With offices in Reading, Southampton, Oxford and London in the South East, Blake Morgan LLP‘s commercial recoveries department specialises in finance work, and is especially active in the motor finance industry, as well as the landlord and tenant sector. Group head Sadak Miah is praised for his ‘incredible depth of knowledge and experience‘ and is sought out by high-profile clients such as Mercedes Benz Financial Services UK and Volkswagen Financial Services. ‘Efficient litigator‘ Hannah Smith-Herne heads up the complex team, and handles bespoke and complex litigation.
Debt recovery in South East
Blake Morgan LLP
Practice head(s):
Sadak Miah
Other key lawyers:
Hannah Smith-Herne
Testimonials
‘Blake Morgan have swiftly become highly respected partners, valued in particular for their collaborative approach, as well as their emphasis on building long term relationships. The team is incredibly professional, and clearly pride themselves on providing the right outcomes for both our organisation, and our customers.’
‘Sadak Miah’s incredible depth of knowledge and experience make him an invaluable asset to our organisation, especially given how proactive he can be in sharing recent learnings to help us avoid potential hazards.’
‘Sadak Miah has great understanding of the client’s commercial requirements. Hannah Smith-Herne is a very efficient litigator.’
‘The process of amicable engagement with customers prior to litigation has proven to be both highly effective and customer centric.’
‘Sadak Miah and his team are knowledgeable, approachable and on hand whenever you need a face-to-face meeting.’
‘The team works very closely together and has that extra dynamic that other teams lack. They will go out of their way to ensure your requirements are met and are always looking for better ways to do things.’
‘Sadak Miah is an individual that stands out.’
Key clients
Mercedes Benz Financial Services UK Limited
Toyota Financial Services Plc
Fiat Chrysler Automotive
DAS Insurance
Work highlights
- Acting on behalf of four household names in the motor finance sector on debt, litigation and regulatory matters, including undisclosed commission cases.
- Acting on behalf of debt purchase companies on debt recovery, litigation and a number of major projects including global substitution orders.
Brachers
With particular strength in the financial sector, Brachers‘ collections and recoveries team in Maidstone is sought out by clients from a range of industries, including the transport, utilities, and vehicle retail sectors. The firm has a specialist niche offering through its bereavement team, which assists in obtaining final payments from estates. Michael Oatham leads the firm’s wider litigation division, and specialises in complex, high-value commercial, chancery and insolvency cases. Performance head Robert Thompson is well versed in managing his large team of collection agents, while head of operations Graham Wallis has more than 25 years of experience working in regulated and non-regulated sectors of the debt recovery market.
Practice head(s):
Michael Oatham; Robert Thompson; Graham Wallis
Testimonials
‘An extremely high success/recovery rate.’
‘A dedicated team. Personal professional service which leads to successful outcomes.’
‘The team has a wealth of litigation knowledge which enables them to advise on specific complex matters as well as the more straightforward claims. They are always approachable and always willing to go the extra mile.’
Work highlights
- Partnered with a global credit card company, providing collections and recoveries services on an ongoing basis.
DMH Stallard LLP
DMH Stallard LLP‘s ‘very knowledgeable’ debt and leasehold recovery department in Gatwick is engaged by a range of national and international clients, such as banks and local authorities. The team is led by Simon Elcock and Oliver Jackson, who regularly advises on freezing injunctions, the enforcement of judgements, and insolvency related issues. Gemma Clark is noted for her high volume debt and leasehold recovery work, while Nigel Marchant is equipped to handle property-related recovery matters, as well as the enforcement of overseas judgements.
Practice head(s):
Oliver Jackson; Simon Elcock
Other key lawyers:
Gemma Clark; Nigel Marchant
Testimonials
‘Very knowledgeable, efficient, helpful and friendly.’
‘Nigel Marchant and Gemma Clark both provide a personal service, normally associated with a small practice not a practice as big as DMH are.’
‘Good working relationships with the team.’
‘Friendly, knowledgeable, responsive and pragmatic.’
