Aberdein Considine's debt recovery offering combines its lender services and commercial debt recovery subgroups enabling the practice to handle work for banks and financial services organisations - which is a particular area of focus for the group - and for Scottish SMEs. As well as covering a broad spectrum, which, in the lender space, focuses on mortgage and asset-based lending recoveries, and spans secured and unsecured debt recovery in the commercial debt space, clients also benefit from the firm's extensive presence with offices in Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh. This is complemented with in-depth banking and financial litigation capabilities. Myra Scott heads up the lender services practice and Ross Webb the commercial debt recovery team.
Debt recovery in Scotland
Aberdein Considine
Practice head(s):
Myra Scott; Ross Webb
Other key lawyers:
Joseph Bowie; Thomas Lillie; Laura Browne
Testimonials
‘Joe Bowie is a key contact and ensures that the services provided are always first class and both customer and client-focused.’
‘Really strong from a technical perspective, there seems to be no scenario that they are unable to suggest a solution/ course of action for. The team is extremely helpful and is prompt to respond to queries.’
‘Thomas Lillie has been extremely helpful on a number of occasions. Thomas has assisted with queries, suggested solutions to issues and taken a real collaborative approach to working. He has been an absolute pleasure to work with and is always available at the end of a phone to discuss thoughts/concerns.’
‘Aberdein Considine has a vast span of knowledge and an excellent understanding of their client’s requirements, processes and appetite for risk. This is demonstrated and evidenced in their support and guidance offered, clearly setting out appropriate options to resolve.’
‘Myra Scott is so approachable and happy to help; nothing is too much trouble. She will highlight any areas for concern, carrying out further analysis to get to the bottom of issues and will work together with us to ensure our customer journey is as smooth as possible at what is a very difficult time for them.’
‘Aberdein Considine is a firm that listens to its clients’ needs in my experience from working with them. They are honest enough if they ever make a mistake, are readily contactable, and have their clients’ interests at heart.’
‘Ross Webb is proactive and commercial in driving cases forward.’
‘Laura Browne has outstanding knowledge and experience in the field of mortgage repossession. She is organised and very capable; a pleasure to work with.’
Key clients
Lloyds Banking Group
Royal Bank of Scotland
The Co-Operative Bank plc
Santander UK plc
Nationwide Building Society
Clydesdale Bank plc trading as Virgin Money
Skipton Building Society
TSB Bank plc
The Mortgage Lender
Work highlights
- Advising Lloyds Banking Group, Santander UK plc, Virgin Money / Clydesdale Bank plc and Co-Operative Bank plc on their strategies for handling consumer debt and recovery action following the commencement of the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Acting for the UK’s largest mortgage lenders in a significant number of debt and asset recovery actions (in excess of 3,000 per year), specialising in secured and consumer-regulated debt.
- Retained by Hardies Property Consultants to provide advice on a range of contentious commercial debt recovery matters, including a claim against a former development company client in respect of payments that were withheld following a professional negligence action.
Brodies LLP
Brodies LLP's team is jointly led by litigators Iain Rutherford, Stephen Goldie and managing associate Marianne Griffin, illustrating the practice's expertise in debt recovery litigation. Its volume debt recovery offering with particular expertise in the consumer credit and motor finance sectors attracts a broad client base including utility companies, financial institutions, debt purchasers, motor finance companies and a growing number of motor retailers. Consultant Frank Johnstone is anther key contact of the team and is noted for his expertise in consumer credit alongside volume debt and asset recovery in the credit, utility, motor finance and debt purchase sectors.
Practice head(s):
Iain Rutherford; Stephen Goldie; Marianne Griffin
Other key lawyers:
Frank Johnstone
Testimonials
‘Brodies have demonstrated a real underlying understanding of the debt recovery sector and have a culture that lends itself to excel in this space. The treatment of customers is appropriate and fair whilst maintaining excellent performance levels.‘
‘Brodies’ team are knowledgeable, responsive and thorough debt collectors. They are a professional, reliable and courteous team. Happy to help with any complex requests. We can rely on their experience and industry knowledge to provide cost effective up to date advice and opinions.‘
‘A knowledgeable and courteous team, always willing to go that extra mile. They consistently provide a high level of service to our customers to ensure debtors are treated fairly while maintaining a focus on payment.’
