The large commercial recoveries team at Blake Morgan LLP, based on the south coast, combines deep sector expertise with the ability to ‘respond to growing areas of dispute by scaling quickly and identifying novel issues.’ Generally, the vehicle finance arena is where the group excels, an area of expertise for practice head Sadak Miah. In relation to more complex debt litigation, the team has notable strength in the asset finance sphere, and complex litigation is an important part of Hannah Smith-Herne‘s workload. Legal director Louise Kitchen has joined from Shoosmiths LLP and Elizabeth Ryall departed to Trethowans LLP.
Debt recovery in South East
Blake Morgan LLP
Practice head(s):
Sadak Miah
Other key lawyers:
Louise Kitchen, Hannah Smith-Herne; Jane Lewis
Testimonials
‘They have been very agile and collaborative in the way that they have integrated with our requirements. Their use of technology, particular around data, MI and process flexibility, made them stand out.’
‘They are incredibly proactive and keen to share potential pitfalls and areas of concern across the industry. The processes they have set up are lean and efficient, and you can trust absolutely in their recommendations.’
‘All the individuals we deal with at Blake Morgan have been highly impressive. Sadak Miah in particular is always willing to make the extra effort, especially when it comes to discussing industry issues. He always puts the relationship first, and that is refreshing. Jane Lewis is also wonderful to deal with in much the same way.’
‘Blake Morgan runs a very smooth debt recovery operation that is able to process bulk debt recovery litigation well. Moreover, the firm is able to respond to growing areas of dispute by scaling quickly and had the expertise to identify novel issues and respond appropriately to more complex debt litigation (especially in the sphere of asset finance work).’
‘Hannah Smith-Herne covers a wide portfolio and has a large workload whilst always staying on top of the minutiae of a case and providing essential and timely support to me in my role.’
‘Sadak Miah’s knowledge, attention to detail, commitment to providing excellent quality service, client care skills, and level of engagement are second to none. He’s an exemplary leader, not only for Blake Morgan LLP, but the industry as a whole.’
Key clients
Mercedes Benz Financial Services UK Limited
Toyota Financial Services Plc
Fiat Chrysler Automotive
Work highlights
- Acting in debt, litigation and regulatory matters in the motor finance sector.
- Acting for debt purchase companies in debt recovery, litigation and a number of major projects including global substitution orders.
- Advising insurance companies and their policyholders on landlord and tenant matters.
Brachers
Brachers’ collections and recoveries team is adept at the full range of debt recovery work, and have developed specialist expertise in the financial services sector. Michael Oatham, who specialises in complex, high-value commercial, chancery and insolvency cases, co-leads the team with Rob Thompson and Graham Wallis; Thompson is head of performance within the team and Wallis has significant insolvency expertise and is director and head of operations. More widely, the group collaborates with the bereavement team, which assists with obtaining final payments and closing both active and delinquent accounts.
Practice head(s):
Michael Oatham; Rob Thompson; Graham Wallis
Other key lawyers:
Nicky Alabaster
DMH Stallard LLP
In addition to standard commercial debt recovery work, the team at DMH Stallard LLP also assists with leasehold recovery mandates; this work was handled by a formerly separate team which has now been integrated into the debt recovery team. Simon Elcock leads the department alongside Oliver Jackson, who joined the firm in January 2022. The group receives mandates from domestic and international clients in a range of sectors; examples include Natwest Group, BDO, MSR Partners and the state bank of Luxembourg. Kelly Mills departed to Coole Bevis LLP in January 2022.
Practice head(s):
Oliver Jackson; Simon Elcock
Other key lawyers:
Gemma Clark
Testimonials
‘Friendly and personal service.’
‘Advice is based on the best possible results for our company.’
Key clients
Adelle Firestone
Allard Bailey Family Law
Bailey Total Building Envelope
Banque et Caisse D’epargne De L’Etat Luxembourg
BDO LLP
CAE (UK) Plc
Folkes Architectes
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
Leica Camera UK
POP Retail Limited
Rossetts (UK) Limited
RSM UK
STA International Ltd
Work highlights
- Assisting joint administrators with book debt collections.