Key clients
Allard Bailey Family Law
Bailey Total Building Envelope
Banque et Caisse D’Epargne De L’Etat Luxembourg
BNP Paribas Real Estate
BDO LLP
CAE (UK) Plc
Canon (UK) Limited
Firestones Corporate Recovery
Folkes Architects
Gemini Print Southern Limited
Gilmartin Ley
Glass’s Information Services Limited
Heidelberg Graphic Equipment Limited
Kensington & Chelsea
MSR Partners LLP (formerly Moore Stephens LLP)
Penfold Verrall Limited
HGS Southern Ltd
POP Retail Limited
Rossetts (UK) Limited
RSM UK
Safeguard Europe Limited
SpaceandPeople Plc
Stiles Harold Williams LLP
STA International
Straumann Limited
Work highlights
- Undertaking debt recovery work for BNP Paribas Real Estate Advisory & Property Management UK Ltd in respect of its own unpaid professional service. The value of the claims pursued range from £100 to £200,000.
- Acting as sole provider for debt recovery services in respect of Canon (UK) Limited’s unpaid invoices for debtors based in England and Wales. The value of the claims pursued range from £500 to £5,000.
- Assisting Strauman Limited’s finance team with the recovery of unpaid invoices, from pre action steps up to and including enforcement of CCJs. The value of the claims pursued range from £100 to £50,000.
Judge & Priestley LLP
‘Valued for its expertise and professionalism’, Judge & Priestley LLP ‘s credit solutions division in Bromley utilises its dedicated teams for subrogated insurance claims and for commercial and local authority litigation to offer a wide range of services, spanning high-volume debt recovery issues, pre-action recoveries and judgement enforcement actions. The team is overseen by Rachel Addai, who specialises in local authority revenue matters. Addai is assisted by, Robert Davis, Mark Younger, and Uday Patel, who heads up the credit solutions team’s litigation department and is especially active in the utilities sector. Mark Oakley is a key contact for leaseholder disputes and property claims.
Practice head(s):
Rachel Addai; Mark Oakley; Robert Davis; Mark Younger; Uday Patel
Other key lawyers:
Leonie-Robyn Murtagh
Testimonials
‘They offer a professional and prompt service in debt recovery. Their solicitors are always helpful and informed for litigation matters.’
‘We value them for their expertise and professionalism, in dealing with both individual and commercial debts recovery and litigation. We have an assigned account manager who ensures things run smoothly.’
‘They sit on our monthly debt forum meetings to provide expert advice on complex matters. This arrangement supports matters to be resolved efficiently and effectively.’
‘Leonie-Robyn Murtagh helps us to navigate complex and difficult matters related to adults and social care debtors. Takes onboard our instruction on matters and offers advice which we very much appreciate.’
‘Rachel Addai has provided us with her expertise on a wide range of complex debt recovery matters.’
‘They give me an excellent service. Clear and prompt communications, problems resolved quickly, and generally an excellent professional service.’
Key clients
London Borough of Southwark
Crown Commercial
Edge Recovery Limited
Work highlights
- Advising and acting for Regent Gas Limited in a multi-million claim for back-billed gas supply to a major dairy manufacturer in a claim issued in the High Court.
- Acting against a director of a company in liquidation seeking contribution to the company accounts from the director under section 212 of the Insolvency Act.
- Advising London Borough of Lambeth on and representing the council in a Court of Appeal judicial review matter relating to the exercise of power in imposing a multi-million-pound Community Infrastructure Levy on a property developer.
Shoosmiths LLP
With a ‘dependable and consistent core team’, Shoosmiths LLP’s commercial recoveries team focuses on the whole spectrum of commercial debt recovery work, including early arrears management issues, pre-legal collections and negotiations, advice for in-house credit teams, and enforcement of judgements. Solent-based Paula Swain heads up the team, but also leads the firm’s national team for commercial recoveries, allowing the provision of a coordinated, UK-wide service. Jade Souch and Stephen Eastley are recommended for high-value, contested debt recovery matters.