‘Frank Johnstone has worked with us for many years, and is a valued and trusted partner. He is always available for carefully considered advice, and proactively contacts us where there are changes to ensure we can make fully informed decisions. He always puts his clients’ needs first and is a real pleasure to work with.’
‘The Brodies team are highly knowledgeable and always willing and available to share that knowledge. Nothing is too much trouble for them.‘
‘The connectivity between the departments is first class, with everyone aware of not only the major issues but many of the smaller issues as well. Gives a real sense of partnership with the practice as a whole.’
‘The team are approachable, helpful and always on hand to assist with queries. They always do their best for the client.’
‘Very good at keeping on top of their work, keeping us informed of any issues.’
Key clients
Scottish Water Business Stream Limited t/a Business Stream
PRA Group (UK) Ltd
Toyota Financial Services (UK) Plc
FCA Automotive Services UK Limited
Merligen investments Limited
MotoNovo Finance
Work highlights
- Worked with Scottish Water Business Stream Limited in relation to The Water Industry for Scotland (WICS) support announced for non-household customers in the form of a detailed wholesale charge deferral scheme in light of Covid-19.
- Working with Merligen Investments Limited on a bespoke portfolio management strategy for volume collections, litigation and enforcement.
- Advising various FCA-regulated clients on the various temporary guidance measures issued by the FCA to support consumer credit clients impacted by Covid-19 and the impact on their operations.
Morton Fraser
Morton Fraser introduced a new success fee arrangement in 2020 where clients only pay a fee - an agreed percentage of any monies recovered - when a recovery is made. This is mostly taken up by FCA-regulated and other lender clients, but the team's client roster also includes self-invested personal pension (SIPP) providers, SMEs and private individuals. Being able to call on colleagues from the firm's commercial property team, the practice is well placed to assist with rental arrears and other outstanding property-related payments, while other regular work pertains to consumer finance alongside asset and invoice finance. Its niche in fraud-related matters and the recovery of confiscated assets complements this offering. Director Bill Stark heads the practice and has particular expertise in advising lenders on how to deal with vulnerable debtors.
Practice head(s):
Bill Stark
Other key lawyers:
Maggie Moodie; Nicola Ross
Testimonials
‘Work was carried out efficiently and effectively.’
‘They get tasks done, without any issues.’
Key clients
Bibby Group of Factors
Kinder Interiors Limited
Glasgow Credit Union
John G Russell (Transport) Limited
Investec
Moorgarth Property Investments Limited
Asset Alliance Leasing Ltd
Lloyds Bank Commercial Finance
Central Demolition Ltd
Marsh Finance Ltd
Work highlights
- Acting for John G Russell (Transport) Ltd in the defence of a claim raised by an employment agency claiming payment of a transfer fee following termination of a contract for the provision of temporary workers.
- Acting for Curtis Banks/ Suffolk Life in the recovery of sums due under commercial leases.
- Acting for Bibby Factors in the pursuit of payment due under an assigned invoice. The case went to proof (trial) and was decided in favour of the client with full payment, plus costs, being recovered by the client.
Shoosmiths
Shoosmiths‘ sizeable debt recovery team is recognised by clients and peers alike for its extensive service offering covering all debt types such as asset finance, mortgage shortfall, insolvency recoveries and invoice finance alongside consumer, commercial and corporate secured and unsecured lending. This far-reaching specialism makes the practice an attractive partner for banks and other lenders, debt purchasers and corporates, while private clients are also part of its roster. With a team including three solicitor advocates, including team head Andrew Foyle, who predominately acts for financial institutions, it is also well versed in carrying out its own advocacy.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘An excellent proactive firm offering a first-class service and advice.’
‘Shoosmiths provides an end-to-end service across all UK jurisdictions which is a key capability for us. The service offered is of high quality.’
‘The team at Shoosmiths is very knowledgeable, approachable and is willing to assist and provide guidance & training. This has been particularly useful during Covid and preparations for restart.’
‘Andrew Foyle and Stuart Clubb provide a first-class legal and commercial service to clients.’
‘Andrew Foyle has a considered commercially sensitive approach to litigation and as a solicitor advocate can provide first-hand knowledge and experience of every element of the process.’
‘Instructions are actioned immediately and by the individual best suited to the level of instruction given. Matters are moved forward in a timely and proactive manner and one does not need to chase progress.’