- Undertaking debt recovery in respect of a company’s own unpaid professional service fees.
- Acting as sole provider for debt recovery services in respect of a company’s unpaid invoices for debtors based in England and Wales.
Judge & Priestley LLP
Judge & Priestley LLP fields a ‘strong team across the board‘ in Bromley and utilises new technology to ‘allow for a smart and cost-effective debt recovery service’. The department is divided into two teams, one specialising in commercial and local authority recoveries and the other in insurance recoveries. With a ‘strategic mind,’ Rachel Addai specialises in recovering debts for local authorities, and Uday Patel is a ‘go-to’ commercial litigator, who like Addai has significant strength in insolvency litigation. Patel was also promoted to equity partner in 2021.
Practice head(s):
Rachel Addai; Uday Patel
Other key lawyers:
Mark Oakley
Testimonials
‘Strong team across the board.’
‘Rachel Addai is our ‘go-to’ partner, always available, fantastic attention to detail and a strategic mind that can see around corners.’
‘Their technology allows for a smart and cost effective debt recovery service.’
‘They have taken the time to understand our business process and have developed their service around what we need.’
‘Pleasant to work with, responsive and knowledgeable.’
‘I deal with one of the partners Rachel Addai who is possibly the best lawyer I have ever worked with. I have also had the pleasure of working with Mark Oakley who is a font of knowledge. He is very approachable and does excellent work.’
Key clients
London Borough of Southwark
Crown Commercial
Edge Recovery Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for a utility supplier in a multi-million pound claim for back-billed gas supply to a major dairy manufacturer 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 on and representing a client in a court of appeal judicial review relating to the exercise of power in imposing a multi-million pound community infrastructure levy on a property developer.
Shoosmiths LLP
Shoosmiths LLP offers a multi-disciplinary team and specialises in the recovery of commercial debt, utilising its ‘broad spectrum of talent‘. National clients including national utility companies instruct the team, which deploys specialist lawyers for each debt type. Commended for its ‘unique approach to maintaining relationships with debtors’, the group’s ability to provide a cradle to grave service stands out. Solent-based practice head Paula Swain also heads up the wider business to business debt recovery team nationally.
Practice head(s):
Paula Swain
Testimonials
‘The debt recovery team has a very broad spectrum of talent within it. They are always consistent, prompt and incredibly diligent. The advice and guidance given to us as clients is always second to none. I am particularly impressed in how the team have been able to understand the complexities of my debtors and my industry sector.’
‘Paula Swain is always calm, collected and astutely professional. Her advice is always considered and very well investigated. She instils tremendous confidence and her team naturally reacts to her brilliant leadership style. What impresses me most is that Paula and all of her team ‘speak my language’. They do not hide behind legal jargon.’
‘Very professional and extremely reliable organisation who we worked with for a number of years who have resolved a large number of problem accounts for us.’
‘As ever, the team are very knowledgeable and prompt in responding to instructions and offering advice. The team and I have worked many cases together over the years and had many successes.’
‘Engaged and understand how debts have arisen, with a unique approach to maintaining relationships with debtors.’
‘Always great at communicating, easy to get hold of, reliable and friendly.’
Work highlights
- Advising a utilities company on various debt recovery claims, fraud claims and complex complaints.
- Advising a recruitment company on various debt recovery claims, fraud claims and pursuing various insolvency claims.
- Advising an automotive wholesaler on various debt recovery claims, claims in relation to the supply of goods, fraud claims and non-conformity issues.
Spratt Endicott
Located in Banbury, Spratt Endicott‘s ‘informative, proactive and knowledgeable’ team provides the full range of advice from pre-legal issues to court actions and international work, leaving it well placed to assist debtors who are either based overseas or have assets in different countries. Sector specialisms encompass the telecoms, building supplies, recruitment, education, and financial services industries. Peter Gardner leads the defended debt recovery team and commercial debt recovery expert Richard Gwynne heads up the wider team.
