Collections

Statistical press release: Fuel poverty, England and the UK 2010

Thu, 17 May 2012 17:07:17 +0100

The 2012 Annual Report on Fuel Poverty Statistics is published today. The publication covers new data for England for 2010, and an estimated level of fuel poverty in the UK for 2010.

Graduates Credited with Success - The positive route to growth

Thu, 17 May 2012 16:35:36 +0100

Carole Hughes knows the value of winning good business, especially in tough economic times. As managing director of commercial debt recovery and investigations agency Daniels Silverman Limited, she is totally focused on business development. Bought into the idea of taking a strategic approach, but fully aware that a strategy is only as good as the people who deliver it, Carole set out to find talented graduates capable of tackling her challenging brief. Within a matter of ...

HML announces deal with Arrow Global

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:25:06 +0100

Financial outsourcer HML has secured Arrow Global, a leading provider of debt purchase solutions, as a new client after the latter acquired a portfolio of loans currently being serviced by HML.

Ruthbridge signs up to TouchStar Dialler

Tue, 15 May 2012 16:24:41 +0100

Ruthbridge, one of the UK’s leading debt collection agencies, is pleased to announce that it has signed a contract with business software provider Daviker for the supply of its TouchStar Dialler.

SFP appointed administrators to Reece Environmental Limited

Tue, 15 May 2012 16:01:27 +0100

The nationwide insolvency practitioners SFP has been appointed Administrators to waste disposal company Reece Environmental (UK) Limited, after it accrued debts amounting to approximately £240,000.

Fredrickson International 20th Anniversary

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:08:22 +0100

Today Fredrickson International has been trading for twenty years. Originally set up in 1992 by Roy and Simon Jones, Fredrickson International has reached its 20th Anniversary.

Statement of Insolvency Practice 16 (SIP 16) - latest report issued today

Tue, 15 May 2012 11:48:06 +0100

The latest SIP 16 Report is issued today. The Service carries out regular reviews of the operation of Statement of Insolvency Practice 16 (SIP 16) on pre-packaged sales in administrations. Statements of Insolvency Practice set out required practice.

Insolvency Practitioners Association Announces New President

Mon, 14 May 2012 10:07:40 +0100

The Insolvency Practitioners Association (IPA) is pleased to announce that at their AGM the following appointments were ratified.

Hampshire businessman reveals late payment shock with bill outstanding after three years

Fri, 11 May 2012 16:36:32 +0100

A Gosport businessman who appeared on BBC radio this week to discuss the problems late payment causes for small firms has revealed he is still waiting for an invoice to be settled three years after completing the job.

SFP appointed administrators to Ultimate Steel Fabrications Limited

Fri, 11 May 2012 16:20:11 +0100

The nationwide insolvency practitioners SFP has been appointed Administrators to Caerphilly-based building firm Ultimate Steel Fabrications Limited, after it accrued debts amounting to £160,000.

TDX launches HeliX

Fri, 11 May 2012 13:13:07 +0100

TDX have announced today it’s launch of HeliX – a new data exchange that allows creditors to share a new level of knowledge about consumers in arrears to inform debt collection agency (DCA) allocation decisions and recoveries activity.

Frank Hammerton joins Teleperformance Collections in Leeds as Business Development Director

Fri, 11 May 2012 13:07:32 +0100

Teleperformance Collections, the specialist debt collection division of Teleperformance UK, is delighted to announce the appointment of Frank Hammerton as Business Development Director for Teleperformance Collections.

The lewis group does things differently for charity

Fri, 11 May 2012 13:04:14 +0100

The lewis group has chosen not to have a lavish party to celebrate the launch of its new brand, but is rather spending that money split evenly across three charities local to each of its three offices in Cleckheaton, Glasgow and Belfast.

Bailiff reforms may be based on a false premise, Institute warns

Thu, 10 May 2012 15:21:13 +0100

The Institute of Credit Management (ICM) has expressed concerns over the Government’s consultation on Bailiff reform, and questioned whether the reforms being proposed are based on a false premise.

Second charge repossessions remain low

Thu, 10 May 2012 12:06:12 +0100

Repossessions made by second-charge mortgage providers were down by 19.5% in Q1 2012 compared with Q1 2011, according to figures released today by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA), the trade body for the second-charge mortgage market. In Q1 2012, FLA’s second-charge mortgage lenders repossessed 157 properties.

CML reports repossessions stable, arrears falling

Thu, 10 May 2012 11:57:30 +0100

The number of repossessions in the first quarter of 2012 was 9,600, the same as in the first quarter of 2011, breaking the recent trend of year-on-year increases in repossessions, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML).

AIK: 1st quarter 2012 results

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:11:42 +0100

Aktiv Kapital increased profitability in Q1 2012 driven by higher investments and solid collections performance on existing portfolios. The Group is continuing to deliver against key initiatives and achieved revenue growth while reducing operating expenses for the quarter.

Bankruptcy rise reflects fewer people repaying debt

Fri, 04 May 2012 16:52:56 +0100

Debt solution company, ClearDebt, believes today's government personal insolvency figures reflect a worsening in people's ability to repay debt.

Money Advice Trust Comments On Insolvency Figures

Fri, 04 May 2012 12:57:28 +0100

Commenting on today’s insolvency statistics Joanna Elson OBE, Chief Executive of the Money Advice Trust (MAT), said:

Business Debtline comments on insolvency figures

Fri, 04 May 2012 12:53:57 +0100

Commenting on today’s insolvency figures, Nicola Connop spokesperson for Business Debtline said:

Insolvencies relatively flat but real levels âhiddenâ

Fri, 04 May 2012 12:32:13 +0100

Figures published today by the Insolvency Service show that corporate insolvencies in the first quarter of this year were up 4.3% on the same period in 2011 to 4,303. Personal insolvencies dropped in the first quarter 2012 to 28,723 and were 4.7% less than the same period 12 months ago.

SMEs advised to tread with caution as corporate insolvencies escalate

Fri, 04 May 2012 12:23:27 +0100

The latest rise in corporate insolvency as reported by the Insolvency Service has reaffirmed that it is vital for businesses to be cautious when offering credit to firms.

Fredrickson International achieves ISO27001 certification

Thu, 03 May 2012 17:28:13 +0100

Fredrickson International has gained the ISO27001 certification for Information Security Management.

Debt purchase market study concludes 2012 levels will reach Â£900m

Thu, 03 May 2012 15:09:57 +0100

Consumer debt purchase market study by Apex Insight reveals a £900m market which has now rebounded from its post-credit crunch woes.

Mackenzie Hall Group gains Investors in People accreditation

Wed, 02 May 2012 12:53:33 +0100

Mackenzie Hall Group, a market leader in debt collection solutions, is proud to announce it has achieved Investors in People (IiP) accreditation. This is the latest recognition of its commitment to, and success in, supporting its employees and clients.

CapQuest announces appointment of Chief Financial Officer

Wed, 02 May 2012 12:26:19 +0100

CapQuest Group Limited, a UK market leader in the purchase, management and collection of consumer debt is pleased to announce the appointment of Helen Ashton as Chief Financial Officer as of 2nd May 2012.

Tessera pass CIP audit with flying colours

Tue, 01 May 2012 18:11:54 +0100

After successful user acceptance testing of the new DBSG Continuous Improvement Programme (CIP) by three companies, collection agency and debt buyer Tessera Group has become the first company to be accredited under the live scheme.

CGI upgrades DIRECTV to version 8.2 of CACSÂ® Enterprise

Tue, 01 May 2012 18:02:26 +0100

CGI Group Inc., a leading provider of information technology and business process services, today announced DIRECTV’s successful upgrade to CGI’s CACS Enterprise, version 8.2. CACS is a component of CGI Collections360®, a comprehensive managed service for default management. Release 8.2 of CGI’s collections and recovery solution includes dynamic scripting that will guide collectors through the customer interview process, reducing the training time needed for new co ...

Dukes go back to university

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:18:47 +0100

Dukes Bailiffs has enjoyed another successful show at IRRV’s Collection & Enforcement conference, this year based at Keele University, Staffordshire.

Winterhill Largo boosts receivables division with new appointment

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:16:19 +0100

Asset recovery and insolvency support group Winterhill Largo, based in Blackburn, has appointed Ian McNicol to its receivables audit and assurance team.

Double dip recession causing concern for private schools

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:10:59 +0100

Private schools are facing a number of challenges brought on by the continued financial crisis.

The IPA Annual Conference - Public Confidence in the Insolvency Profession

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:54:43 +0100

The annual conference for the Insolvency Practitioners Association (IPA) was this year held at The Royal College of Surgeons. At a time when aspects of practitioners’ work and interaction with creditors are hot topics in terms of trust and potential regulatory reform, the event focused on public confidence.

Noble Systems reports record-breaking revenue growth in Europe

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:31:00 +0100

Noble Systems, a global leader in unified contact centre technology solutions, today announced that 2011 revenue from operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) grew by more than 59 percent from 2010 totals. The regional gains contributed to a worldwide revenue increase of almost 10 percent from the previous year and reflect income from system sales, support and the introduction of new offerings.

Unpaid debts revealed in new industry figures

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:01:00 +0100

Figures that show the full extent of outstanding consumer debt passed to Debt Collection Agencies (DCAs) or sold to Debt Buyers has been published for the first time by The Credit Services Association (CSA), the National Association for the UK debt collection industry.

Largest debt recovery law firm joins CSA

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:17:49 +0100

Newly merged debt recovery law firm drydensfairfax solicitors has become one of the first specialist legal practices to achieve membership status of the Credit Services Association (CSA) following its recent landmark decision to allow solicitor firms to apply for membership.

ICM and BIS monthly cashflow âtipâ to small businesses

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:39:54 +0100

The Institute of Credit Management (ICM) and the Minister of State for Business and Enterprise Mark Prisk have published their monthly ‘tip’ for small businesses to better manage their cashflow.

UK public has suffered recession for years

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:58:00 +0100

Commenting on the UK’s return to economic recession, Joanna Elson OBE, Chief Executive of the Money Advice Trust (MAT), said:

âMoney Skills and Billsâ helps educate local primary school children about financial ...

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:22:58 +0100

Cabot Credit Management (CCM), the UK’s leading ethical acquirer and manager of consumer debt, has successfully launched an interactive financial game to primary schools in Stratford-upon-Avon and Kent.

Late payment problems call for Government intervention to help prompt business payment

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:59:18 +0100

The late payment of trade invoices is threatening the profits, growth and even survival prospects of small firms but few use formal procedures to tackle the problem. This is according to findings of a research report launched today by the commercial credit referencing agency Graydon UK, working in partnership with the Forum of Private Business (FPB).

Pre-pack deal safeguards 98 jobs in Bradford

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:17:30 +0100

Administrators from The P&A Partnership have sold three Bradford based food businesses in a pre-pack deal, saving 98 jobs.

Lindsays have become the first solicitors to gain affiliate membership to the CSA

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:49:40 +0100

The news is acknowledgement of the outstanding level of service that Lindsays Solicitors offers, as it gives the member the recognition as an organisation that upholds a high standard of quality within the industry.

1st Credit returns to profit as it steps up debt purchase activity

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:29:27 +0100

1st Credit, the leading debt collection company, returned to profit last year for the first time since the financial crisis, its annual results, announced today, show.

