Shakespeare Martineau LLP has recently expanded its presence in asset finance and debt recovery work, gaining instructions from various new clients in the energy, engineering and financial services sectors. In addition, the team is well known for its expertise in international debt collection work, primarily focused on proceedings in Europe. Jayne Gardner provides full-service advice to creditors across a diverse range of industries, including the manufacturing, energy and shipping sectors. Alan Hamblett is frequently instructed to represent creditors in contested debt proceedings involving debtors based in the UK and overseas. Recently, he acted for a logistics company in a £1.3m claim for the cost of remediation caused by asbestos contamination. Edward Flanagan specialises in the asset finance and leasing sector.
Debt recovery in West Midlands
Shakespeare Martineau LLP
Practice head(s):
Jayne Gardner
Other key lawyers:
Alan Hamblett; Grace Strawford; Edward Flanagan
Testimonials
‘Alan Hamblett has always given down-to-earth advice on the best routes to take. We have had a number of cases in the past 12 months that could have escalated and resulted in taking valuable time and resources to defend ambiguous claims. He helped us put together a win-win offer to get the client back on side at minimal cost to our business.’
‘Eddie Flanagan and Grace Strawford provide a diligent and proactive service, invariably achieving good outcomes for us.’
Key clients
National Grid
Marston Group
Hook Norton Brewery
Europcar
Newriver Retail Ltd
University of Warwick
Bournemouth University
UPS
UPS SCS
Institute of Chartered Accountants for England and Wales
McIntyre Hudson
Work highlights
- Advised the University of Warwick in relation to the recovery of student debts.
- Advised Edgbaston High School for Girls on the recovery of unpaid school fees from parents.
- Assisting Cadent Gas with obtaining £1.8m in damages caused to its mains supply by a piling contractor.
Coltman Warner Cranston LLP
Coltman Warner Cranston LLP's 'approachable, diligent and pragmatic' team is particularly experienced in B2B debt recovery work, winding-up and bankruptcy proceedings, and retention of title claims, in which it acts for various clients including multinationals and regional companies. Founding partner Larry Coltman has a notable track record in representing creditors in insolvency litigation, while Darren Davoile specialises in contested debt recovery proceedings.
Practice head(s):
Larry Coltman
Other key lawyers:
Darren Davoile
Testimonials
‘They have the ability to meet the urgent demands of our business, which is in itself a very fast moving and demanding environment to work in. During the pandemic we’ve seen a business as usual attitude from the firm, which is a far cry from other third party service providers.’
‘Coltman Warner Cranston are communicative, efficient, transparent and above all, they have been completely successful in every case they have handled for us throughout the course of our working relationship.’
‘Huge experience, user-friendly and always a realistic, commercial approach.’
‘Darren Davoile – really understands our business and the sector, bags of experience and very easy to trust.’
‘Darren has an excellent knowledge of our industry, and the way we like to do business. He’s always alert to our needs and works tirelessly to meet them.’
Gateley Plc
Gateley Plc's 'very commercially oriented' team utilises its experience in financial services litigation and regulatory issues, in addition to its strong restructuring capabilities, to provide clients with a comprehensive service. Recently, the team has handled a number of debt collection matters involving alleged professional negligence, misrepresentation and unfair relationship claims. James Baird has over 20 years of experience in complex fraud and asset recovery litigation, which is supplemented by his broader work in the field of debt collection. 'Excellent' associate partner Amanda Wootton regularly assists Baird with recovery issues, title disputes, fraud claims and enforcement litigation.
Practice head(s):
James Baird
Other key lawyers:
Amanda Wootton
Testimonials
‘The asset finance team at Gateley PLC has a wide ranging and high value customer base, and for good reason: it is excellent at what it does, and its members are hardworking and client focused. Definitely a team to turn to for difficult and high-value cases in the debt recovery/asset finance sector.’
‘James Baird is simply superb. Clever, adept at finding innovative solutions to difficult problems, and with a great litigator’s brain. Knows exactly how to run a case, and with a great work ethic and an ability to win and hold the confidence of his clients. Definitely a solicitor you want fighting your corner.’
‘The team is led by James Baird. He totally gets it. A technically excellent lawyer coupled with savvy commercial insight. A perfect combination. When the chips are down he is on speed dial one! The team James has built around him is likewise superb.’
‘Amanda Wootton – highly responsive, resourceful and very hardworking.’
‘Amanda Wootton is super efficient, friendly and laser focused.’