Practice head(s):
Richard Gwynne
Other key lawyers:
Anis Waiz; Peter Gardner; Thomas Halstead; Tina McLaren
Testimonials
‘Spratt Endicott is very good at getting the job done, especially when under time pressure or if we were ever in need of some urgent legal advice or direction.’
‘Anis Waiz, Pete Gardener, Thomas Halstead – all three members have been an absolutely great support. They are always happy to assist and give advice wherever needed, no matter the query.’
‘Informative, proactive and knowledgeable.’
Blaser Mills Law
The High-Wycombe based team at Blaser Mills Law leverages its ‘excellent case handling skills‘ to assist clients in the construction and engineering sectors, where the team has notable experience. Specialisms for the group include software and IT disputes, which is a key area of expertise for ‘meticulous‘ litigator Jackie Ray; Ray has also had success in disputes in other mandates, having recently secured a favourable decision in an insolvency claim at the Supreme Court. Daria Stepien often represents clients in various commercial disputes at trial or as a mediator.
Practice head(s):
Jackie Ray
Other key lawyers:
Daria Stepien
Testimonials
‘Excellent case management skills, and they work hard to achieve the best result for the client.’
‘We have worked with Jackie Ray over the past 33 years and she is always meticulous in her approach to every matter. She has achieved excellent results in the field of debt recovery.’
‘An excellent team that provides a City of London service. Technically very able with excellent client handling skills.’
Key clients
Pythagoras Capital Ltd
McCambridge Duffy
C F Services
First Collect International Ltd
Bunzl UK Ltd
Stannah Lift Services Ltd
TXH Ltd
Correco Ltd
Work highlights
- Acted for Pythagoras Capital Ltd in an insolvency dispute.
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
With an office in Guildford, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP have a dedicated innovation and knowledge team who are part of the firm’s commercial dispute resolution practice, headed up by Jamie Cartwright. Cartwright has a strong track record in commercial litigation, exemplifying the firm’s abilities in contested and complex debt recovery issues for commercial parties, financial institutions and property clients. The debt recovery practice also regularly handles mandates with an international focus.
Practice head(s):
Jamie Cartwright
Other key lawyers:
Tom Plowman
Key clients
Acuity Advisors
Eighty One UK Limited
Fiat Chrysler and Jeep
Acushnet Company
Work highlights
- Assisted Fiat Chrysler including Jeep and Alfa Romeo with the recovery of debts owed by current and previous dealership network members.
- Assisting Acushnet Company and its range of brands including Titleist with supplier debt issues, including retention of title issues.
- Acting for a leading holiday tour operator in debt claims against other operators with force majeure implications arising from Covid-19.
Moore Barlow
Split between Guildford and Southampton, the wider debt recovery and financial services litigation team at Moore Barlow divides itself into a commercial recoveries group and financial services recoveries team. The former, led by Mark Osgood and Daniel Baker, concentrates on assisting clients with the recovery of trade debts, while the latter, led by Susannah Marsh and Sarah Watley, assists lender clients with the recovery of commercial and business debt, mortgage debt, and asset-based lending debt. Osgood, Baker and Marsh lead the wider debt recovery practice.
Practice head(s):
Mark Osgood; Daniel Baker; Susannah Marsh
Other key lawyers:
Sarah Watley
Testimonials
‘They go above and beyond what one would expect from any legal team. They are quick to respond and will leave no stone unturned in order to get the result needed.’
‘They take a personal interest in each case they deal with, which makes it possible for them to get a holistic view of the situation. This extra interest helps them provide the best possible service.’
‘All I can say is that I found Moore Barlow to be the most efficient, helpful and trustworthy firm of solicitors I have ever dealt with. I was very impressed.’
‘Moore Barlow LLP have a very good understanding of the nature of our business, our client contractual terms and how best to engage with our customers regarding debt recovery.’
‘The team at Moore Barlow LLP have proven to be responsive, efficient and very diligent in following up the cases we bring to them.’
‘Our success rate in dealing with debt recovery is due largely in part to the efforts of the team at Moore Barlow LLP.’