‘They understand debt recovery and the balance between pressing forward against costs consideration. Debt recovery is not seen as a “poor relation” and gets dealt with in a reassuring manner. This is right across the department irrespective of individual which builds confidence in the team as opposed to individuals. If an individual is away the team deals with you with knowledge of your issues.’
‘Andrew Foyle is a seasoned veteran of contested debt recovery cases and an excellent banking lawyer.’
Key clients
Aldermore Bank plc
Aggregate Industries
Alex M Adamson
Arrow Global Group
Bibby Financial Services Group
Breedon Aggregates
Cabot Credit Management
Calor Gas Limited
Close Brothers Asset Finance
Close Brothers Invoice Finance
Close Brothers Motor Finance
Creation Consumer Finance /BNP Paribas
Darcey Quigley & Co.
Davenham Asset Finance
DM Hall LLP
First Response Finance
Fishers Services Limited
Grafton Merchanting GB Ltd
Hays Specialist Recruitment
Hillhouse Quarry Group
Honda Finance Europe Ltd
HSBC Bank plc
Iwoca Limited
Leaseplan UK Ltd
Leeds Building Society
MKM Building Supplies
Opus Energy
Peel Land & Property
PPL PRS Limited
Premium Credit Limited
Royal Bank of Scotland plc
Santander UK plc
Scottish & Southern Energy / OVO Energy
Screwfix
Secure Trust Bank
Speedyhire plc
Tarmac Group
The Land Trust
Vauxhall Finance
Wella UK / Coty
Work highlights
- Acting for a high street bank in a cross-border matter where its customer (domiciled in Ireland) obtained lending over a number of commercial properties in Scotland, secured by securities over the properties.
- Acting for a high street bank in relation to the recovery of a debt which arose by reason of a shortfall following the repossession and sale of the debtor’s home.
- Acting for an utility company in raising a claim against a couple in relation to unpaid electricity in a significant amount.
DWF
DWF's UK-wide debt recovery offering is regularly taken up by finance sector players in particular, but also by clients from the utility and real estate sectors. Alongside its capabilities handling volume instructions covering various types of debt such as (motor) finance, utility and property finance, clients also benefit from the firm's dispute resolution offering, most notably from its capabilities in finance litigation. 'Dedicated, hardworking and knowledgeable' debt recovery and finance expert Ricky Cannon heads the team.
Practice head(s):
Ricky Cannon
Other key lawyers:
Naomi Pryde
Testimonials
‘DWF are always thinking about their client’s point of view. We have found them reactive, creative and diligent on all matters of our work. We couldn’t speak more highly of them.’
‘They have a great portal with easy access to all case information and documents. Back-up resource for English legal work has also been made available to us should it be required due to Covid. The people are all a pleasure to work with.’
‘No one is as knowledgeable or as passionate as Ricky Cannon.’
‘The DWF debt recovery team is truly fantastic and assists us with all of our needs and requirements. Their knowledge and drive to succeed is to be both welcomed and valued.’
‘Ricky Cannon is dedicated, hardworking and knowledgeable.’
‘Always readily available and aware of latest position on cases of significant interest.’
‘The DWF team has a can-do attitude and innovative approach to debt recovery. They are proactive in suggesting solutions, highlighting the best commercial outcome coupled with risk factors. They are responsive, always putting their clients’ needs first and will go that extra mile, whether that be in producing bespoke reports at haste or to assist with understanding complex points of law.’
Key clients
Scottish Water Business Stream
Santander Consumer Finance
Barclays Partner Finance
Moneybarn
Intrum
Startline Motor Finance
Hyundai Capital UK Ltd
Specialist Motor Finance Limited
Shawbrook Bank Limited
NextGear Capital UK Limited
Aldermore Bank Plc
Arkle Finance Limited
PSA Finance UK Ltd
Sun Belt Rentals
The Royal Bank of Scotland
Park’s Motor Group
Work highlights
- Providing recovery support to Santander Consumer (UK) Plc, including pre-legal collection management, litigation, enforcement management and post-legal collection management services.
- Providing Startline Motor Finance with national recovery services, which includes the management of a multi-million pound debt portfolio in Scotland.
- Provides Sunbelt Rentals with volume debt recovery support in Scotland.
Gilson Gray
Working in close cooperation with various other teams such as its colleagues from the real estate practice, Gilson Gray is able to assist corporates, banks, accountants and insolvency practitioners with rent arrears, business to business debt and insolvency-related recoveries alongside associated litigation. Team head David Alexander is the main contact for both debt recovery and commercial litigation.