BCW Group invests in new e-learning tool to enhance service to customers with mental health issues

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:44:30 +0100

BCW Group, one of the UK and Ireland’s largest credit management organisations, has invested in a new training package to further strengthen its staff’s skills in managing debt recovery on behalf of clients whose customers may experience mental health issues.

Daniels Silverman urge SMEs to undertake a full credit overhaul to ensure success in 2012/13

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:00:06 +0100

Current financial news points to the 2012/13 financial year being another tough one for small and medium enterprises.

L&E Receivables has joined forces with London House Services

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 18:48:54 +0100

LTR Enterprises Ltd, which owns and runs the London House franchise in South East London, has merged with the asset recovery business, L&E Receivables, in Southend-on-Sea. The combined operation will continue to offer asset finance companies quality management of their arrears cases with the added benefit of greater geographical coverage and more advanced systems. Alex Barnetson of L&E has joined the board of LTR as the director responsible for arrears management. ...

Â£93k collected by Dukes bailiffs

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 18:35:13 +0100

Dukes Bailiffs achieved an outstanding result on behalf of a Staffordshire Council recently, recovering a whopping £93k non-domestic rates debt within one hour in a single visit.

Payments Council publishes independent governance review

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:12:45 +0100

The Payments Council today publishes an independent review of its governance arrangements and performance over the past two years. The Independent Review of Governance and Performance of the Payments Council 2009-11 was carried out by Professor Martin Cave, an expert in regulation and competition and an independent director on the Payments Council Board until December 2011. Professor Cave’s review involved consultation with 33 organisations and individuals and is published alongsid ...

New member of UK Investment team at Aktiv Kapital UK

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:50:23 +0100

A spokesperson for Aktiv Kapital said: "We are delighted to announce the appointment of Mark Golding to join our UK Investment team. Mark joins us after 17 years in the UK Corporate Finance advisory team of Deloitte, latterly as a partner in their Financial Services team.

CapQuest announces appointment of Group General Counsel

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:44:04 +0100

CapQuest Group Limited, a UK market leader in the purchase, management and collection of consumer debt is pleased to announce the appointment of Bill Flynn LLB as Group General Counsel.

CHL Mortgages enhanced mortgage book by boarding portfolio

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:10:43 +0100

Specialist lender CHL Mortgages has today revealed it has boarded a small, well-seasoned portfolio of high-quality loans onto its own system.

Atradius Collections launches the International Debt Collections Handbook in a renewed 2012 edition

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:02:26 +0100

Atradius Collections, the global expert in domestic and international debt collections, has released the 6th edition of the International debt Collections Handbook in a fully reworked edition. With the addition of Russia and Norway this essential tool covers 33 different countries.

Cabot Credit Management invests over Â£2m in SAS technology

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:55:47 +0100

Cabot Credit Management, the UK’s leading ethical acquirer and manager of consumer debt, has signed a contract worth over £2m for a SAS Analytics & Collections Strategy system further demonstrating its commitment to investing in market leading technology.

Euler Hermes launches new service to help SMEs mind their Ts & Cs!

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:24:14 +0100

Euler Hermes Collections, the UK’s largest specialist business-to-business (B2B) collections agency, has launched a new service that offers its customers free preliminary legal advice on their business’s terms and conditions to help them minimise the risk of contract disputes experienced by many small businesses that invariably lead to non-payment or worse, insolvency.

TDX wins Anglian Water debt recovery contract

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:18:22 +0100

Following a competitive tender process Anglian Water, the largest water and wastewater company in England and Wales by geographic area, has agreed a 3-year contract with TDX for support with placement and management of a large proportion of its domestic debt accounts.

Payment guides aimed at SMEs soar in popularity

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:09:24 +0100

SMEs continue to show a marked appetite for improving their cashflow and are actively seeking out the expert advice and resources that will help them to do so, according to a leading business organisation.

Noble Systems Hosts First Select Noble Users Group EMEA Conference

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:01:28 +0100

Noble Systems, a global leader in unified contact centre technology solutions, hosted its first annual Select Noble Users Group (SNUG) EMEA conference in Manchester at the end of March. Designed to inform attendees about features, applications and new product releases, the event focused on improving contact centre efficiency and featured guests from industries including financial services, charities, county councils, debt management, accounts recovery and more.

Dukes Bailiffs get thumbs-up from customers

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 12:33:49 +0100

In a customer satisfaction survey carried out over the past few months Dukes Bailiffs has received a ringing endorsement from customers on its service levels.

Cabot Credit Management invests over Â£2m in SAS technology

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 18:16:10 +0100

Cabot Credit Management, the UK's leading ethical acquirer and manager of consumer debt, has signed a contract worth over £2m for a SAS Analytics & Collections Strategy system further demonstrating its commitment to investing in market leading technology.

SMEs adopt a back to basics approach to beat late payment

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 12:25:26 +0100

Late payment remains an issue for small businesses as they struggle to stay afloat in the UK’s unpredictable economy. Encouragingly, however, Hilton-Baird Collection Services has found that while the UK’s SMEs are still feeling the pinch, they are adopting a back to basics approach to credit control in a bid to ease the pressures of late payment.

See you in court! Value of business debts chased through court system up 39%

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 18:19:03 +0100

The latest report from commercial debt recovery law firm, Lovetts, shows that businesses are getting tougher with their customers on outstanding debts. With the British Chambers of Commerce this week announcing that business confidence increased in the last quarter, Lovetts figures suggest businesses are taking a much more robust approach to outstanding debts, to help secure their long-term future.

KPMG hires senior Debt Advisory partner

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 18:13:22 +0100

KPMG has announced the appointment of Tim Elliott as a partner in its Debt Advisory business. Tim was previously a Managing Director at Barclays Capital and before that at JP Morgan and has over 30 years experience of assisting major corporate clients on debt financing as well as other corporate finance challenges.

Atradius Collections increases customer satisfaction for third year in a row

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 15:40:33 +0100

Atradius Collections has released the results of its annual customer satisfaction survey revealing improvements on the results of the previous three years.

Law firms complete merger

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 15:18:54 +0100

Two of the industry’s strongest debt recovery and debt litigation law firms Drydens Lawyers and Fairfax Solicitors have completed their merger and are now trading as one firm drydensfairfax solicitors.

Arrow Globalâs Madden hits the mark to gain national award

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 19:15:46 +0100

A Manchester-based employee at a leading debt purchaser has won a prestigious national award after being named the leading UK student for 2011 following top marks in an ITC specialist course.

SFP Group wins Business Moneyfacts Award

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 17:01:09 +0100

The SFP Group has won the Best Recovery Specialist of the Year category of the prestigious Business Moneyfacts Awards.

Netsend wins HSBC Business Growth Grant

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:50:12 +0100

An e-invoicing company based in Vauxhall, which helps companies process high volumes of invoices, has won one of HSBC's valuable Business Growth Grants. This award, worth £50,000, will help propel the international growth of Netsend.com.

Position on executive board as legal and compliance director for CSA president

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 16:21:55 +0100

Sara de Tute, president of the Credit Services Association (CSA) is leaving her current position at Wescot Credit Services after nine years, and will join Lowell Group’s executive board as legal and compliance director. Sara takes up her new position with Lowell Group on 14 May 2012 and will continue in her role as president of the CSA.

Sara De Tute to join Lowell Groupâs executive board

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 16:14:35 +0100

Leeds-based Lowell Group, widely acknowledged as the UK’s leading debt purchasing specialist, is delighted to announce that Sara de Tute will be joining its executive board.

Mobile Industry Lost over $58 billion in Revenue in 2011 due to Inadequate Billing Systems

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 13:10:39 +0100

A new report from Juniper Research finds that the mobile telecoms industry lost more than $58 billion last year – over 6% of global revenues – due to inadequate FM (Fraud Management) and RA (Revenue Assurance) processes. The report suggests that under a ‘nightmare scenario’ whereby operators fail to implement any remedial measures over the next five years, the scale of losses could rise five-fold by 2016.

The Credit Services Association (CSA) is moving office.

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 12:54:17 +0100

The move will take place on the Thursday 29 and Friday 30 March this week and during this time we will not be able to send or receive emails.

BIS Committee report on debt management: DEMSA launches implementation study of recommendations ...

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 12:49:44 +0100

The Debt Managers Standards Association (DEMSA) yesterday convened a special summit to consider the recommendations of the Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) committee report into debt management.

Duff and Phelps Rescues Egertons

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 11:24:06 +0100

Stephen Clancy and David Whitehouse, both of leading global financial advisory and investment banking firm Duff & Phelps, have confirmed that they have successfully sold the business and assets of Egertons Recovery Limited to Egertons Recovery Group Limited.

Consultations on proposed office closures

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 16:02:01 +0100

The Insolvency Service has launched Public Consultations on its proposed closure of three Official Receiver’s offices, Bournemouth, Medway and Stockton. The consultation will run from 27 March 2012 and close on 22 June 2012.

Euler Hermes launches DIY collections kit for SMEs

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:37:08 +0100

Euler Hermes Collections, the UK’s largest specialist business-to-business (B2B) collections agency, has launched a toolbox of Final Demand Letter templates to help small businesses struggling with late payment get back what they’re owed.

ICM launches CollÂ£ctwho portal to help businesses get paid

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:32:16 +0100

The Institute of Credit Management (ICM) has partnered with service provider ComparetheDCA.com to launch an online platform that allows businesses to compare debt collection agencies (DCAs), gain instant quotes and seek immediate action on the recovery of overdue invoices. This agreement is the latest move by the ICM in its campaign to assist SMEs and builds on the existing portfolio of tools and services it has made available, including its popular series of Managing Cashflow guides, pro ...

Comment from the CSA in response to the publication of revised Debt Management Guidance

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 09:31:31 +0100

In response to the publication of revised Debt Management Guidance from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), Sara de Tute, President of the Credit Services Association (CSA), says:

Lowell Group places Â£200 million high yield bond to refinance existing debt

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 23:33:59 +0100

Lowell Group today announces that it has placed a £200 million high yield bond, with a 2019 maturity and an annual interest coupon of 10.75%. The proceeds of the issue will be used to refinance existing debt.

Rent quarter day looms for struggling businesses

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 16:08:28 +0100

This Sunday is the deadline for quarterly rent payments, where 3 months’ rent is paid in advance for commercial properties. Already video games retailer ‘Game’ has filed a notice of intent to appoint an administrator - faced with a rent bill of £21 million. But Game is unlikely to be the only company facing rent agony this weekend.

CSA Comment on Debt Management Guidance from the OFT

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 16:05:13 +0100

In response to the publication of revised Debt Management Guidance from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), Sara de Tute, President of the Credit Services Association (CSA), says:

OFT Debt Management guidance does not go far enough and clarity still needed on how many DMPs exist

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 15:43:15 +0100

Frances Coulson, R3 President, comments: “R3 welcomes the Office of Fair trading's (OFT) revised Debt Management Guidelines for businesses offering debt management advice or credit repair services, but believes more should be done to ensure Debt Management Plans are properly regulated.