Practice head(s):
Paula Swain
Other key lawyers:
Jade Souch; Stephen Eastley
Testimonials
‘We have dealt with Shoosmiths for a number of years now and have an excellent working relationship with them. They are always very helpful with the debt queries we send them and always come back with the latest position.’
‘We have worked with the team at Shoosmiths for a number of years now throughout which they have displayed not only professionalism, but a practical approach to how to deal with our debtors. It certainly helps that they understand our sector, and have a dependable and consistent core team.’
‘Our relationship is managed by Paula Swain, who is knowledgeable, quick to reply and practical in her answers. She leads the team effectively and responsively which we see exhibited by how well they work with us.’
Work highlights
- Advising the credit control team of a large corporate on the establishment of a litigation strategy for over 5000 cases.
- Newly appointed by an international truck and bus manufacturer to recover commercial debts.
SE-Solicitors
SE-Solicitors’s debt recovery unit is equipped to handle the full range of work. The team delivers a ‘first-class service’, in particular in the telecoms, building supplies, recruitment, education and financial services sectors, and extends its reach with its international collections team. Practice head Richard Gwynne in Banbury has more than 25 years’ experience, and notable expertise in pre-legal collections, international debt recovery work, insolvencies and enforcements. Tina McLaren is noted for acting as account manager for the firm’s largest clients. Peter Gardner has left the practice.
Practice head(s):
Richard Gwynne
Other key lawyers:
Tina McLaren
Testimonials
‘Spratt Endicott have supported our business for a number of years now. They adapt and accommodate our requirements as needed to meet our ever-changing goals.’
‘Richard Gwynne and all the team at Spratt Endicott understand our business, our contracts and the way our billing works. As a result, they are able to offer sound advice and guidance which is vital to our business.’
‘The team understands and has adapted to how we work the legal accounts, they know the questions we will want answered by the debtors, and so that prevents toing and froing. Able to give advice only on occasions.’
‘Very friendly.’
‘The team has a great attention to detail, and having a nominated contact makes life so easy.’
‘First-class service, professionalism and great response times.’
Blaser Mills Law
Blaser Mills Law‘s commercial recoveries and insolvency team in High Wycombe is known for its specialist knowledge in the consumables, software and IT industries. The team is led by the ‘massively experienced’ Jackie Ray, who is also sought out by clients from the food, vintners, off-trade and agricultural sectors for expert advice on contested and uncontested claims, as well as international recoveries. Nina Toor, who is ‘a very good junior lawyer’, and Daria Stepien are also well versed in cross-border claims.
Practice head(s):
Jackie Ray
Other key lawyers:
Nina Toor; Daria Stepien
Testimonials
‘The firm has excellent strength in terms of service provision and delivery. It has very good depth of talent at all levels of qualification.’
‘Jackie Ray is an excellent, client focused commercial lawyer. Nina Toor is a very good junior lawyer, who is well attuned to clients’ needs.’
‘They excel at providing debt recovery services, adopting a systems-based approach and having a wealth of experience in the sector.’
‘Jackie Ray is massively experienced in the sector, and really understands her clients’ drivers and commercial objectives.’
‘We have used this practice for many years, and have never had an issue or been disappointed with their service.’
‘They understand our business, and tailor their responses to suit our issues. They are always happy to speak to us and explain our options.’
Key clients
Pythagoras Capital Ltd
McCambridge Duffy
Bunzl UK Ltd
First Collect International Ltd
Stannah Lift Services Ltd
THX Ltd
Correco Ltd
Kawasaki Motors Europe
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP‘s Guildford-based debt recovery department runs out of the firm's commercial dispute resolution team, and handles contested, complex and international debt work for its commercial and financial clients. The department is headed up by experienced commercial litigator Jamie Cartwright, whose expertise includes debts arising out of issues relating to the supply of goods and services, as well as technology disputes. Katie Bewick advises clients from the retail, food, financial services and healthcare sectors on complex debt issues.
Practice head(s):
Jamie Cartwright
Other key lawyers:
Katie Bewick
Key clients
Eighty One UK Limited
Fiat Chrysler and Jeep
Jackson Lift Services Ltd
Work highlights
- Advising Fiat Chrysler for over 20 years on contested debt claims, including recent success in the county court with in-house representation advocacy and early-strike out application.