Practice head(s):
David Alexander
Testimonials
‘As an entrepreneurial business, we need a legal partner to complement our sometimes frenetic pace. We found quickly that the team at Gilson Gray is equipped to do just that. I would highly recommend.’
‘I have worked with David Alexander. His approach to contingency fees is open and transparent. David is willing to be open about recovery prospects which is essential for planning. He is unflappable and reliable.’
‘We have found them to be responsive and effective.’
‘Gilson Gray and particularly their head of debt recovery, David Alexander, are without question our go-to agents. Always a swift response to the initial instruction, work progresses at pace and they are willing to take a commercial view on fees to the benefit of both parties.’
‘David Alexander: Immediate response and progression of work. Always good to know, for peace of mind, we are in safe hands.’
‘Forward-thinking practice who use up-to-date technology to deliver an efficient, cost-effective service to their clients.’
‘David Alexander is a commercial, results driven debt recovery solicitor who is focused on ensuring a favourable outcome for his clients. ’
‘We have been working with Gilson Gray for a few years now with our debt collection and other legal matters. They provide the personal touch and are always keen to help and are understanding of any issues we have with our clients.’
Key clients
MGM Timer (Scotland) LTD
YESSS Electrical
BDO LLP
RSM Restructuring Advisory LLP
91BC Property Management LTD
Blaser Mills LLP
Shawbrook Bank LTD
Credit Resource Solutions LTD
Mitie Technical Facilities Management LTD
Global Voices LTD
Work highlights
- Acting for Shawbrook Bank Ltd with regards to the enforcement of numerous personal guarantees granted in its favour by company directors across Scotland.
- Advising Global Voices Ltd on its growing international debt recovery needs including significant pre-litigation work, litigation and contractual advice regarding its terms and conditions of business.
- Acting as sole Scottish agent for Credit Resource Solutions Ltd with regards to its high volume debt recovery needs.
Harper Macleod LLP
With six offices across Scotland, Harper Macleod LLP has an extensive national reach, an attractive asset for both private and public sector clients, with the latter constituting a particular focus for the team and including a large number of registered social landlords (RSLs). This housing and property sector expertise leads to regular instructions on actions for payment and recovery of possession alongside actions for rent arrears, rechargeable repairs and factoring arrears. In the private sector, clients include energy companies and SMEs. Following Dawn McKenzie's retirement in November 2020, Andrew Hunter, who handles both secured and unsecured debt recoveries, took over the lead.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Hunter
Testimonials
‘From the commencement of the relationship with Harper Macleod it has been a smooth and transparent process. The quality of the work and feedback we have received has been exactly what was sold to us. From partner to associate level we have been kept informed and where necessary provided with advice and guidance on areas where our knowledge would have not been sufficient to make an informed decision. The billing process is clear and accurate and on the rare instance where a query has arisen this has been addressed and resolved without hesitation.’
‘The Harper Macleod debt recovery team is not only extremely efficient and friendly, but they are industry experts too. I work with the team on a regular basis, which consists of partners, associates, trainees and paralegals, and I have absolutely no complaints about the experience I have received so far. Each member of the team shows their individual strengths when communicating with us, and when combined, make a great team, who can work together with a common aim.’
‘The individuals that I communicate with are very self-aware and understand the impact that their advice can have on our business. The industry I work in is very complex and perhaps unknown, and we appreciate that each individual strives to ensure that they have a full knowledge of that industry to provide us with the best advice possible.’
‘The team is very helpful and knowledgeable. They take myself and the credit manager though all the legislation and the various options for each customer and keep us up-to-date. They also take into account all the various costs that may be incurred along the way.’
‘I have regular contact with different people in Harper Macleod and the excellent quality of response is consistent across different solicitors, different issues and different specialisms.’
‘They understand our ethos and values.’
‘They provide a very professional service at excellent rates and are always available to discuss any matters and have always given very sound advice on matters. They are very engaging and communication from their team is very proactive and timeous.’
‘We benefit from the strength in depth that Harper Macleod offers and I know that we generally engage the whole firm, rather than individuals, which is comforting.’
