if someone owes you money and doesnt acknowledge

[jonesV]

A friend owes me money less than 10K, he doesn't acknowledge the said money. I tried to communicate with him as much as I could however , he seems not bothered at all.
I was advised to post a formal complaint letter address to the said individual and wait for 14 days ; if no action was made then I can file 'small claim' ?
Second option was to file a case to county court.

Which option would be relevant in my issue.
stressed and really tormented by this incident.

please help.
jonesV

[Amethyst]

On what basis did you lend him the money ? and when ?

Did you put anything in writing at the time ?

Does your friend have any assets ( house / car etc) ? Is he employed ?

[jonesV]

he was borrowing money from me , most of it via bank transfer , few on cash on hand.
no written agreement, we talk and some text messages that he will pay.

he has a car , he is full time employed.

[Amethyst]

Okay so there is something you can enforce any judgment you obtained against.

You have copies of text messages asking for money, confirming receipt of money and stating he will repay you ?

Your first and second options in your first post are the same thing btw - Best thing is to make sure you have your case sorted and evidenced first, then send a letter of claim before issuing proceedings.

[jonesV]

I have copied all messages and bank statements.
A formal letter of complaint address to him? which means I have to wait for 14 days for any response from him?

He seems to be avoiding me - since we work on the same company.
Should I inform human resource department about this?