- Advising for Acushnet on its range of brands, such as Titleist, on supplier debt, including retention of title issues.
- Acting for an international drinks brand in contested debt claims under supply and sponsorship contracts.
Moore Barlow
Based in Southampton and Guildford, Moore Barlow‘s debt recovery department is praised for offering an ‘efficient and effective service’, and is experienced in recovering debts for clients from a range of industries, including construction companies, financial services clients, and IT service providers. Daniel Baker and Benjamin Millward lead the department’s commercial recoveries team, while Susannah Marsh and Sarah Watley lead the financial services recovery team. Baker is well versed in handling cases before various court levels, while Watley specialises in advising financial institutions on the recovery of secured and unsecured debts. Mark Osgood has since left the firm.
Practice head(s):
Benjamin Millward; Daniel Baker; Sarah Watley
Other key lawyers:
Ashley Moughtin; Susannah Marsh
Testimonials
‘An effective combination of approachability for clients, with professionalism and tenacity at debt recovery.’
‘Ben Millward is a pleasure to work with. He has a sensible and pragmatic approach to debt recovery.’
‘City experience without City prices. The team all have good knowledge and they provide an efficient and effective service.’
‘Ashley Moughtin is superb. He is personable and works hard to obtain good results for his clients. He fully understands the commercial realities for his clients and he uses these skills to provide a high level of service.’
Key clients
Hann Tucker Associates Limited
Cobweb Solutions Limited
Hamlyns Limited
Herz Valves UK Ltd
Future Build Recruitment Ltd
Macquarie Bank Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Cobweb Solutions Limited on the recovery of early termination charges in which a dispute was raised and which required advice on a complex tri-partite contractual relationship.
- Advising Future Build Recruitment Ltd on the recovery of unpaid introduction fees, often having to resort to service of a statutory demand to recover payment.
- Advising Assisting Macquarie Bank on the enforcement of asset finance agreements and/or personal guarantees attached to the same.
Boyes Turner
Praised by clients for ‘excellent expertise, advice, communication and professionalism’, Boyes Turner‘s debt recovery department in Reading works alongside the firm’s insolvency and dispute resolution teams to offer an all-round service. The department is led by ‘stand-out individual’ Donna Goddard, who is especially well versed in court proceedings, the enforcement of judgements and insolvency proceedings. Natalie Roff exclusively handles non-contested debt work, and Rachel Brown is recommended for defended debt recovery issues.
Practice head(s):
Donna Goddard
Other key lawyers:
Natalie Roff; Rachel Brown
Testimonials
‘In essence, its the people that make a business, and I have worked with the team a number of years. They are prompt, professional and very helpful when you have a query. They always have time to listen and provide options for you to consider, which I value a lot.’
‘When you are contacting both Donna Goddard and Natalie Roff you can be assured of a response. They listen, they offer the options that are available to you, you can depend on them.’
‘They listen to and understand our needs and then go on to fully satisfy those needs. Their expertise, advice, communication and professionalism are all excellent. And we can get to speak to them when we need to!’
‘Donna Goddard is a stand-out individual for me. She has an exceptional success rate for us.’
Key clients
The Credit Protection Association Plc
Blick Rothenberg Limited
Azets Holdings Ltd
ABS Europe Limited
Panalux / Panavision
Chaneys
Bytes Software Services Ltd
Leaders Romans Group of Companies
Stantec Limited
Feld Estates Limited
Remix Dry Mortar Ltd
Clubb Concrete Ltd and Clubb Sand & Gravel Ltd
Ridouts Professional Services Ltd
Quantuma LLP
Prodec Networks Ltd
Work highlights
- Advising members of The Credit Protection Association Plc, ranging from small claims to multi track, and cross-border cases.
Cripps
Recommended by clients for its ‘positive and exceptional service’, Cripps‘ debt recovery team in Horsham is led by legal manager Gina Hope, and is overseen by William Angas, who leads the wider commercial litigation department. Angas is especially experienced in advising clients from the factoring, invoice finance and asset-based lending arenas.