Key clients
Link Group Limited
Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association
Scottish Borders Housing Association
Accountant in Bankruptcy
Matthew Clark Wholesale Limited
John W Grant & Sons
Stirling Park LLP
Cairn Housing Association Limited
West of Scotland Housing Association
Irvine Housing Association
Williamsburgh Housing Association
Richmond Plumbing and Heating Merchants Limited
Cadder Housing Association Limited
Partick Works Limited
Complete Storage & Interiors limited
Caledonia Housing Association
Work highlights
- Successfully obtained decree for payment, with interest and expenses for Beattie Communications LTD despite significant procedural challenges brought about by defenders approach throughout the case.
- Instructed by Studio Legale Vicini of Bologna to assist with the registration of an Italian judgment for enforcement in Scotland, which has led to the client recovering a six figure sum, payable by instalments.
- Instructed by Accountant in Bankruptcy (AIB) to raise an action for the recovery of a motor vehicle with a value of around £8,000 together with crave for interim delivery of the said vehicle.
MacRoberts LLP
MacRoberts LLP is well versed in volume debt recoveries with a continued focus on the property management, financial services, construction and the food and drink industries. Acting for a number of private care park owners and operators, the group is also known for its specialism in parking debt. The practice is jointly led by commercial litigator Leon Breakey - who is also a director at Yuill & Kyle, a debt recovery and credit control firm wholly owned by the firm - and Yuill & Kyle managing director Stephen Cowan, whose debt recovery expertise includes insolvency issues.
Practice head(s):
Leon Breakey; Stephen Cowan
Testimonials
‘Excellent debt recovery support team. Process is robust and followed diligently.’
‘MacRoberts has an effective management team who exhibits a strong sense of purpose, application and commitment in their client relationships.’
‘They seem to communicate well with each other internally, sharing common goals, values and objectives. They are highly skilled and experienced in debt recovery work while offering value for money.’
‘It is apparent their abilities instil confidence and provide reassurance for their clients. Decision-making and judgement is guided by an underlying strength of commercialism and practicality, derived from their many years of operating in the marketplace. Their pragmatic insight and approach differentiates their offering.’
‘Stephen Cowan stands out for me. He is often regarded as the first choice for many seeking debt recovery advice. He is professional, principled and highly practical in his dealings. His team has been in the industry for many years and Stephen’s leadership brings a strong ethical and commercial culture, spanning all sectors of commercial activity.’
Key clients
Cemex UK Operations Limited
Speirs Gumley Property Management Limited
Flogas Britain Limited
Together Energy Limited
Pointer Limited
Sealeco Limited
John Brown Caterhire Limited
Alliance Electrical Services Ltd
Town and Country Legal Services LLP
Work highlights
- Designed a debt recovery process and procedures for Alliance Electrical Services Ltd to carry out the recovery of sums due to the company.
- Instituted court proceedings for Town and Country Legal Services LLP to recover debt.
TLT
Supported by the firm's banking and financial service and commercial litigation teams, TLT's debt recovery group has a strong profile acting for national and international banks but also assists public sector bodies, large corporates and SMEs with secured and unsecured recoveries alongside associated litigation. Solicitor advocates John Paul Sheridan and Tom McEntegart jointly head the practice; both have a specialism in banking and commercial litigation, while Sheridan also handles property-related disputes.
Practice head(s):
John Paul Sheridan; Tom McEntegart
Other key lawyers:
Alan Munro; Tony Reynolds
Testimonials
‘The team is on the ball and communication is good.’
‘They respond in a timely manner.’
‘UK coverage and extensive knowledge of legislative differences between Scotland and England.’
‘Regular reviews and attentiveness.’
‘Highly professional, quick response times, provides guidance on strategy/ next steps.’
‘Highly knowledgeable in their field, very responsive. Efficient and professional throughout. Build strong relationships.’
Key clients
City Fibre Limited
Punch Taverns (PPCF) Limited
BT plc
Inverclyde Council
Surburban Taverns Limited
Northbay Pelagic Limited
Bank of Ireland
Bertram Nursery
Trackunit Limited
Punch Partnerships (PML) Limited
MXM Property Solutions Limited
Work highlights
- Continues to represent Northbay Pelagic Limited in a claim raised against the client for the recovery of money relative to the refurbishment of a fish processing facility in Peterhead.
- Acted for Inverclyde Council in a court action for the recovery of money against proprietors for work carried out by the local authority under an abatement notice.