Credit Managersâ Index suggests economy is contracting

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 15:18:55 +0100

The Quarterly Credit Managers’ Index (CMI – Q4 2011) has fallen below the 50-point threshold for the first time – a figure that not only confirms the ongoing pessimism among professional credit managers but also suggests that the economy is contracting.

Ruthbridge and Callcredit Information Group agree new contract for Call Trace

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 16:54:20 +0100

Ruthbridge, one of the UK's leading specialists in tracing and debt collection is pleased to announce it has signed a two year contract with Callcredit Information Group to use their product Call Trace.

Noble Systems Introduces Hosted Enterprise Solution in UK

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 16:51:06 +0100

Noble Systems, a global leader in unified contact centre technology solutions, today announced the UK launch of Noble® Enterprise Hosted, a complete contact centre technology solution with all of the advantages of a cloud-based Communication-as-a-Service (CaaS) infrastructure. The launch marks the first fully hosted offering for Noble Systems in Europe and opens groundbreaking opportunities in hybrid premise/hosted solutions for Noble Systems’ clients.

SFP appointed administrators to JDW Builders Limited

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 13:02:44 +0100

The nationwide insolvency practitioners SFP has been appointed Administrators to London-based building firm JDW Builders Ltd, after it accrued debts including a significant sum owed to Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Lindsays Debt Recovery Solicitors secure top accolade From National Law Society

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:45:05 +0100

Lindsays debt recovery solicitors have secured the national Law Society’s law management quality mark, Lexcel.

ICM urges more compulsion on prompt payment

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 12:36:28 +0100

Philip King, Chief Executive of the Institute of Credit Management (ICM), has welcomed the publication of the Breedon Report and in particular the main recommendation to reinforce prompt payment practices:

Marston receives CHAS accreditation

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 17:19:46 +0100

Marston Group (Marston) is pleased to announce today that it has been deemed a Contractors Health & Safety (CHAS) Assessment Scheme compliant company.

Phillips & Cohen Associates Expands

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:02:59 +0100

Phillips & Cohen Associates (UK) Ltd, the UK’s only dedicated probate collections business, is delighted to announce the graduation of the latest Class of Academy students.

2011: A record year for fuel debts

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 00:01:00 +0100

Debt advice charity the Money Advice Trust is reporting that its National Debtline has seen a significant increase in the number of people it helps with fuel debts since it started recording the figures in 2004. Seven years ago fuels debts accounted for just 2.7 per cent of all calls to National Debtline, last year that figure had increased to 13.7 per cent. As the prices for gas and electricity services have increased, the number of people struggling to afford to heat and power their hom ...

Credit where creditâs due

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 16:03:30 +0100

Josef Busuttil, director general of the Malta Association of Credit Management, highlights the value of credit for small and micro-firms.

Winterhill Largo promotion marks growing demand for debt recovery

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 13:14:20 +0100

Asset recovery and insolvency support group Winterhill Largo has promoted Nathan McQueen to the new role of head of operations at its expanding Wakefield-based national debt recovery division.

RimiliaËs Alloc8 wins best innovation in the Midlands Excellence Specialist Category Awards 2012

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 10:49:20 +0100

Payment automation specialist Rimilia has won the 2011/2012 Midlands Excellence Specialist Category Awards in the category of innovation for its Alloc8 product. Watched by 500 business leaders, Rimilia collected its trophy from double Olympic rowing gold medallist, Steve Williams, at a gala ceremony held at the Great Hall, University of Birmingham.

Ruthbridge and Tracesmart Partnership

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 18:13:45 +0100

Ruthbridge, a leading debt collection specialist, has signed a contract with consumer data provider Tracesmart to use its key tracing software, TraceIQ. The web based tracing tool allows Ruthbridge to more effectively locate individuals, and subsequently increase debt collecting productivity.

ICM welcomes announcement from business minister

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 16:32:15 +0100

Philip King, chief executive of the Institute of Credit Management, has welcomed the announcement from business minister Mark Prisk calling for a change in the culture of late payments.

Minister leads call to change late payment culture

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 12:56:30 +0100

Business and Enterprise Minister Mark Prisk is today leading a call for businesses to work together and develop practical solutions in creating better cashflow management systems and changing the culture of late payments.

Winterhill Largo to auction MJN Colston Assets tomorrow

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 12:38:41 +0100

Hundreds of specialist tools will be auctioned to the public and corporate buyers from tomorrow as the assets of the company, which employed as many as 420 staff across the UK, are sold to pay creditors.

Apollo - CMC Not to Seek Credit Information

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 09:53:09 +0100

Apollo Enterprise Solutions, Inc., a leading provider of advanced interactive solutions for complex banking transactions, is pleased to announce that it has amicably resolved its lawsuit accusing Collections Marketing Center (CMC) of infringing Apollo’s Patent 7,848,978 entitled “The Enhanced Transaction Resolution Technique” as CMC has committed that its system, unlike Apollo’s, does not seek financial information from credit bureaus for decisioning debt settlement ...

Cabot Credit Management Extends Noble Systemsâ Speech Analytics Solution throughout ...

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 13:51:51 +0100

Noble Systems, a global leader in unified contact centre technology solutions, and Nexidia, a leading provider of customer interaction analytics solutions for business transformation, today announced that Cabot Credit Management has chosen to implement Nexidia speech analytics at Cabot Financial. Cabot Credit Management is the parent company of Cabot Financial, as well as Apex Credit Management, who has previously achieved outstanding revenue collections and compliance improvements with ...

UK businesses "need to do more to improve their credit departmentsâ succession ...

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 11:45:01 +0100

New research from commercial credit reference agency Graydon UK indicates UK businesses need to do more to improve their credit departments’ succession planning processes and training systems if they want to attract and retain new talent.

Winterhill Largo to Auction MJN Colston Assets

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 16:31:02 +0100

Dan Butters a partner in Deloitte LLP, and one of the joint administrators of leading building services firm MJN Colston Ltd has appointed Blackburn-based Winterhill Largo, the specialist asset recovery and insolvency support group to value and sell the chattel assets of the nationwide mechanical and electrical engineering group.

Collectors Accreditation Initiative CAI

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 16:26:57 +0100

direct legal & collections (dlc) has successfully achieved the Credit Services Association CSA Collectors Accreditation Initiative CAI.

DNB Bank ASA joins Cabot Credit Management syndicate

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 12:51:45 +0100

The Cabot Credit Management Group, one of the UK’s largest and most profitable debt purchase and management businesses, has further increased its purchasing power with the commitment by DNB Bank ASA of £30 million to the Group’s existing syndicated facility.

SFP completes sale of Cura Property Maintenance Ltd

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 12:41:02 +0100

SFP, the nationwide insolvency practitioners, has completed the sale of Cura Property Maintenance Limited and saved 23 jobs after the firm went into administration.

Robert Metcalfe, Fathom, passes away

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 16:21:24 +0100

It is with deep regret and sadness that we announce the death of Robert Metcalfe aged 57 on Thursday, 1st March, 2012.

TDX Group acquires assets of Credit Account Management (CAM) from Interlaken Group

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 16:16:01 +0100

TDX, the UK’s leading provider of data and technology driven debt solutions, today announced it has acquired the assets of Credit Account Management (CAM). The deal sees TDX Group integrate the technology and software from CAM within its award winning PLATO solution which is already the UK’s largest debt placement and management platform.

Credit Action's March Statistics reveal increase in household debt for the first time in over a year

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 13:00:15 +0100

Credit Action today releases its March Debt Statistics, which show that average household debt (excluding mortgages) has risen for the first time in over a year. A similar trend was observed for consumer borrowing per UK adult.

MasterCard and Vincento Sign Five Year Strategic Partnership Agreement

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 12:52:43 +0100

MasterCard and e-money experts Vincento Payment Solutions Ltd have extended their successful relationship by signing a new five-year strategic partnership agreement, which will see continued collaboration to bring innovative prepaid solutions to consumers across Europe. For example, from March, the exclusive deal will enable all new cardholders to benefit from MasterCard® PayPass™ ‘Tap & Go™’ technology on their Kalixa prepaid cards.

Only one in thirteen with debt concerns intend to seek advice

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 11:45:05 +0100

Although debt concern now affects over 18 million (39%) of GB adults, only 1.4 million individuals (or 3%) intend to seek debt advice in the next six months. R3’s latest Personal Debt Snapshot also reveals that only 6% of the GB population has ever sought debt advice in the past.

Dukes Bailiffs improve efficiency with journey planning system

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:40:12 +0100

Dukes Bailiffs, the Stone-based company, has dramatically improved the efficiency of its operations with the introduction of a journey planning system for its bailiffs.

Aktiv Kapital announces a significant portfolio acquisition in the United Kingdom

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 11:48:32 +0100

Aktiv Kapital has today signed a contract to acquire a non-performing loan portfolio in the United Kingdom with a face value of GBP 470 million. The portfolio consists of more than 90,000 accounts of unsecured, non-performing consumer loans, with gross collections in the 12 months prior to completion of over GBP 13 million. The debt is originated from a leading global financial Institution.

Aspect to integrate Nexidia Evaluate into Aspectâs workforce optimisation platform.

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 16:20:13 +0100

Aspect, a leading provider of customer contact and Microsoft® platform solutions, today announced that it is partnering with Nexidia, a market-leading provider of audio search and speech analytics solutions, to integrate Nexidia’s speech analytics applications with Aspect’s unified interaction management and workforce optimization solution to enhance the quality of customer interactions.

AIK: 4th quarter 2011 results - Strong collection performance and operating results

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:21:17 +0100

Aktiv Kapital improves operations with collections above forecast and reduced operating expenses. The Group is strengthening its' investment capabilities and will continue to streamline and simplify the organisation through 2012.

Liquidators appointed at Lincolnshire independent electrical retail chain

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 15:45:49 +0100

John Russell and Andy Wood from The P&A Partnership have been instructed to place Lincolnshire independent electrical retailers Yates & Greenhough Limited into liquidation.

Credit Resource Solutions (CRS) announce Senior Management appointment

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:23:55 +0100

Credit Resource Solutions (CRS) are delighted to announce the appointment of Chris Bates to the role of Collections Manager.

Contact Centre Survey Reveals Continued Reliance on Outdated WFM Tools

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:52:19 +0100

 Noble Systems, a global leader in unified contact centre technology solutions, today announced the results of its latest survey of more than 400 contact centre operations, revealing that almost two-thirds of respondents have yet to adopt a Workforce Management (WFM) software solution to schedule, monitor and report on agent activity.

P&A appoints head of London and southern operations

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 13:30:52 +0100

The P&A Group of Companies, one of the largest independent insolvency and debt collection firms in the UK, has appointed Steve Butt as a partner to head up its London office.

BCW Group wins major Electric Ireland Contract

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:18:42 +0100

Electric Ireland has chosen BCW Group, credit management specialists based in the UK and Ireland, to provide all of its back office facilities. The deal is believed to be the first outsourcing contract of its kind by a utility company anywhere in Europe.

Paul Walker appointed as Managing Director of Harrisons

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:09:25 +0100

Business recovery and insolvency specialist, Harrisons, is pleased to announce that seasoned insolvency expert Paul Walker has been promoted to the new role of Managing Director. Paul Walker, previously a director of the company , takes up his new role with immediate effect.

