Pricing

Debt Recovery Pricing

Thank you for looking at our Debt Recovery services. Debts can arise in all walks of life and we regularly advise and assist businesses and individuals alike.

The bulk of our debt recovery instructions come from businesses across various sectors. With many years of experience and strong expertise in litigation both in and out of court, our debt recovery service is fast, efficient and economical.

Why Us

We have an experienced team who can assist you with recovering both disputed and undisputed debts. This page covers our pricing for undisputed debt recovery – please get in touch to find out more about our fee structure for pursuing disputed debts. We pride ourselves on exceptional customer care skills enabling you to send out the right message and retain the goodwill of your customers whilst recovering outstanding payments.

We can offer you clear, practical advice and will discuss all the options available to establish the most appropriate way of dealing with debtors. We have tried and tested processes in place to ensure we can recover undisputed debts quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively, with transparent fixed fees.

We are proud to hold Lexcel Accreditation, issued by the Law Society. This involves the firm undergoing a rigorous audit process which ensures we maintain high levels of client care.

Pricing

For a business to business debt that is undisputed

We appreciate that the fees involved in debt recovery are important to you. We review our prices on a regular basis, considering client feedback, to ensure we continue to offer a cost-effective debt recovery service.

We typically work on a fixed fee basis, so that from the outset you know what the fees will be for your transaction. These costs apply for unpaid and undisputed payment of invoice(s). If during the debt recovery process, the matter becomes disputed or enforcement action is required (where you need to appoint a bailiff), we will discuss the change in fees with you and agree on a way forward. We would provide you with revised advice about the further costs necessary, which could be on a fixed fee if one letter was required or an hourly rate if more extensive work was needed. As business-minded individuals, we fully appreciate the risks and opportunities available to you and look forward to working in partnership with you to propel your business to success.

If they become applicable, our current hourly rates are as follows:
Justin Emerson (Partner) £330 per hour plus VAT
Nadia Fabri (Associate) £290 per hour plus VAT
Natasha Kelt (Associate Solicitor) £275 per hour plus VAT

*VAT is charged at the current rate of 20%.

When claiming costs from the debtor, it is important to note that the VAT element of any fees cannot be claimed. You can claim interest and compensation and we will advise you of the applicable rates.

Court claims
Debt value Court fee Our fee Total
Up to £5,000 £205 £500 (plus VAT of £100) £805
£5,001 – £10,000 £455 £750 (plus VAT of £150) £1,355
£10,001 – £25, 000 5% of the claim value £1,000 (plus VAT of £200) £Count Fee + our fee
£25,001 – £50,000 5% of the claim value £1,250 (plus VAT of £250) £Count Fee + our fee
£50,001 – £100,000 5% of the claim value £1,500 (plus VAT of £300) £Count Fee + our fee

*VAT is charged at the current rate of 20%.

Exclusions

Our fees are fixed and include items detailed above, however there may be factors which would typically increase the cost of the fees. Where there is likely to be any additional cost, we will make sure you are informed of this at the earliest opportunity and a clear estimate of those extra costs will be provided.

Factors that may lead to an increase in cost include:

  • The case is defended.
  • Enforcement proceedings.
  • Instructing a Bailiff.

If they become applicable our current hourly rates are as follows:

Court claims
Justin Emerson (Partner) £330 per hour plus VAT
Nadia Fabri (Associate) £290 per hour plus VAT
Natasha Kelt (Associate Solicitor) £275 per hour plus VAT

*VAT is charged at the current rate of 20%.

Time Scales

A typical debt recovery will take between 4-26 weeks, from instruction through to payment from the other side. This may be quicker or longer depending on whether we are required to issue a claim and whether the other side pay promptly on receipt of any Judgment issued by a court. As detailed above, if enforcement action is required, we will discuss the fees and timescales involved. Matters may take longer to resolve if court proceedings are required as we would have to take into account the delays caused by the speed of response of the courts.

Key Milestones

With every transaction there are key milestones, which may vary according to individual circumstances. Our fee will include these milestones and may be as follows:
  • Taking your instructions and reviewing documentation provided the documentation is clear and straightforward.
  • Undertaking appropriate searches.
  • Issuing a letter before action requesting payment from the debtor.
  • Receiving payment and sending this on to you.
  • Drafting and issuing a claim form to the relevant court if the debt is not paid. In higher value cases, the costs incurred in drafting and issuing proceedings will be higher as a consequence of the value of the claim and the likely increased complexity of the proceedings that would be necessary.
  • Applying to the court to enter a Judgment in Default if the debtor fails to respond to court proceedings.
  • Contacting the other side to request payment where a Judgment in Default has been issued by the court.
  • Receiving payment and sending that out to you.
  • If payment is not received within 14 days, providing you with advice on next steps and likely costs as a result.
  • If at any stage the matter becomes contested and the debt is disputed or letters are received from the other party contesting payment or a defence and counterclaim is lodged then our costs would be higher and we will advise you.

Debt Protocol procedure

The Debt Protocol procedure came into effect in October 2017. It does not apply to all cases but it applies to any business (including a sole trader or public body) claiming payment of a debt due from an individual (including a sole trader). In the event that it applies, appropriate additional correspondence and information has to be sent out to the debtor before court proceedings can be issued. This will increase the costs that would be incurred as that correspondence needs to be prepared and reviewed and it will delay progress in the matter as there are statutory time limits available for the debtor that then need to be observed before any court proceedings can be commenced. If any other action is required then the exact costs of that will depend upon the individual circumstances of each particular case.

If you have any immediate questions on this topic please do not hesitate to contact us using the enquiry form or call us on 01245 493939.

Get in touch

If you want to find out more about the services we can offer you, please feel free to get in touch.

Get in touch

If you want to find out more about the services we can offer you, please feel free to get in touch.