Addleshaw Goddard
Addleshaw Goddard's debt recovery practice is part of its wider finance litigation offering, which translates into particular expertise at this intersection and, subsequently, to regular instructions from financial institutions, while public and property sector players alongside utilities and SMEs also instruct the team. Simon Catto, whose commercial litigation expertise includes insolvency-related matters, heads the practice.
Practice head(s):
Simon Catto
Other key lawyers:
Joan Devine; Alan Sinclair; Lynsey Walker
Testimonials
‘The individuals that I communicate with at Addleshaw Goddard are exceptional. They are not only experts within the legal industry generally, but also experts in the niche areas of law which we deal with on a regular basis.’
‘The team is open, honest and trustworthy. They are hard-working and determined to obtain the best result possible for us. In doing so, the team provides us with sound advice, always steering us in the direction which is best for the business, and achieves what we set out to achieve.‘
‘The team always understands and appreciates the objective we have when dealing with matters of dispute, and are sure to bear that objective in mind throughout communications with any third party.’
‘We have used Addleshaw Goddard for a number of years and the advice and service that we receive from them is always top class. They are very easy to deal with.’
‘Addleshaw Goddard is a very professional firm to deal with. They are transparent and always communicate with clients. This is a huge contrast to other firms we have dealt with in the past. The staff are fantastic to deal with.’
‘The team’s strength is its knowledge of the subjects that it deals with and that they treat each debt individually rather than as a route to earning fees.’
Key clients
Promontoria (Henrico) Limited
Clydesdale Bank plc / Virgin Money plc
Castle Water Limited
Natwest/Royal Bank of Scotland plc
Park Property Management
Duff & Phelps
Paragon Housing Association
Close Invoice Finance Limited
Armada Asset Finance
Aberdeen City Council
Assetz SME Capital Limited
RBS Invoice Finance Limited
Ayrshire Housing
Siemens Financial Services Limited
Scottish Woodlands Limited
Western Commercials
Grampian Housing Association Ltd
Promontoria (Chestnut) Limited
Link Housing Group
FRP Advisory LLP
Aldermore Bank plc
Linstone Housing Association Ltd
Carden Place
Link Factoring
Miller Property Management
Abertay Housing Association
Scottish Police Credit Union
Tail O’The Bank Credit Union
Kelvinside Academy
Craigholme School
Ethigen Pharmaceutical
Work highlights
- Receives regular instructions from Armada Asset Finance in relation to recovering shortfalls left outstanding on asset finance agreements, following redemption of security, and also in relation to recoveries under personal guarantees.
- Acted for Cerberus (Promontoria (Chestnut) Limited) in a claim for payment under banking facilities granted by Clydesdale Bank Plc.
Anderson Strathern
Anderson Strathern’s debt recovery team is adept at public sector work alongside handling high-volume instructions for property factors but also acts for banking institutions and SMEs. Its property sector specialism is not least based on Fiona Stephen's expertise in this space. She heads up the real estate property litigation team and is the key contact for debt recoveries together with litigator Fraser Geddes.
Practice head(s):
Fiona Stephen; Fraser Geddes
Other key lawyers:
Gillian Jamieson
Testimonials
‘We have been extremely happy with the all services provided by any member of the team, partner or otherwise.’
‘Very approachable and knowledgeable.’
‘Provides very detailed court reports and accurate advice.’
‘One of the best things we have found using Anderson Strathern over the past couple of years is their communication of any claims they are dealing with. Feel that we are kept in the loop at every stage of the process, giving comfort that our claims are progressing as expected. They have been successful in 100% of the cases we have sent to them.‘
‘Gillian Jamieson has been instrumental in settling some significant sums, and has also assisted with the production of letters we can use in the initial stages of a claim being processed.‘
Key clients
Style Scotland Limited
Stirling Park
Property Management Company (Aberdeen) Limited
Brandon Hire Limited
Hacking & Paterson Management Services
Firstport Property Services Scotland Ltd
Ross & Liddell Ltd
Lancefield Quay Riverside Limited
Residential Management Group Scotland Limited
Work highlights
- Appointed as the sole provider for debt recovery services by the City of Edinburgh Council. Work on the contract began in January 2020 and consists of four streams of work: maintaining the council’s inhibition database; obtaining decree for non-payment of council tax and sundry debt; sequestrations and heritable court actions.
- Acts for Hacking & Paterson Management Services in respect of unpaid fees for factoring services rendered.