ICM and BIS monthly cashflow âtipâ to small businesses

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:41:38 +0100

(February 2011) The Institute of Credit Management (ICM) and the Minister of State for Business and Enterprise Mark Prisk have published their monthly ‘tip’ for small businesses to better manage their cashflow.

BCW goes for ethical collections with Arumâs EQ training

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:31:20 +0100

BCW is about to become the first DCA to undertake EQ (Emotional Quotient) training by independent credit management specialist Arum. This training program is unique to the collections industry and was created by Peter Maguire, Director of Strategy & Operations at Arum.

The lewis group appoints senior collections manager

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:25:30 +0100

The lewis group, one of the UK’s leading collections agencies, has strengthened its senior management team still further with the appointment of Emma Wilson as the new Senior Collections Manager.

Consultation Paper on Transforming Bailiff Action

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 22:05:13 +0100

On Friday the 17th of February 2012, the Government finally produced the very long awaited and anticipated Consultation Paper on “transforming bailiff action”. The paper sets out the Governments proposals on how they intend to provide more protection against aggressive bailiffs and encourage more flexibility in bailiff collections.

Dr Steven Everson: why the current bailiff system needs to change

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:42:57 +0100

Dr Steven Everson is the Director General of the Civil Enforcement Association (CIVEA), the sole trade association representing certificated bailiffs in England and Wales.

Citizens Advice responds to MOJâs Compliance Review on Bailiffs

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:24:23 +0100

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive at national charity Citizens Advice said: "This review falls far short of protecting people in financial difficulty from the excessive and unfair practices carried out by bailiffs. While the re-coding of the law on bailiffs is welcome, without an independent regulatory body to oversee the bailiff industry, these reforms are unlikely to deal with the serious problems that we continue to see.

Vodafone and Teleperformance announce partnership in Newark

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 12:52:15 +0100

Vodafone and Teleperformance, a UK leader in outsourced customer services, have announced a new strategic partnership which will see Teleperformance taking on some of the work currently managed at Vodafone’s Newark contact centre.

Insolvency Practitioners Association elects new deputy vice-president

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 12:03:48 +0100

The Insolvency Practitioners Association (IPA), the membership body and regulator for those specialising in insolvency practice, has chosen Mark Fry, national head of Begbies Traynor Group’s restructuring and insolvency division, as the next Deputy Vice-President. He will subsequently take up the office of president in April 2014.

MAT Comments On Bailiff Consultation

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:36:26 +0100

The Ministry of Justice has today issued a consultation on the bailiff industry.

Government announces legal regulation of bailiffs

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:34:28 +0100

A major legal overhaul of the bailiff industry was announced today by the Justice Minister Jonathan Djanogly.

Bailiff Regulation Proposals Announced

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 10:12:09 +0100

The long-awaited consultation paper on the proposed reform of the bailiff industry, including new fee scales and an independent regulatory regime, was published this morning by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). ‘Transforming bailiff action’ is open to responses until 14 May.

Drydens and Fairfax to Merge

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:29:12 +0100

Drydens Lawyers and Fairfax Solicitors, two of the industry’s most highly regarded specialist debt recovery law firms are to merge creating the UK’s largest firm of its type. With a combined workforce of circa 300 and turnover of approximately £15m the firm will trade under the brand of drydensfairfax solicitors.

Warning for 'living together' fraudsters as just ten cases cost the taxpayer over Â£1m

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:36:36 +0100

People who commit 'living together' benefit fraud are being warned they face tough new sanctions under the welfare reform bill, currently going through Parliament.

Statement from Duff and Phelps on Rangers Football Club

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:24:53 +0100

Duff and Phelps has been engaged by the directors of The Rangers Football Club plc (RFC) to assist its negotiations with HMRC, and possible restructuring options.

Top Tips for Debt recovery

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:18:38 +0100

In this tough economic climate, many individuals or companies are finding their bad debtors list growing. It can be a balancing act between the time and cost of recovering the funds. This is especially difficult for small companies who do not have resources for chasing debts.

Mackenzie Hall Achieves CSA Collector Accreditation Initiative Accreditation

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:06:38 +0100

Leading specialist debt recovery agency, Mackenzie Hall announced today that it was successful in achieving Company Accreditation for the Credit Services Association (CSA) Collector Accreditation Initiative (CAI).

Businesses Must Sharpen Up Their Payment Terms

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:01:04 +0100

Welcoming the long-awaited proposed changes to the County Court system published last Friday, debt recovery law firm Lovetts is urging businesses to tighten up their payment terms in readiness for the reforms coming into force in 2013. The proposed reforms will enable businesses to recover debts in a much more cost effective and time efficient manner provided they change their contractual terms.

Tieto divests its UK based financial services product business

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:12:56 +0100

Tieto Corporation has agreed to sell its financial services products business based in the UK to Sopra Group, a leading global technical consulting company, based in Paris, France. The unit provides various mortgages, savings, credit and debt collections systems to organizations including banks, lenders and collection agencies in the UK. This business currently employs approximately 160 people.

CCUA rejects insolvency consultation

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:58:13 +0100

The membership of the Civil Court Users Association has rejected the plans for reform of the insolvency process.

Poverty hits harder for parents says charity facing its busiest day

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:00:01 +0100

This weekend more people will decide to tackle their debt problems than at any other time of year – and most of them will be parents, says a report out today.

CSA votes to accept Law firms as members

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:53:56 +0100

The Credit Services Association (CSA) has voted in favour of allowing law firms to join its Association in a new category of affiliate members.

Association of Arrears Mediators statistics

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:48:32 +0100

The Association of Arrears Mediators (AAM) is a Trade Association established in December 2009 and represents the five major Field Agencies.

Mixed feelings over response to consultation

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:07:50 +0100

The Civil Court Users Association (CCUA) states it has mixed views over the government response to the consultation on reforming civil justice in England & Wales.

Second charge mortgage repossessions fall again in 2011

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:52:11 +0100

In 2011, second-charge mortgage lenders repossessed 827 properties, 4.3% down on 2010’s total, according to figures released today by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA), the trade body for the second-charge mortgage market.

LCH.Clearnet Group Limited Results 2011

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:39:48 +0100

LCH.Clearnet Group Limited (LCH.Clearnet) today announces its results for the year ended 31 December 2011.

Volumes of IVAs down in 2011, but consumer accessibility increases significantly

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:00:14 +0100

TDX, the UK’s leading provider of data and technology driven debt solutions, today announced that overall insolvencies were down 13% in England and Wales in 2011 compared to 2010, with IVAs showing a slightly smaller reduction in volume of just 8%. TDX has visibility of over 90% of all IVA cases via TIX, the UK’s largest IVA servicing Platform.

Dukes pass full ISO systems audit with flying colours

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:35:33 +0100

Dukes Bailiffs is continuing to deliver high standards with its quality management systems.

Admininstrators sell UGO stores to Poundstretcher

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:16:32 +0100

Administrators from The P&A Partnership have sold the UGO discount store group to the Poundstretcher chain in a pre-pack deal saving 245 jobs.

Redundancies as Keighley joinery firm to close this week

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:18:27 +0100

Oakworth Joinery Ltd, Keighley, which went into administration last Friday, is shutting down this week with the loss of 170 jobs.

Marlin leaps up The Sunday Times âBuyout Track 100â league table

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:13:51 +0100

For the second year running, Marlin features prominently in “The Buyout Track 100” league table, rising from 15th in 2011 to 5th place in 2012.

Government to make debt services fairer and more preventative

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:15:39 +0100

The Cabinet Office has published an interim report on debt owed to government. The report comes from the cross-Government ‘Fraud, Error and Debt Taskforce’ – a new team set up by the Government in 2010, within six months of taking office, to get a better grip on money lost through fraud, error and debt.

Government and business press for prompt payment

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:07:39 +0100

The Government and industry is calling on businesses and public organisations to pay suppliers on time and for small firms to pursue those who put them at risk by delaying.

Bad weather affecting cash flow for SMEs

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:09:54 +0100

Mike Hutchinson of Bacs Payment Schemes Ltd (Bacs), comments on how bad weather can affect the cash flow of small businesses and sole traders:

Small firms to stand up and be counted on late payment in new research from FPB and Graydon UK Ltd

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:47:23 +0100

To coincide with a government drive to help business owners get paid on time, the Forum of Private Business (FPB) and Graydon UK Ltd, a commercial credit reference agency, are to research small firms’ attitudes to managing invoice payments and cash flow.

Have you been the victim of a #bailiffblag?

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:39:48 +0100

Debt advice charity the Money Advice Trust is launching a week long (Monday February 6th - Sunday February 12th) initiative to encourage consumers to stand up for their rights against bailiffs. The #bailiffblags hash tag is being used on Twitter to highlight the different techniques used by bailiffs to gain entry to a property. Once a bailiff has gained entry by peaceable means, they can return to take your goods and break in if you don’t let them in.

Insolvency figures âcalm before the stormâ Bankruptcy reforms overdue says EuroDebt

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:42:55 +0100

As the consultation on bankruptcy reforms closed this week, EuroDebt Financial Services, DEMSA member and the leading provider of face to face debt solutions and advice, is urging the Government to cut the cost and time involved in declaring bankruptcy. With the latest individual insolvency figures showing a drop of 5.6% year on year, EuroDebt is warning this could be ‘the calm before the storm’.

The P&A Partnership appointed as administrators of Keighley joinery business

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:30:46 +0100

John Russell and Chris White of The P&A Partnership have today been appointed administrators of Oakworth Joinery Ltd, the UK’s largest independent window and door manufacturer.

BCW Group boosts power with utilities collection firm acquisition

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:43:42 +0100

BCW Group, one of the UK and Ireland’s largest providers of credit management services, has acquired the specialist utilities debt collection company Utility Management Services (UMS) for an undisclosed sum.

P&A Partnership announces jobs saved as Bridlington care home sold after 14 months in ...

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:46:25 +0100

Administrators have sold Afton Court residential care home, Bridlington, saving 16 jobs and ensuring the continued care of 19 elderly residents.

New Forum for Credit & Finance Managers in the Transport and Haulage industry

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:15:26 +0100

Rising fuel prices are having an ongoing impact on the Transport and Haulage industry. Also along with many other sectors companies are feeling the pinch with creditors taking longer to pay, and insolvencies continuing to take their toll on working capital. The P&A Global Payment Survey from 2011 indicated that late payment had become an increasing problem with 70% of the respondents indicating their customer base were now paying beyond terms.

UK Debt Statistics from Credit Action February 2012

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:14:53 +0100

UK Personal Debt • Outstanding personal debt stood at £1.451 trillion at the end of December 2011.  • This is down from £1.454 trillion at the end of December 2010. Individuals owed nearly as much as the entire country produced in the four quarters between Q4 2010 and Q3 2011.  • Outstanding secured (mortgage) lending stood at £1.245 trillion at the end of December 2011. This is up from &# ...

Less competition in the Bailiff sector 'wonât be good news for anyone'

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:42:36 +0100

Colin Naylor, Co-Chairman of CIVEA and Managing Director of Dukes Bailiffs, says that the Bailiff industry is supposed to be made up of tough and resilient people, but asks "Why then are we, apparently, such a soft target?"