Key clients
Macquarie Corporate and Asset Finance 1 Limited
Propel Finance Plc
Scania Finance Great Britain Limited
Arkle Finance Limited
CUA Finance Ltd
Tower Leasing Limited
Grenke Leasing Limited
Kennet Equipment Leasing Limited
Cambridge & Counties Bank Limited
Shoosmiths LLP
During 2021 Shoosmiths LLP teamed up with national collections, recoveries and enforcement company Chartsbridge to create a new debt recovery joint venture, Equivo, which aims to provide a ‘one-stop shop’ multi-disciplinary recoveries service for clients, operating from bases in Bracknell, Northampton, London and Manchester. In Birmingham, partner Roger Potgieter leads a team which handles a range of fraud investigations and general recoveries matters.
Practice head(s):
Band Hatton Button LLP
Band Hatton Button LLP focuses primarily on commercial debt recovery mandates across the region, and also assists private schools with debt collection matters. Its range of work includes handling enforcement proceedings, small claims hearings and various insolvency matters, including bankruptcy and winding-up claims. Jon Wilby is best known for his expertise in commercial property litigation, which often involves the recovery of loans.
Practice head(s):
Jon Wilby
FBC Manby Bowdler LLP
Led by Gareth Ruddock, FBC Manby Bowdler LLP handles debt collection work for creditors in various industries, with an emphasis on the real estate sector. Associates Jonathan Moss and Emma Northall regularly support Ruddock on a wide range of debt collection mandates involving businesses and high-net-worth individuals.
Practice head(s):
Gareth Ruddock
Other key lawyers:
Jonathan Moss; Emma Northall
Testimonials
‘Emma Northall is very friendly and very professional and I really value what she does for us. She gives excellent advice on debt collection.’
‘Gareth Ruddock is who we use for advice and any difficult claims we may have. He is very professional but friendly, ensuring I can understand the advice he gives us. Would highly recommend.’
‘FBC have an excellent team, very approachable. Always my first choice solicitors.’
Key clients
Savills (UK) Limited
Muras Baker Jones Limited
BCRS Business Loans Limited
Work highlights
- Advising and representing Savills (UK) in connection with various claims for commission following the sale of both residential and commercial properties within the UK.
- Advising and representing BCRS in relation to the pursuit of unsecured and secured corporate loans, which involves claims against directors under guarantees.
- Acting for various insolvency practitioners regarding the collection of book debts for companies that are either in administration or liquidation.
Lanyon Bowdler
Recently, Lanyon Bowdler has advised a number of clients on the impact of the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 and assisted with credit control strategies to navigate the economic challenges caused by the pandemic. Andrew Pegg handles a broad portfolio of commercial disputes including insolvency and bankruptcy proceedings, with an emphasis on the agriculture sector. The 'professional and approachable' Lauren Weale stands out for her track record in enforcement proceedings, in which she represents local and national businesses.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Pegg; Lauren Weale
Testimonials
‘Lauren Weale has always been very helpful and has a wealth of knowledge which she uses to effectively assist us in all areas of debt recovery.’
‘Lauren Weale always provides a prompt, efficient and well-informed service.’
‘Lauren is both professional and approachable.’
‘The practice has a good understanding of our industry (agriculture) which regularly proves invaluable in debt recovery matters.’
Key clients
Wynnstay (Agricultural Supplies) Limited
Woodheads Seeds Limited
Fowler & Gilbert Limited
Kingpin Tyres Limited
Wynnstay Fuels Limited
Exact Systems Limited
Newmor Group Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Wynnstay (Agricultural Supplies) on the settlement of an application by way of a Tomlin Order.
- Secured the recovery of £113k on behalf of Woodheads Seeds following the discharge of a charging order.
Sydney Mitchell LLP
Sydney Mitchell LLP handles a range of debt collection proceedings, encompassing enforcement claims, recovery claims as part of the insolvency process and winding-up petitions. Leanne Schneider-Rose specialises in insolvency litigation and creditors' claims involving allegations of fraud and misrepresentation. Gemma Parker is also a key member of the team.
Practice head(s):
Leanne Schneider-Rose
Other key lawyers:
Gemma Parker
Testimonials
‘Gemma Parker worked tirelessly and very professionally at all times on my case.’
‘Leanne Schneider-Rose is highly knowledgeable across a wide range of disciplines, including debt recovery and fraud litigation.’
Key clients
Tiffanys (Knowle) Limited
Greenfield Mortgages III Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Greenfield Mortgage II on its aim to take possession of a property as collateral following a loan default.
- Advised Tiffanys (Knowle) in relation to the recovery of service charge arrears from one of its debtors.
- Advised a private client on the possession of a property in order to discharge two secured loans.
Wright Hassall LLP
Wright Hassall LLP has expertise in non-contentious debt collection work, mediation and arbitration proceedings and litigation. Phil Wilding leads the practice, specialising in volume debt recovery issues in the banking, insurance and telecoms industries.
Practice head(s):
Phil Wilding