- Acting for Stirling Park in a wide range of debt recovery matters in the event that its pre-legal attempts are not fruitful.
BTO Solicitors LLP
BTO Solicitors LLP is well placed to handle volume recoveries spanning secured and unsecured debt which leads to regular instructions from SMEs, financial institutions, credit insurers, property managers and private individuals. Clients also benefit from the team's expertise in handling insolvency and fraud-related matters. Litigator Grant Hunter heads the team, which now also includes litigator Stephen Humphreys, who joined as consultant from Shepherd and Wedderburn in November 2020.
Practice head(s):
Grant Hunter
Other key lawyers:
Will Cole; David Young; Stephen Humphreys
Testimonials
‘A very responsive firm which provides a first-class service’
‘Their work ethic and approach is excellent and second to none. We have found them really easy to work with.’
‘We have used BTO Solicitors amongst other solicitors for several years. Their team is extremely knowledgeable and can always point us and our clients in the correct direction. One of their core strengths is their friendly and can-do approach. They always outline the pros and cons of dealing with a complex case for us so we know exactly what is required.’
‘Experienced fee earners with extensive knowledge of consumer and commercial debt recovery supported by approachable and highly competent team of paralegals.’
‘Gant Hunter in particular provides expansive knowledge and reassurance in more complex arrears.’
Key clients
American Express Services (Europe) Limited
Coface UK Limited
Lloyds Banking Group
Barchester Care Homes Limited
Greenbelt Group
Scottish Football Association
First Bus Group
Robert Jones Glasgow Limited
Stena Line Ports Limited
James Gibb Property Management Limited
Scott and Co
United Wholesale (Scotland) Limited
Debt Collect UK Limited
Work highlights
- Sole legal advisers to James Gibb Property Management Ltd, who manage over 45,000 properties all over Scotland.
- Advising the beneficial owners of shares in Caley Fisheries on an action to recover the shortfall between the price received for shares in a fisheries company and the true value at the time of the sale.
- Advising Bellhill Limited on the defence of commercial proceedings brought by a company against the client seeking payment of substantial sums said to have arisen in respect of property management and facilities services to a hotel.
Shepherd and Wedderburn
Shepherd and Wedderburn has recently been increasingly active for property investment companies and fund managers requiring assistance with the recovery of debt from various Scottish property portfolios. Its strength in property sector work also leads to regular instructions from social and commercial landlords alongside managing agents, who instruct the team with payment actions for rent, service charges, factoring charges and dilapidations. Handling work for financial sector clients constitutes another key area of expertise, while corporates, public sector bodies and individuals are also part of the team's client portfolio. Commercial litigator Elaine Brailsford heads the team.
Practice head(s):
Elaine Brailsford
Other key lawyers:
Gillian Carty
Testimonials
‘The team is very professional and extremely helpful.’
‘The individuals are always very helpful and happy to assist with our requests.’
‘They are extremely efficient and responsive but also proactive in suggesting alternative approaches to resolving disputes. They have a good understanding of the client’s requirements.’
‘We have had Shepherd and Wedderburn’s help for many years now and we could not be happier. Every person you speak to is incredibly helpful and friendly, with nothing being too much trouble.’
‘The team is honest with us and will happily take the time to talk through any issues we may have with cases. If we just need a small bit of advice, they will happily guide us on the phone or email as much as they possibly can.’
‘Invoicing is clear and the system they use works very well. The team has a huge wealth of knowledge and will always be honest and say they need to escalate up the chain if they are not 100% confident with the information we are asking for, giving us the confidence that we are in the best hands.’
Key clients
Ernst and Young (EY)
KPMG (UK and Ireland)
FRP Advisory
Deloitte
PwC
UKAR UK Asset Resolution Ltd – covering NRAM Limited and Mortgage Express
Close Brothers Ltd
Mole Valley Farmers Limited
Mole Valley Feed Solutions Limited
Macdonald Resorts Ltd
Paragon Mortgages Ltd
Edinburgh Alternative Finance Ltd, trading as LendingCrowd
Amey
Work highlights
- Acting for Macdonald Resorts Limited in bulk debt collection of management charges where the debt is hotly contested by members who have joined action groups and have instructed claims companies to act for them.
- Providing cross-jurisdictional debt recovery services for Mole Valley, who specialises in providing goods and services to the agricultural industry.