Dukes staff dress down for international charity fundraiser

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:28:33 +0100

Dukes Bailiffs is continuing to support its chosen charity with a series of fundraising activities during 2011.

Water debts up by one third in 2011

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:23:59 +0100

The number of calls for help with water debts received by National Debtline increased by one third (32 per cent) in 2011, compared to 2010. Nearly ten per cent of all callers now have water debt problems, in 2006, only three per cent of callers had this problem. Since 2006 the number of calls taken by National Debtline advisers from people with water debts has increased by 432 per cent.

Telsolutions Preview+ introduced to provide contact centres flexible dialling strategies

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:08:11 +0100

Telsolutions, a leading provider of cloud-based, multi-channel proactive customer communications, today announced the immediate availability of Telsolutions Preview+, a preview dialling enhancement to Telsolutions Hosted Dialler offering on the Telsolutions Engage Platform. This provides contact centres with the necessary contact strategies to address regulations that limit the use of automated diallers.

Optima Legal appoints Professional Support Lawyer

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:18:43 +0100

Optima Legal has appointed Dan Marland as Professional Support Lawyer in its Repossession Division.

SFP appointed administrator of Sensible Transport Ltd

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:54:26 +0100

SFP, the nationwide insolvency practitioners, has been appointed Administrator of Sensible Transport Limited after the firm encountered financial difficulties, leading to debts of almost £1 million with a sum owed to Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

CSA response to announcement on the Financial Services Bill and Future Regulation of Consumer Credit

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:54:00 +0100

In response to the Government’s announcement on the Financial Services Bill and Future Regulation of Consumer Credit, Sara de Tute, president of the Credit Services Association (CSA), says:

Eversheds comment: Late payments by UK companies climb sharply

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:35:18 +0100

Latest figures have shown that UK companies have formed an increasingly bad habit of late payments, with the average in 2011 paying almost 26 days beyond the agreed terms. Large UK companies were the worst culprits, paying an average of 34 days late. Thomas Whitfield, Solicitor at international law firm Eversheds, comments:

Fagri Semaar joins Teleperformance as new MD of South Africa

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:32:34 +0100

Teleperformance is delighted to announce the appointment of Fagri Semaar as its new Managing Director for South Africa.

Govt. urged to re-think decision not to offer creditors more legal protection from ...

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:22:32 +0100

The Forum of Private Business (FPB) is responding with dismay to a government announcement that legislation to improve the pre-pack insolvency sales process, designed to clamp down on ‘phoenix’ companies starting again while leaving their creditors unpaid, will now not go ahead as planned.

ICM agrees new strategic partnerships in radical shake-up of recruitment provision to members

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:10:07 +0100

The Institute of Credit Management (ICM) has completed a strategic review of recruitment services provided by the ICM to its members, as part of a much wider restructure of the ICM’s headquarters in line with the formulation of a new three-year plan.

CCUA House of Lords Dinner 2012

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:52:20 +0100

The Civil Court Users Association (CCUA) is pleased to announce that the Master of the Rolls, Lord Neuberger of Abbotsbury will be the guest of honour at their dinner in the Cholmondeley Room at the House of Lords on Thursday 8th March.

Launch of second annual survey of international late payment risks and trends

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:39:50 +0100

The second annual survey of global credit trends and risks, which last year highlighted the escalating problem of late payment in business, launches on 1 February.

Wescot further strengthens its Compliance team with the appointment of Head of Compliance.

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:20:35 +0100

Charlotte Allen joined Wescot at the end of December to work with Sara de Tute, Wescot’s Legal and Compliance Director. Prior to joining Wescot, Charlotte was a Regulatory Manager at Deloitte, working with financial services organisations to achieve their Regulatory Compliance objectives.

Payments council appoints two new independent directors

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:12:47 +0100

The Payments Council is pleased to announce the appointment of two new Independent Directors to its Board. Clare Spottiswoode CBE and Gerard Lemos CMG join the Council’s two other Independent Directors and its Independent Chairman. They will take up their new roles immediately.

Institute dismay at Government announcement over pre-packs

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:08:57 +0100

“Two years to go nowhere,” is how Philip King, Chief Executive of the Institute of Credit Management, has greeted today’s announcement from the Government that it will not be seeking to introduce new legislative controls on pre-packs at this time.

One in three prospective students ânot worried about debtâ

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:58:13 +0100

Money education charity Credit Action has warned that student life is normalising the debt culture, after a new survey revealed that 36% of young people see being in debt as a ‘normal’ part of university life.

Federation of Petroleum Suppliers comment on the latest Petroplus news

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:50:15 +0100

Mark Askew Chief Executive of Industry Trade Body, the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS), who represents the majority of oil distribution companies in Great Britain, comments on the Petroplus news update:

Statement from the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers about Petroplus filing for insolvency

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:39:18 +0100

Mark Askew Chief Executive of Industry Trade Body, the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS), who represents the majority of oil heating distribution companies in Great Britain, who are, in the main, small family businesses, comments:

SFP completes sale of Property Protection GRP (UK) Limited

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:42:06 +0100

SFP, the nationwide insolvency practitioners, has completed the sale of Property Protection GRP (UK) Limited after the firm went into administration.

Credit Resource Solutions (CRS) announces two Board appointments

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:18:15 +0100

Credit Resource Solutions (CRS) are delighted to announce two new appointments to their board.

IPA Lecture raises questions on Government proposals for reform of bankruptcy petition process

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:25:01 +0100

Chief Bankruptcy Registrar Stephen Baister, who is also President of the Institute of Credit Management, gave the Insolvency Practitioners Association (IPA) annual lecture in Pall Mall on Thursday evening. The event attracted around 100 guests to hear Baister deliver a highly critical analysis of the Government’s proposals.

Local business to support Saint Maryâs Hospital Charity

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:38:18 +0100

Manchester based business, Phillips & Cohen Associates (UK) Ltd, is delighted to announce its selection of Saint Mary’s Hospital Charity, as its charity of the year for 2012.

ICM and BIS monthly cashflow âtipâ to small businesses

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:25:21 +0100

The Institute of Credit Management (ICM) and the Minister of State for Business and Enterprise, Mark Prisk, have published their monthly ‘tip’ for small businesses to better manage their cashflow.

Internal appointment of compliance executive at ARC (Europe) Ltd

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:43:31 +0100

ARC (Europe) Ltd are pleased to announce the internal appointment of Patrick Rowell as Compliance Executive.

STA Graydon restores its independence

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:27:13 +0100

Award winning debt collection agency STA International Limited has acquired Graydon’s minority shareholding in its business and changed its trading name from STA Graydon to STA International.

The lewis group appoints new head of compliance

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:44:58 +0100

Joanne Pearson, formerly of GE Money/Santander Cards, has joined the lewis group as head of compliance, a new role reflecting the importance the company is putting on building upon an already strong reputation for compliance in light of a growing list of regulatory and legislative requirements.

More pressure on consumers during Christmas 2011 than Christmas 2010

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:33:26 +0100

Payments provider, VocaLink, reveals that Christmas 2011 put a greater strain on consumers’ wallets than Christmas 2010, as the gap between inflation and take home pay widens.

Select few 'grabbing all the growth' in the UK Debt Collection Agencies industry.

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:21:46 +0100

A new study by industry analysts Plimsoll Publishing has identified a group of 71 emerging companies in the UK Debt Collection Agencies industry. In the last year these companies have increased sales by an average 24% and are taking further control of the market as we start 2012.

JBW response to MOJ complaint

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:10:09 +0100

Reference to a complaint against the MOJ in 2009, Jamie Waller, CEO of JBW commented: “This complaint dates back to 2009, when we considered raising a grievance against the MOJ.

PRA acquires Mackenzie Hall Holdings, expands presence in United Kingdom

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:05:54 +0100

Portfolio Recovery Associates, Inc. (NASDAQ: PRAA), a specialized financial and business services company and market leader in the consumer debt purchase and collection industry, today announced that it has acquired Mackenzie Hall Holdings Ltd., a leading UK debt collection and purchase group.

Updated National Standards for Enforcement Agencies donât tell the whole story

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:33:47 +0100

Colin Naylor, Co-Chairman of CIVEA (the Civil Enforcement Association) and Managing Director of Dukes Bailiffs, has welcomed the publication of the updated National Standards, but says the public should be aware these are the industry’s own standards, not something simply being imposed by Government.

Bailiff standards revised

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:35:06 +0100

Updated National Standards for Enforcement Agents, to define acceptable behaviour for bailiffs, were unveiled on Friday 13 January by Justice Minister Jonathan Djanogly.

Shell International successfully reapplies for QiCM accreditation

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:07:06 +0100

Shell International, the first company to achieve the Institute of Credit Management’s ‘Quality in Credit Management’ (QiCM) accreditation, has also become the first company to renew its accredited status following a successful reassessment.

UK Debt Statistics from Credit Action January 2012

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:42:38 +0100

UK Personal Debt
• Outstanding personal debt stood at £1.451 trillion at the end of November 2011.
• This is down from £1.455 trillion at the end of November 2010. Individuals owed nearly as much as the entire country produced in the four quarters between Q4 2010 and Q3 2011.

Experian and American Express announce international payment partnership

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:22:14 +0100

Experian, the global information services company, and American Express, today announced a partnership to offer international payment processing and foreign exchange services to Experian’s UK clients. The deal will make it easier and cheaper for businesses of all sizes to make and process overseas payments online.

ICM continues its corporate partnership with Brethertons

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:25:59 +0100

The Institute of Credit Management (ICM) is pleased to announce the renewal of its successful corporate partnership with solicitors Brethertons for 2012.

Atradius Collectionsâ latest survey now includes Asia Pacific

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:16:12 +0100

Atradius Collections releases the results of its Global Collections Review in its fifth and fully updated edition. The new review now includes the Asia Pacific region for the first time, giving valuable insight on the collections behaviour of businesses all over the world and how they deal with overdue invoices.

One in five struggling to manage debts

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:38:04 +0100

Research from the Money Advice Trust has shown that the number of people getting help from free debt advice agencies increased in 2011 to 1.54 million people, compared to 1.4 million in 2010. However, the charity is warning that there is a far larger ‘latent’ demand for help, as figures also show around 10 million individuals in the UK (around 20 per cent of the adult population) find themselves in a ‘constant struggle’ to manage their debts. Beyond that an estim ...

P&A Receivables celebrates 10 years of business growth

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:44:30 +0100

Sheffield – based P&A Receivables Services Plc is celebrating its 10th anniversary and its growth from a local to an international business.

New specialist debt recovery and credit control business launched in Dalston, Cumbria

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:16:02 +0100

Vicki Moffat, Cumbria’s top debt collector launches her own specialist debt recovery and credit control business, D A Recovery Solutions (Debts-In Limited) operating from David Allen’s offices in Dalston.

Christmas âgiversâ face New Year debt misery

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:51:59 +0100

A new report has revealed that households in the North East and South West are set to face the biggest New Year debt hangovers, with Sunderland, Truro and Plymouth topping the list of 20 postcode locations in the UK most likely to have overspent this Christmas. On average, people in these 20 areas devoted £612 to the festive season, equating to over 100% of their disposable income. DEMSA member EuroDebt Financial Services, the leading debt solutions provider offering face to face a ...

tracehunter - Free Trace Productivity Report

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:04:49 +0100

Trace management software developers, tracehunter, have compiled a free report looking at the issue of productivity within the debtor trace process. The paper deals with the key issues faced by the debtor trace industry at present and with some trace departments and firms being 6 times more productive than others it makes for interesting reading.