‘The individuals have proven to provide comprehensive advice and support. They are not afraid to speak to our clients directly in order to get resolution on debt recovery matters.’
Key clients
Hann Tucker Associates Limited
Macquarie Bank
Tokio Marine HCC
Bank of China UK Limited
Herz Valves UK Ltd
Symington Elvery Limited
Work highlights
- Representing Herz Valves UK Ltd in a claim for unpaid invoices.
- Assisting Hann Tucker Associates Limited with the recovery of numerous unpaid invoices.
- Assisting Tokio Marine HCC with the recovery of numerous unpaid insurance premiums.
Boyes Turner
Boyes Turner in Reading regularly handles cases for in-house credit controllers, in-house lawyers, financial directors, managers and liquidators. Practice head Donna Goddard is an uncontested debt recovery specialist and works closely with Natalie Roff. The pair are well supported by associate and chartered legal executive Rachel Brown, who is a defended debt recovery and dispute resolution expert.
Practice head(s):
Donna Goddard
Other key lawyers:
Rachel Brown; Natalie Roff
Testimonials
‘Boyes Turner are very result driven. They provide us with tailored reporting in order to work with our board of directors. The team are an extension of my in-house team and not just an outsourced provider.’
‘Personable, collaborative, supportive, knowledgeable.’
‘Donna Goddard has helped me get great results when dealing with debtor ledgers in insolvencies. Enhanced realisations as a result of her help has resulted in better returns for creditors.’
‘They communicate effectively.’
Key clients
The Credit Protection Association Plc
Blick Rothenberg Limited
Hilton Baird Collection Services Ltd
Summit Platforms Ltd
Chaneys
Reifer Group of Companies
TPT Fire Maintenance Ltd
Capgen Services Ltd t/a Dunlop Heywood
FAAC UK Ltd
The Chat Shop Ltd
Work highlights
- Acting for Blick Rothenberg Ltd in collecting over a £1m worth of debt.
- Assisting a company with pursuing a £200k debt due pursuant to a share purchase agreement against a company and guarantor.
- Assisted with a portfolio of book debts for a client, referred to as Leaders Romans Group.
Duncan Lewis Solicitors
Duncan Lewis Solicitors, based in Harrow, represents both claimants and defendants and handles mandates relating to recovery actions, asset freezing orders and fraud litigation. ‘Business-savvy commercial litigator‘ and practice co-head Anthony Okumah has a wealth of experience in insolvency and bankruptcy litigation, emblematic of the team’s deep bench in claims against financial advisers. Dispute resolution expert Sobashni De Silva also co-heads the team.
Practice head(s):
Sobashni De Silva; Anthony Okumah
Testimonials
‘A heavyweight civil legal aid practice.’
‘Anthony Okumah is a star player – a hard-hitting, business savvy commercial litigator.’
Work highlights
- Assisted a Libyan national with a claim (under the Common Law) in the Courts of England & Wales for the recognition and enforcement of a Libyan court judgment.
- Assisted a distributor of anti-bacterial wet-wipes to pursue a claim against a UK retail supplier for the refusal to accept contractual delivery and failure to pay invoices.
- Assisted Gatehead Properties Limited in recovering a significant sum from a leaseholder with a habit of non-payment of service charge and ground rent.
PDT Solicitors
At PDT Solicitors in Horsham, the ‘varied skill set within the team‘ translates into expertise in the asset-based lending, invoice finance, recruitment and retail sectors. A recent high-profile case for the group involved the administration of a well-known double glazing company with recoveries of over £1m. The debt recovery team is headed up by Gina Hope, while William Angas is overall head of commercial litigation at the firm.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Aimee Hunter
Testimonials
‘PDT’s debt recovery process is simple and effective. The team are swift to respond and we have achieved success in every debt recovery matter passed to PDT. There are no hidden costs, and very often the Letter Before Action has the desired effect.’
‘Aimee Hunter is friendly, efficient and makes the whole process simple and easy to understand.’
‘An ability to grasp the key issues quickly.’
‘Efficient, fast, supportive, provided great advice and insight.’