Practice head(s):
William Angas; Gina Hope
Testimonials
‘Gina Hope is unflappable in any situation, and it is good to know our cases are in the hands of such a capable team.’
‘They go to great lengths to ensure to provide a positive and exceptional service, where they deliver great client service on all levels that is consistent, time efficient and cost effective.’
‘Gina Hope deals with all our debtor litigation cases on a day-to-day basis. She goes above and beyond her role, giving valuable advice and delivering great service.’
‘Obviously, these folks are professional, so they know all the steps. More than that, though, they ooze experience and wisdom which means they know when to apply which measures and what the likely effects will be.’
‘Gina Hope is excellent. She is fastidious, proactive and just “on it”. She gets results.’
‘Prompt, accurate, impactful service from a friendly local business.’
‘Their knowledge of invoice finance is exceptional.’
‘We have worked with them for a few years now, they have always been very efficient and professional.’
Key clients
ABN AMRO Commercial Finance
eCapital Commercial Finance Limited
Pulse Cashflow Finance Limited
WeDo Invoice Finance Limited
EPerformance Limited
Bibby Financial Services
Ecoserv Group Limited
Innovation Finance Ltd t/a Muse Finance
Time Invoice Finance Limited
Enterprise Services Group Limited
Colbridge Engineering Limited
Work highlights
- Advised ABN AMRO Commercial Finance on recovering over £1.2m from debtors of a glazing company.
- Recovering full payment in excess of £28,000 from a defence activities company for Colbridge Engineering Ltd.
- Recovering in excess of £22,000 from a property maintenance company for Enterprise Services Group Limited.
Duncan Lewis Solicitors
Working for claimants and defendants, Duncan Lewis Solicitors' debt recovery team in Harrow has a notable specialism in advising Middle Eastern clients on claims and disputes. Exemplifying this in particular is co-head and ‘outstanding professional‘ Sobashni De Silva, who is sought out by many international clients and has key expertise in cross-border jurisdiction claims. Described by clients as ‘simply a class act’, fellow co-head Anthony Okumah is a key contact for a range of litigation matters.
Practice head(s):
Sobashni De Silva; Anthony Okumah
Other key lawyers:
Thomas Clark
Testimonials
‘They have been very helpful in making us understand the cost involved in direct debt recovery, and the difficulties it can bring.’
‘The team is brilliant. I feel that they have made a superior effort with regards to diversity. This is a part of their strength. They are able to view their clients from multiple points of view, and do their best work for them.’
‘The team has developed an efficient model of dealing with debt recovery. What sets it apart is its ability to work with individuals and small businesses who may not, at first, understand the legal angle of their dispute – and whom this team works very effectively with.’
‘Sobashni De Silva is the star of the team. She is not afraid to take brave decisions, but remains grounded at all times. A reassuring presence.’
‘Great value, highly efficient.’
‘Anthony Okumah is simply a class act.’
‘Thomas Clark has been very proactive, supportive and responsive to our queries.’
‘Thomas Clark is a star. He is honest and straightforward, with excellent communication skills. Sobashni De Silva is an outstanding professional. She oversees her team with great skill. They appear to have the utmost respect for her and great faith in her abilities.’
Key clients
SES Ltd
Byron Height Limited
Babel Green Limited
Rajan and Dev Developments Limited
New Health Supplies Limited
Salisbury Support 4 Autism Limited
Work highlights
- Enforcing a Libyan court judgment in the UK, involving a $2.2m debt from a breached partnership agreement with a foreign national living in the UK.
- Obtaining a worldwide freezing order for SES against a former business associate, involving an outstanding debt in excess of £5m.
- Represented a Nigerian property investment company with UK properties in halting possession proceedings and claim defence in regards to a £1.6m short-term loan agreement with a UK lender.