LCH.Clearnet appoints Lisa Rosen as Group Head of Compliance and Public Affairs

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:37:21 +0100

LCH.Clearnet Group Ltd (LCH.Clearnet) has appointed Lisa Rosen as Group Head of Compliance and Public Affairs. Previously, Lisa was Managing Director, Global Head of Regulatory Affairs at Barclays Capital in London.

P&A appoints new manager to oversee growth of credit forums

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:20:10 +0100

Jane Spinks has been appointed by P&A Receivables Services Plc to manage and grow its industry credit forums, which currently support international businesses in a number of sectors, including IT and retail.

Generation Y turns to Debt Relief Orders to deal with debt

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:55:41 +0100

More people aged between 25 and 34 are turning to Debt Relief Orders (DROs) to deal with their debt problems than any other age group within the population, Insolvency Service figures show.

Rising rents drive increase in severe tenant arrears

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:46:26 +0100

The number of tenants in severe financial difficulty has climbed in the last quarter of 2011, with nearly 11,400 more tenants over two months in arrears than a year ago, according to the latest Tenant Arrears Tracker by Templeton LPA, the specialist practice of LPA Receivers.

All internet and phone payments to be faster from 2012

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:29:45 +0100

Quicker internet and phone banking payments are set to become standard from 1 January 2012, enabling many consumers to pay their tax and credit card bills on a same-day basis for the first time.

Consultation on National Standards for Enforcement Agents

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 09:04:47 +0100

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) surprised local authorities last week (Wednesday 14 December) by circulating a document recommending changes to the National Standards for Enforcement Agents.

Noble Systems White Paper Explores New Rules of WFM

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:36:53 +0100

Noble Systems, a global leader in unified contact centre technology solutions, today released a new white paper designed to explain the new rules of Workforce Management (WFM) and what is most important for today’s technology decision-makers to consider.

ICM sounds note of caution over proposals for the regulation of IPS

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:30:49 +0100

The Institute of Credit Management (ICM) has given a cautious welcome to the letter from Ed Davey (Minister for Employment Relations, Consumers and Postal Affairs) in response to consultation on reforms to the regulation of insolvency practitioners, and specifically news that he has not ruled out moving to a single regulator.

Response by R3 to Edward Davey announcement on Regulation of Insolvency Practitioners

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:38:12 +0100

Frances Coulson, President of R3, the insolvency trade body, gave the following response: “We support today’s announcement by Edward Davey MP, the Minster for Employment Relations, Consumer and Postal Affairs, which recognises that ‘the vast majority of insolvency practitioners do a good job in difficult circumstances’ and that the regime ‘has worked reasonably well’ during testing times.

Payments Council evidence shows minimal impact of cheque guarantee card scheme closure

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:23:32 +0100

Following on from its decision that cheques will stay, the Payments Council today confirms that its research to assess the impact of the closure of the Cheque Guarantee Card Scheme on consumers and businesses provides clear evidence that no case exists for reinstating the Scheme.

Cabot Financial Ireland Wins the IICM Consumer Credit Team of the Year 2011

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:34:51 +0100

November 18th saw the Irish Institute of Credit Management Annual Awards take place at the Conrad Hotel in Dublin. The event, which is open to all of IICM members, recognised Cabot Financials Collections Team its prestigious Credit team of the Year Award, reflecting the team’s commitment to helping customers to resolve past credit difficulties. In a challenging operating environment, the team’s approach to customer management, delivering with care and integrity, s ...

SFP Group Shortlisted for Business Moneyfacts Award

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:15:02 +0100

The SFP Group has been shortlisted in the Best Recovery Specialist of the Year category at the prestigious Business Moneyfacts Awards.

Insolvency Trade Body comments on today's retail figures

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:55:41 +0100

Frances Coulson, R3 President, comments on the retail sales estimates for November:

Shulmans bulks up commercial debt recovery department with two new appointments

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:29:45 +0100

Leading Leeds commercial solicitors Shulmans has made two appointments to its debt recovery team in response to increased demand from businesses for such a service.

ICM and BIS monthly cashflow âtipâ to small businesses

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:13:47 +0100

The Institute of Credit Management (ICM) and the Minister of State for Business and Enterprise Mark Prisk have published their monthly ‘tip’ for small businesses to better manage their cashflow.

MAT comments on the latest rise in unemployment

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:55:56 +0100

Commenting on the latest rise in unemployment, Joanna Elson OBE, Chief Executive of the Money Advice Trust (MAT), said:

MAT comments on OFT payday loans investigation

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:49:00 +0100

Commenting on the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) investigation into payday lending companies, Joanna Elson OBE, Chief Executive of the Money Advice Trust (MAT), said:

Leading organisations unite to call on the Government to do more to tackle late payment

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:50:51 +0100

A group of leading organisations have joined together to urge the Government to tackle the growing problem of late payment in order to help small firms survive, grow and drive economic recovery.

ICM supports industry drive to tackle late payment

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:45:48 +0100

The Institute of Credit Management (ICM) has thrown its weight behind an initiative from the Forum of Private Business to tackle the issue of late payment

Experian to provide Welsh Water with enhanced debt management tool

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:11:32 +0100

Experian, the global information services company, today announced it has signed a deal with Welsh Water to implement the latest version of its Tallyman software, helping the organisation streamline its collections process.

Brits prefer to manage their debt online over face-to-face

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:10 +0100

Intelligent Environments, a digital banking provider, reveals that online repayment portals are the top choice (25%) for meeting debt obligations, followed by email messages (21%).

Marlin continues to strengthen

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:41:37 +0100

Leading debt purchaser, Marlin Financial Group has added two experts to their team at a time of continued growth and success.

Daniels Silverman strengthens its growing team

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 12:51:05 +0100

Daniels Silverman, the credit management and debt collection company, has appointed Rachel Hart to its client liaison team.

Faster Payments Scheme Limited holds inaugural board meeting

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:03:10 +0100

Faster Payments Scheme Limited has held its inaugural board meeting, confirming its status as a separate legal entity. Kevin Brown of RBS Group was elected as the first Chairman of the new company at the meeting on 29 November.

CML reaction to new DWP consultation on Support for Mortgage Interest

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:53:06 +0100

The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) welcomes today's "call for evidence" published by the Department for Work and Pensions on Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI), and confirms it will be responding formally. The CML looks forward to working with the DWP as it seeks to improve the way in which SMI is administered.

HMRC Takes On âFootball Creditors Ruleâ

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:41:04 +0100

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has launched a major High Court case to stop football clubs and their employees being paid ahead of other creditors if the club becomes insolvent.

SMEs urged to maintain their focus this Christmas

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 13:32:40 +0100

The lead up to the Christmas break can be a busy and testing time for SMEs, with cash flows becoming more strained than at any other point in the year. Given the challenges businesses are currently facing due to economic pressures, this year is unlikely to buck the annual trend.

As the Christmas shutdown approaches, Daniels Silverman urges SMEs to revisit written off debt

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:34:49 +0100

With the Christmas shutdown and year end fast approaching, leading debt collection agency Daniels Silverman is urging SMEs to revisit old, uncollected debts following its high success rate in recovering money for businesses nationwide, sometimes years after the debts have been written off.  

iQor Wins Eight Year contract with Capita for the collection of BBC TV Licensing Fee Arrears

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:28:20 +0100

iQor UK, a global provider of business process outsourcing services today announced that it will work in partnership with The Capita Group Plc to support an 8 year contract with the BBC to administer the TV Licensing service. iQor will be responsible for the management and collection of TV Licensing instalment plan arrears, with revenues to iQor over the life of the contract expected to be worth £80m; this is believed to be the largest collections contract awarded in the UK.

Mackenzie Hall sponsor Cash for Kids Christmas lunch

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:23:24 +0100

Leading specialist debt recovery agency, Mackenzie Hall supported the local Cash for Kids Christmas lunch.

Insolvency Practitioners Association annual Personal Insolvency Conference

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:19:01 +0100

As part of the Insolvency Practitioners Association's (IPA) 50th anniversary programme, its (now annual) conference for personal insolvency specialists was held at The Point in Manchester on 1st December. This was the second year for the event, and it attracted more delegates than the inaugural conference in 2010. Around 100 IPs, creditor representatives and others gathered for a packed agenda with some quality external speakers.

SFP completes sale of KDE Facilities Management

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 13:09:02 +0100

SFP, the nationwide insolvency practitioners, has completed the sale of KDE Facilities Management Limited (KDE) following restructuring and saved in excess of 40 jobs, after the firm encountered financial difficulties.

BBC selects Capita to administer TV licensing

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:41:54 +0100

BBC selects Capita as preferred partner to administer TV licensing for a further 8 years.

New Software Enhances Speed of International Collections

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:26:22 +0100

Euler Hermes Collections UK, a company of Allianz, has launched a new software platform that will considerably enhance the speed and efficiency of its current UK and international debt collections service.

Equifax launches collections white paper

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:22:23 +0100

Leading consumer credit data and analytics expert, Equifax, has published a new White Paper, addressing many of the issues collections professionals are currently facing. The Equifax Collections White Paper is available to download from http://bit.ly/EquifaxCollectionsWhitepaper.

1st Credit appoints Leith Robertson as Executive Chairman

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:54:03 +0100

1st Credit, the leading debt collection company, has today announced the appointment of Leith Robertson as Executive Chairman.

CSA Takes New 2012 DiplomaI to Another Level

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:41:47 +0100

The Credit Services Association (CSA), the voice of the UK debt collection industry, has revised, revamped and re-launched its Diploma qualification to even better reflect the growing level of professionalism required of those working in the industry.

Daniels Silverman survey highlights SME cashflow crisis

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:55:45 +0100

A survey by credit management and collection company Daniels Silverman highlights increased concern among small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) about poor cashflow, with two thirds revealing their businesses were in danger of closure.

LADER Conference brings together Local Authorities and Enforcement Companies

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:48:49 +0100

The LADER (Local Authority Debt Enforcement & Recovery forum) Conference saw over 60 local authorities discussing the rationalization of procurement and the need to promote good practice.

Politicians win SENSEable soccer match

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 23:44:39 +0100

Leading specialist debt recovery agency, Mackenzie Hall went head to head with politicians in a charity football match in aid of Sense Scotland, raising over £5000.

EDF Energy achieves Quality in Credit Management Status

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 15:44:43 +0100

The Institute of Credit Management has awarded EDF Energy Quality in Credit Management status.

CCCS appoints new Head of Creditor Relations

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:11:54 +0100

Debt charity Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) has announced the appointment of Richard Haymes as Head of Creditor Relations. Richard joined the charity on November 14 from Payplan Ltd, where he was Strategic Creditor Relationships Manager.

VocaLink and Fundtech partner to assist in the global move to Immediate Payments

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:17:02 +0100

VocaLink, the international payments provider, and Fundtech, a market leader in global transaction banking solutions, have signed a global partnership to offer Immediate Payments. The collaboration means that banks can provide their customers with an end-to-end, inter-bank, real-time payments service that delivers greater convenience and control. The solution is designed to cater for low-value payments and is available through multi-channel service options such as mobile and browser ...