‘PDT have a varied skill set within the team and their knowledge of the invoice finance sector is invaluable. They have a proactive approach and internal systems to ensure key timescales are highlighted to us, in order to effectively complete stages within our workflows.’
Key clients
ABN AMRO Commercial Finance
WeDo Invoice Finance Limited
Pulse Cashflow Finance (MK) Limited
Advantedge Commercial Finance Limited
EPerformance Limited
Pulse Cashflow Finance Limited
Bibby Financial Services
Yoke Network Limited
Ecoserv Group Limited
ML Surveyors (South East) Limited
Time Invoice Finance Limited
Innovation Finance Ltd t/a Muse Finance
Work highlights
- Acting for ABN AMRO Commercial Finance, alongside the administrator, and have currently recovered circa £2.5m from debtors of a glazing company.
- Assisting Pulse Cashflow Finance with the recovery of in excess of £320,000 from debtors.
- Acting for ABN AMRO Commercial Finance, alongside the Administrator, and has currently recovered in excess of £150,000 from debtors of a food wholesale company.
Pinney Talfourd LLP
Pinney Talfourd LLP advises clients from a diverse range of sectors including the banking and finance, construction, credit control and food and catering industries. Nick Hatchett, who has over 30 years experience in commercial litigation, leads the team and handles claims at all levels of the court system, including appeals. He has also acted for a number of European banks, most notably the Bank of Cyprus.
Practice head(s):
Nick Hatchett
Testimonials
‘Excellent debt recovery service and very successful. Provide a professional and efficient service for debt collection across several industries.’
‘The whole team performs well and are all approachable without exception.’
Key clients
Atlas Global Logistics Limited
AstroBnk Public Co Ltd
Bank of Cyprus
Begbies Traynor
FRP Advisory
Haines Watts
Mark Riley & Co
Quantuma Advisory
Regal Mandarin Ltd
Work highlights
- Advising a company director of a logistics client regarding the indebtedness of a co-director for personal loans.
- Advising a major European bank on the recovery and enforcement of debts.
- Advising a client in the catering/food sector on outstanding debts owed by an insolvent customer.
Trethowans LLP
Following the introduction of a bespoke debt recovery case management system, clients of Trethowans LLP praise its ‘better service at a lower all-in cost.’ The team's diverse workload covers claims for the recovery of rent arrears, unpaid invoices and book debts. Southampton-based Elizabeth Ryall joined the team from Blake Morgan LLP in November 2021 and now leads the commercial recoveries practice.
Practice head(s):
Elizabeth Ryall
Testimonials
‘I cannot speak highly enough of Trethowens. We have a 100% success rate, but the journey to arrive at that point is so professional. I attribute this to their customer care, excellent communication, outstanding knowledge, training and advice given and care given to every aspect of the process!’
‘Elizabeth Ryall is a true master of her trade. I can wholeheartedly trust that she will see each project through to fruition.’
‘The quality of client service is simply first class.’
‘Elizabeth Ryall is bracing technology change that is resulting in clients getting a better service at a lower all-in cost. Having had the privilege of working with Elizabeth, I cannot envisage instructing a different firm.’
Key clients
4Com Customer Services Ltd
4Com Network Services Ltd
Mode Communications Limited
Nix Networks LLP
Berry Telecoms Limited
Towergate Underwriting Group Ltd t/a Towergate Insurance
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust
Bolton NHS Foundation Trust
Embark Services Ltd
Aintree University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Amey Plc
James Hay Pension Trustees Limited
Rowanmoor Group
RSM Restructuring Advisory LLP
Valhalla Private Client Services LLP
Work highlights
- Acted for 4Com Network Services and 4Com Customer Services in recovery of arrears and early termination charges for delinquent commercial customers.
- Acted for the Trustees of Cobalt Data Centre Development Syndicate to recover a £35,000 insurance premium owed under the terms of a sub-lease between the client and the debtor.
- Advised West 28th Street on the validity of its Notices of Assignment following a debt purchase sale worth over £2.2m.