Pinney Talfourd LLP
With five offices in Essex and additional facilities in London and Leigh-on-Sea, the varied workload of Pinney Talfourd LLP‘s debt recovery team includes debt collection in the banking and finance, construction, credit control, insolvency and retail sectors. Brentwood-based team head Nick Hatchett is praised for his ability to ‘achieve business-oriented results’, and has been sought out by a number of European banks, such as Bank of Cyprus and Astro Bank.
Practice head(s):
Nick Hatchett
Testimonials
‘Nick Hatchett provides expert legal advice, whilst maintaining a friendly and professional level of service. He always maintains a deep understanding of all legal issues presented and has assisted with his advice on projects involving foreclosures, partnering with other legal disciplines from within the firm in order to achieve timely and concise legal advice, and business-oriented results.’
‘Our cooperation mainly is directed towards Nick Hatchett for various legal services relating to the sphere of recovery of non-performing bank portfolios. The firm however comprises of many branches working together offering a holistic experience of providing accurate and multidisciplinary legal advice on different areas of law relating to recoveries.’
‘Nick Hatchett is a knowledgeable and committed adviser, always available to assist and handle cases, achieving our legal goals in the most effective way. He has established himself as one trusted overseas collaborator, to whom we reach every time when we need legal assistance abroad and most specifically the UK.’
Key clients
Atlas Global Logistics Limited
AstroBank Public Co Ltd
Bank of Cyprus
Fairclough Building Ltd
FRP Advisory
Haines Watts
Mark Riley & Co
Quantuma Advisory
Work highlights
- Advised a Cypriot bank regarding the enforcement of judgment debts obtained through the Cypriot courts in England & Wales.
- Advised Fairclough Building Ltd on a claim made against it for a debt by Cadent Gas, and successfully having the claim discontinued by the claimant.
Trethowans LLP
Led by Elizabeth Ryall, Trethowans LLP‘s commercial recoveries team in Southampton is ‘a force to be reckoned with’, and has strength in acting for commercial telecoms providers; it also regularly deals with residential repossession claims. ‘Stand-out individual’ Ryall has over 18 years’ experience in debt recovery, and is recognised for her expertise in consumer credit-based debt claims, residential repossession claims, debt purchase claims, and business-to-business recovery issues. Mark Osgood joined the group from Moore Barlow, contributing his vast expertise in insolvency litigation.
Practice head(s):
Elizabeth Ryall
Other key lawyers:
Mark Osgood
Testimonials
‘We have 100% success rate since using Trethowans! This alone is a green light for anyone looking for a practice. However, if this is coupled with their many other strengths it shows they are a force to be reckoned with. The ongoing support and training they provide is invaluable to the members of my team, and therefore, our business and customers benefit from their increased knowledge.’
‘I would like to mention Elizabeth Ryall specifically. She is a breath of fresh air to talk to and deal with. She is overall very helpful and a pleasure to work with and I feel is an asset to the firm.’
‘They can help shape collection strategies that are targeted and shaped around maximising recoveries, and avoiding unnecessary expenses.’
‘Elizabeth Ryall is a stand-out individual. She brings years of experience and is extremely responsive.’
Key clients
4Com Customer Services Ltd
4Com Network Services Ltd
Chrome Telecom Limited
Babble Cloud Limited
Midshire Business Systems Communications Limited
Hii Communications Limited
West 28th Street Limited
Berry Telecoms Limited
James Hay Pension Trustees Limited
Towergate Underwriting Group Ltd
Hendriks Incasso
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust
Bolton NHS Foundation Trust
Aintree University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
RSM Restructuring Advisory LLP
Campfire Equipment Rentals Limited
Trustees of Cobalt Data Centre Development Syndicate
Work highlights
- Acted for 4Com Network Services and 4Com Customer Services on managing an assignment project of a significant value within a tight time frame.
- Advising a client on a claim for damages amounting to £1m, including drafting an application to strike out, instructing counsel and communicating with the opponent. The claim was successfully struck out and the client awarded the costs of the claim.
- Acted for Chrome Telecom in a small claims matter, ensuring a successful settlement was achieved prior to the hearing date resulting in full payment and a costs payment for the client.