VocaLink and Clear2Pay team up to facilitate the move to global Immediate Payments

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:12:49 +0100

VocaLink, the international payments provider, and Clear2Pay, the international technology provider of next generation payment solutions, are teaming up to bring the industry one step closer to achieving global Immediate Payments. The partnership enables banks to provide their customers with an end-to-end, inter-bank, real-time payments service, with the inclusion of multi-channel service options such as mobile.

BCW Group announces new flexible working initiative with 20 jobs up for grabs

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 12:43:48 +0100

BCW Group, the UK’s number one credit management organisation, has announced that it plans to recruit a further 20 part-time employees for its Worthing operation after launching a new flexible working initiative, aimed at encouraging local people back into employment.

Teleperformance Collections part of winning team at Awards

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:14:00 +0100

“Teleperformance Collections is delighted to announce it was part of the TDX ‘Team Pioneer’ responsible for helping TDX to win the ”Innovation of the Year Award” at the Credit Today awards this month. Teleperformance Collections have been chosen as a “Partner Agency” of TDX, following many years of successful collections performance, sitting consistently at the top of league tables working in Financial Services, Utilities & Telec ...

Charity football match invitation - Mackenzie Hall vs Politicians

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:01:23 +0100

Leading specialist debt recovery agency, Mackenzie Hall is set to kick off against politicians in a football match in aid of Sense Scotland, a charity that supports the deafblind.

Debt Management Plan partnership commences

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:53:46 +0100

The debt management plan (DMP) partnership between national debt charities Citizens Advice and Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) is underway. This follows an initial phase to identify and address any early delivery issues, to ensure that the partnership was delivering a consistent service for clients.

Business Debt Advisor saves EPT from a âfrostyâ outlook

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:31:41 +0100

Manchester-based corporate debt advisory, The Business Debt Advisor has rescued air conditioning and data centre specialists, Environment & Power Technology Limited (EPT) and its 14 employees from insolvency.

Daniels Silverman comment on the proposal to reform the bankruptcy process

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:16:08 +0100

Carole Hughes, managing director, Daniels Silverman, comments on the recent proposals announced by business minister, Edward Davey, to reform the bankruptcy process.

ICM and BIS monthly cashflow âtipâ to small businesses

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:41:28 +0100

The Institute of Credit Management (ICM) and the Minister of State for Business and Enterprise Mark Prisk have published their monthly ‘tip’ for small businesses to better manage their cashflow.

Firms mitigate risk with tighter payment terms for customers

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:36:21 +0100

Retailers are currently the UK sector with the fastest payment times, according to a new report from leading trade credit insurer Atradius.

Frances Coulson, R3 President, comments on latest retail figures

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:14:54 +0100

“The pick-up in retail sales is unsurprising given that we are now in the run-up to Christmas. The next few months are a crucial period for retailers to build up their reserves before the New Year when consumers will curtail their spending once again. This year many retail businesses entered administration following June’s quarter day as consumers spent the first half of 2011 paying off their Christmas debts.

Hereford Cathedral restoration builders go into liquidation

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:08:43 +0100

Paul Walker and John Sallabank of recovery and insolvency specialist, Harrisons, were appointed Joint Liquidators to Capps & Capps of Sarnesfield, Herefordshire, on 15 November 2011. The building company specialised in the conservation and restoration of historic buildings and had carried out extensive renovations to Hereford Cathedral.

The Lewis Group makes the shortlist for Scottish Business Award

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:07:31 +0100

The Lewis Group, one of the UK’s leading collections agencies, has followed its recent nomination by now making the shortlist of the Scottish Business Awards for demonstrating excellence in treating customers fairly (TCF) and for its commitment to customer service.

Payments Council responds to Treasury Select Committee Future of Cheques report

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:01 +0100

Adrian Kamellard, Chief Executive of the Payments Council says:

Palatineâs MoneyPlus Group completes four acquisitions in four months

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:01 +0100

Palatine Private Equity’s portfolio company, MoneyPlus Group (‘MPG’), has completed four acquisitions in the four months since its management buyout, adding more than 5,000 IVA and debt management cases.

Flint Bishop win Lexisnexis

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:31:17 +0100

As part of its aggressive growth plans, the commercial dispute resolution (CDR) team at Midlands law firm Flint Bishop has secured LexisNexis’ UK debt recovery work.

Local finalist heads for Modern Apprenticeship Awards

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:24:46 +0100

A Kilmarnock company has been chosen as a finalist in Skills Development Scotland’s Modern Apprenticeship Awards, sponsored by HP.

Nexidia adds first-call resolution analysis patent to intellectual property portfolio

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:12:39 +0100

Nexidia, a leading provider of customer interaction analytics solutions for business transformation, today announces a new U.S. patent for its unique first-call resolution analysis technology, which provides deep insight into the reasons customers repeatedly call contact centres. The Enhancing Call Centre Performance award (U.S. Patent 8,051,086) expands Nexidia’s intellectual property portfolio to 13 U.S. patents since 2007.

Dukes Bailiffs and IRRV Working Together

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:07:13 +0100

Dukes Bailiffs is continuing its working relationship with the Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation by providing its well-appointed presentation room for IRRV training.

Bankruptcy petitions too costly and too complicated - EuroDebt welcomes reforms

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 18:05:55 +0100

With the latest insolvency figures showing a marked reduction in the number of bankruptcies, EuroDebt Financial Services, the leading debt management solutions provider of face to face advice, is welcoming the Government’s proposals to cut the cost and time involved in declaring bankruptcy.

Tips on how to finance business equipment covered in new cashflow guide

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 17:37:00 +0100

A new guide that provides essential advice for SMEs investing in vital but expensive business equipment has been published by the Institute of Credit Management (ICM) as part of its highly successful ‘Managing Cashflow’ series.

Enforcement Team of the Year 2011

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 17:23:50 +0100

Marston Group (Marston), the UK’s leading enforcement provider, is celebrating a double hat-trick after winning ‘Enforcement Team of Year’ at Wednesday night’s DCA awards ceremony.

Arrow Global named Debt Purchaser of the Year

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:45:45 +0100

Leading European debt purchaser Arrow Global was named Debt Purchaser of the Year by a panel of industry leaders at the annual Credit Today Debt Collection Awards held in Manchester, England last night.

Credit Managers' Index score is lowest in four quarters

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:36:00 +0100

Statistics from the latest Credit Managers’ Index (CMI – Q2 2011) have revealed the lowest headline score in four quarters, suggesting that confidence levels are falling and companies are finding it harder to collect their cash.

Dukes Bailiffs welcome John Farrell to the team

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:32:52 +0100

Dukes Bailiffs has appointed John Farrell IRRV (Hons) as Business Development Associate at its Stone-based operation.

Second charge mortgage repossessions remain low in Q3

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:10:56 +0100

The total number of second charge mortgage repossessions so far this year is 649, 7.8% lower than in the same period in 2010, according to figures released today by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA).

RBS man appointed to manage P&A banking and financial division

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:59:44 +0100

The P&A Group of Companies is continuing to grow its P&A Receivables Services PLC with the appointment of Paul Leary as divisional director of its banking and financial arm.

Payments Council seeks views on governance and performance

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:55:59 +0100

The Payments Council has today opened a public consultation on its performance and the way it is run, as part of a comprehensive review led by Payments Council Independent Director, Professor Martin Cave, to be published in the spring.

Cautious welcome for new consultation on bankruptcy

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:46:52 +0100

The ICM has welcomed the consultation launched by the Insolvency Service regarding the reform of the process to apply for bankruptcy and compulsory winding up.

New streamlined application process proposed for bankruptcy and compulsory winding up

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:44:20 +0100

Proposals to introduce a better application system for bankruptcy and company windings up, easing burdens on business whilst safeguarding debtors, were announced yesterday by Business Minister Edward Davey.

Debt recovery firm appoints new business development manager.

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 20:05:36 +0100

Legal Recoveries & Collections Ltd are pleased to welcome Nick Smith to the position of Business Development Manager. Nick joins LRC with over 10 years experience in the legal recoveries industry.

Joint Insolvency Committee Appoints Philip King as New Lay Member

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 17:34:14 +0100

Philip King, Chief Executive of the Institute of Credit Management (ICM), has been appointed a Lay Member of the Joint Insolvency Committee (JIC).

Cashflow not customer is king as businesses toughen up on debt

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:16:41 +0100

As economic indicators continue to paint a gloomy picture for the UK’s recovery, businesses are reversing their priorities and are putting cashflow before customer relationships to keep afloat and bad debt at bay. Following news this week that SMEs are owed £33.6bn in late payments, the latest figures from commercial debt recovery law firm, Lovetts, show that businesses are getting tougher on customers who pay late and were chasing overdue invoices with a Letter Before Act ...

SMEs urged to outsource late payments

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:05:06 +0100

With late payments at all-time high SMEs should consider outsourcing their accounts payable function says Carole Hughes, managing director at credit management and debt collection specialist Daniels Silverman.

Families risk drowning in debt as water rates rise

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:08:55 +0100

According to the latest report from The Money Advice Trust, UK households in financial difficulty are struggling to pay their water bills, with over 10,000 people asking for help so far in 2011. Record numbers of consumers have applied for a Government scheme to cap water bills, and hundreds of thousands of people are falling into arrears on their accounts.

Shergroup and MP come together for House of Commons talks

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:43:59 +0100

The changing world of enforcement will be the focus of an event at the House of Commons next month, hosted by High Court Enforcement Agency Shergroup alongside Conservative MP Priti Patel.

Statement from Colin Naylor, MD of Dukes Bailiffs and Co-Chairman of CIVEA

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:08:49 +0100

A statement from Colin Naylor, Managing Director of Dukes Bailiffs and Co-Chairman of CIVEA, the independently funded association formed to represent all private certificated bailiffs in England and Wales, following Bailiff programme of 31st October.

Association of Arrears Mediators statistics Q3 2011

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:00:54 +0100

The Association of Arrears Mediators (AAM) is a Trade Association established in December 2009 and represents the five major Field Agencies (DMS, Excel, NCI, PDP and PSP/Fieldcall). These firms are responsible for circa 92% of all home visits instructed by mortgage lenders in the United Kingdom, as an integral part of arrears and possessions processes.

Bailiff industry needs reform, says leader

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 12:53:19 +0100

A leading enforcement company has called for the introduction of legislation to bring clarity to the industry once and for all.

Government opts out of European Commission proposals and sees off threat to UK rescue culture

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:31:45 +0100

“R3 is pleased to learn of today’s announcement that Britain will opt out of plans to introduce a European Account Preservation Order (EAPO). R3 had repeatedly warned of the threat to the UK’s rescue culture over the plans.

Rising demand for CCJ information about businesses

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:20:01 +0100

The latest statistics on debt judgments in England & Wales from Registry Trust show that more people are checking judgment information before doing business.

Leonard Curtis appointed Administrators to London restaurant chain - CafÃ© & Tapas

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:52:50 +0100

Insolvency specialists at Leonard Curtis Business Solutions Group have been appointed Administrators of London restaurant chain Café & Tapas.

