a UK Giant
Sep 03, 2025
A small but ambitious tech company based in Ukraine landed what seemed like the contract of a lifetime. A major UK corporation, widely known for its market influence, engaged them for a project worth nearly €600,000. For the Ukrainian firm, it was not just revenue. It was recognition, growth, and a chance to prove themselves on a larger stage.
The project was delivered in full, deadlines were met, and quality exceeded expectations. Yet, when the time came for payment, the UK corporation withheld funds. Weeks turned into months, emails went unanswered, and promises evaporated. For the Ukrainian business, this was devastating. With a large portion of their resources tied to the project, the unpaid debt threatened stability and staff morale.
On paper, the case seemed hopeless. A smaller company in Eastern Europe had little leverage against a well-connected UK organisation. Many would have written it off as a painful lesson. Instead, the firm turned to Payfor.
How Debtors Exploit Power Gap
Cross-border commercial debt collection is rarely straightforward by nature. Different legal systems, cultural attitudes to payment, and the distance between creditor and debtor all combine to make recovery daunting. In this case, the imbalance of power only made the situation worse.
The UK company relied on the assumption that the Ukrainian firm lacked the resources and reach to enforce payment. They were confident that geography and legal complexity would shield them from accountability. This is exactly the type of challenge Payfor was built to overcome.
Payfor’s Strategy in Action
When Payfor was contacted, Giles and the team moved quickly. The first step was establishing jurisdiction and legal standing, ensuring every communication carried authority. Letters and formal notices were carefully structured, leaving no room for ambiguity. Each message was more than a reminder. It was a clear, legally informed signal of what non-payment would lead to.
At the same time, Payfor ensured the Ukrainian company’s reputation remained intact. Negotiation was firm but respectful, avoiding tactics that could harm future business opportunities. The debtor was reminded of their obligations through a blend of diplomacy and legal certainty, while preparations were quietly made for escalation if required.
The shift in tone had an immediate effect. The UK company realised they were not dealing with an isolated creditor but with a global agency that understood European law, had partnerships in place, and was fully prepared to escalate. Within a structured escalation rhythm, Payfor created pressure that the debtor could not ignore.
The Breakthrough
After months of silence and resistance, progress was made. Negotiations moved swiftly once the debtor recognised Payfor’s legal reach extended into their own jurisdiction. The fear that the matter could advance into court, with reputational and financial consequences, brought them to the table.
Within a matter of weeks, the case that had once seemed impossible to resolve ended in success. The Ukrainian tech company received the full €600,000 owed. What had once looked like a crippling loss was transformed into a victory, safeguarding jobs, operations, and the future of the business.
For the Ukrainian company, the outcome was more than financial. It was reassurance that justice can prevail, even against a larger and better-connected debtor. They expressed relief that Payfor not only recovered the money but also handled the case with professionalism and discretion. Their reputation was protected, their confidence was restored, and their experience proved that size does not always decide the outcome in commercial disputes.
Lessons for Businesses Facing Unpaid Debts
This case highlights a truth many businesses face in cross-border trade. Contracts may be signed and work may be delivered, but without the right partner, collecting payment can become an uphill battle. Debtors often rely on distance, bureaucracy, and jurisdictional complexity to delay or avoid responsibility. The difference lies in choosing an agency that has the legal expertise, global infrastructure, and disciplined processes to cut through those barriers.
Why Payfor Stands Apart
At Payfor, we have built our reputation on making the impossible possible. With a global network of legal expertise and partnerships, every communication we send is not an empty warning but a legally grounded step toward enforcement. We negotiate firmly but respectfully, ensuring your reputation remains intact while your debtor understands the full weight of their obligations. And when needed, we enforce verdicts across jurisdictions with precision.
If your business is facing a debtor who refuses to pay, do not accept defeat. Talk to us and let us help you recover what is rightfully yours.
Disclaimer:
This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The information provided in this post is based on general principles and may not apply to specific legal situations. Laws and regulations vary by jurisdiction and can change over time. Readers are advised to seek professional legal counsel before making any decisions based on the information provided in this blog post. Payfor Ltd is not a law firm and does not provide legal services. The company disclaims any liability for actions taken based on the contents of this blog post.
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