Payments Council appoints Experian to create and manage new reference database

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:39:43 +0100

The Payments Council has appointed Experian®, the global information services company, to create and maintain an industry database of corporate customers’ payment information. The central biller database, which will improve the accuracy of payments made using online and telephone banking, is scheduled to go live in late 2012.

Teleperformance recognised as EMEA Company of the Year in the contact centre outsourcing market

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:28:42 +0100

Based on its recent analysis of the contact centre outsourcing market, Frost & Sullivan recognises Teleperformance with the 2011 EMEA Frost & Sullivan Award for Company of the Year for its strong organic growth in a commoditised market that saw a general reduction in inbound call volumes from key clients in 2010. The company has more than 34,400 contact centre agents across EMEA which gives its clients a range of choices in sourcing, pricing and language capabilities.

Marston introduces new learner response system

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:18:12 +0100

Marston Group (Marston) is pleased to have launched a revolutionary new learner response system within its City and Guilds training course, enhancing the way in which employees are trained.

AIK Q3'11: Efficient operations, well positioned for growth

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:29:24 +0100

Oslo - Aktiv Kapital reports operating revenues of NOK 219.8 million and operating profit of NOK 94.6 million in the third quarter of 2011, compared to operating revenue of NOK 234.6 million and operating profit of NOK 101.0 million in third quarter 2010. The decrease is primarily related to few acquisitions of portfolios. "The results for the third quarter demonstrate how Aktiv Kapital is operating efficiently and adjusts costs to revenue. The Group will continue to streamline the ...

UK law on pre-packs considered 'a soft touch by European companies'

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 15:52:35 +0100

Carole Hughes, managing director of credit management and debt collection agency Daniels Silverman says: “We note recent press reports on the increase in failing companies transferring from European countries to Britain and then using British bankruptcy laws to go bust. It is clear that the UK law is considered a soft touch in other European countries and companies are jumping on the band wagon to take advantage of this.

Technology and Service Harnessing the Best of Both

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:19:37 +0100

Cabot Credit Management Group is committed to IT leadership within the debt collection industry. Group-wide the business recognises that effective IT well deployed supports it’s ethical values, provides highly effective compliant processes and controls, and enhances collection rates.

Daniels Silverman highlights increased financial pressure on day-care nursery sector

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:18:55 +0100

Credit management and collection company Daniels Silverman warns of increased financial pressure for day-care nurseries during 2012 following a 178% year-on-year increase in enquiries for advice on late payment and debt collections.

The Power of Technology is Driving the Bailiff Industry Forward

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:06:30 +0100

Colin Naylor, Managing Director of Dukes Bailiffs and Co-Chairman of industry association CIVEA, says the power of technology is being harnessed to make the industry more efficient, accountable and professional.

1st Credit selects Nexidia for optimised collections performance

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:16:58 +0100

Nexidia, a leading provider of customer interaction analytics solutions for business transformation, have announced that debt collection agency 1st Credit has selected Nexidia Enterprise Speech Intelligence (ESI) Collections Edition as its chosen supplier of speech analytics software. The software will be used in conjunction with 1st Credit’s Noble Enterprise Solution contact centre platform and demonstrates the firm’s commitment to compliance at a time of increasingly string ...

Marston trials new video badge technology

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:47:56 +0100

Marston Group (Marston) is pleased to announce it has launched a pilot programme in respect of new video badge recording technology, known as Body Worn Videos (BWVs).

Tracehunter comment on reviewed OFT Collections Guide

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:08:31 +0100

Paul Coxson CEO of Focus Software Systems and developer of tracehunter comments on the updated OFT Debt Collection Guidance: “After reading the updated OFT guidance on debt collection, it was simple to see that everything that has been added is already done by the vast majority of the industry. All of those that we have worked with over the years have found that by treating debtors fairly they get a much better response.”

DRF responds to Yvonne Forvargue, MP, on recommending free debt advice

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:38:49 +0100

Yesterday Yvonne Forvargue, Labour MP for Makerfield, introduced a ten minute rule in the House of Commons 'to require fee charging debt management companies to inform potential clients of the availability of free advice on debt management'.

Clarity Credit Management selects Equifax Locate for Tracing

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:14:28 +0100

Debt collection agency and credit management specialist, Clarity Credit Management Solutions, is harnessing the consumer credit analytics expertise of Equifax, combined with its market-leading tracing tool, Equifax Locate, to enhance its collections strategy. Working with Clarity and using a consultative approach, Equifax has developed a new utility which enables the creation of tailor-made segmentation models, which when coupled with Equifax Locate has enabled Clarity to significantly im ...

Debt charity welcomes OFT warning to debt collectors on Facebook and Twitter

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 18:38:02 +0100

Debt charity Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) has welcomed new Debt Collection Guidance issued by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), which includes a warning to debt collection companies on the use of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

Daniels Silverman comment on OFT's Revised Debt Collection Guidance

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 18:28:42 +0100

Speaking on The OFT’s Revised Debt Collection Guidance issued today, Carole Hughes, managing director of credit management and debt collection agency Daniels Silverman says:

OFT launches revised debt collection guidance

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 09:17:03 +0100

The OFT has today published its updated Debt Collection Guidance which sets out the standards expected of all businesses engaging in the recovery of consumer credit debts, including banks, law firms and tracing agents as well as traditional debt collectors.

ICM and BIS monthly cashflow âtipâ to small businesses

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 21:34:11 +0100

The Institute of Credit Management (ICM) and the Minister of State for Business and Enterprise Mark Prisk have published their monthly ‘tip’ for small businesses to better manage their cashflow.

Four new countries added to the latest edition of Atradius Collectionsâ International Handbook

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 21:09:34 +0100

Atradius Collections, the global expert in domestic and international debt collections, releases an updated and expanded version of the International Debt Collections Handbook which today covers 31 countries. For a first it includes the Slovak Republic, Romania, Sweden and Tunisia and can be downloaded for free on www.atradiuscollections.com.

The Lewis Group nominated in Scottish Business Awards

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:54:23 +0100

The Lewis Group, one of the UK’s leading collections agencies, has been nominated for a Scottish Business Award for demonstrating excellence in treating customers fairly (TCF) and for its commitment to customer service.

Mackenzie Hall is Ayrshireâs Outstanding Business

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:36:07 +0100

Consumer collections specialists Mackenzie Hall Group has been named Ayrshire’s Business of the Year, beating off stiff competition from companies representing a wide range of sectors and industries.

Marstonâs award-winning services recognised in advice sector publication

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:08:52 +0100

Marston Group (Marston) is pleased to have been recognised for its award-winning services in a new report published by the Addressing Financial Difficulties good practice working party (AFD).

Phillips & Cohen Associates agrees new debt purchase credit lines

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:50:54 +0100

The world’s leading probate recovery specialist and purchaser of deceased accounts, Phillips & Cohen Associates, is delighted to announce that it has agreed a significant extension to its debt purchase funding lines.

Noble Systems Acquires Global WFM Software Leader

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:42:48 +0100

Noble Systems Corporation, a global leader in unified contact centre technology solutions, today announced the acquisition of Melbourne, Australia-based Open Wave, a Workforce Management (WFM) software and solutions specialist with a significant workforce and technology footprint at its EMEA headquarters in London. The transaction includes all assets and intellectual property including Open Wave’s award-winning, functionally-rich ShiftTrack WFM solution.

Outsourcing accounts payable before they are overdue can 'improve SMEs cashflow and peace of mind'

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 11:44:25 +0100

SMEs that outsource their accounts payable function, before the payable amounts actually become debts, can improve cashflow and peace of mind says Carole Hughes, managing director at credit management and debt collection specialist Daniels Silverman Ltd.

CapQuest appoint manager of external collections

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 18:02:40 +0100

Michelle Finch has been appointed as manager of external collections at the Hampshire head office of debt purchaser and collection agency, CapQuest Group.

1st Locate â Customer Services & Revenue Management Specialist to take on 20 Apprentices.

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:27:20 +0100

1st Locate, a customer services & revenue management specialist, has launched its new Apprentice Scheme and is set to take on 20 apprentices over the next six months.

OFT acts against debt management businesses

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:22:37 +0100

The OFT has taken action against a further three debt management businesses as part of its ongoing enforcement work in the sector.

SFP Appointed Administrators of Ecolite Limited

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:14:24 +0100

SFP, the nationwide insolvency practitioner, has been appointed Administrator to Ecolite Limited after the company accrued debts of £80,000, which includes an amount owed to Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

Mackenzie Hall appoints Mark Lashmar as business development manager

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:35:26 +0100

The Mackenzie Hall Group has appointed Mark Lashmar to the position of Business Development Manager.

Roger Davis appointed Non-Executive Chairman of Cabot Credit Management

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:24:18 +0100

Cabot Credit Management, the UK’s leading acquirer and manager of consumer debt, has appointed former CEO of Barclays UK Banking, Roger Davis, as Non-Executive Chairman with effect from 1 October 2011.

ICM advice on payment terms for SMEs proves to be in demand

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 18:02:54 +0100

Agreeing payment terms is the single biggest issue worrying SMEs, according to a leading business organisation.

Noble Systems partners with Semafone to offer Contact Centres innovative PCI solution

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:33:54 +0100

Noble Systems, a global leader in unified contact centre technology solutions, today announced a partnership with Semafone, an innovative market leader in secure voice transactions.

PM's speech - CSA statement

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:28:07 +0100

Sara de Tute, president of the Credit Services Association (CSA), commenting on David Cameron’s speech at the Conservative Party Conference, touching on credit, said:

Daniels Silverman appoints sales manager

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 10:21:10 +0100

Daniels Silverman, the credit management and debt collection company has appointed Debbie Baird as sales manager at its Liverpool office, following a period of significant growth for the company.

Andrew Wilson & Co Opens New Office in Leeds

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 10:10:57 +0100

Andrew Wilson & Co., one of the UK’s leading High Court Enforcement Offices, is expanding its operation with the opening of its first Yorkshire office at Wellington Place, Leeds.

Experto Credite and Intrum Justitia establishes strategic partnership within the UK

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:25:50 +0100

Experto Credite has entered into an agreement with Europe’s lagrest Credit Management Services company, Intrum Justita, regarding the transfer of Intrum Justitia’s credit management operations in UK. Intrum Justitia will remain owners of the existing portfolios of receivables while staff, premises and all collection activities are to be transferred to Experto Credite.

Credit Action UK Debt Statistics October 2011

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 19:02:13 +0100

Total UK personal debt at the end of August 2011 stood at £1,451bn. The twelve-month growth rate remained unchanged at 0.9%. Individuals currently owe nearly as much as the entire country produced between Q2 2010 and Q1 2011.

SFP Seeks quick fix for Profix

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 21:33:53 +0100

SFP, the nationwide insolvency practitioner, has been appointed Administrator to Profix Limited after the company accrued debts of £750,000, including a significant amount owed to Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

Noble Systems recognised as a North American contact centre market leader in latest industry report

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 21:27:08 +0100

Noble Systems Corporation, a global leader in unified contact centre technology solutions, saw clear gains in industry analysis firm Frost & Sullivan’s latest comprehensive survey of the North American contact centre market. According to the independently-researched data, Noble Systems now holds the second-largest share of outbound dialler systems revenue and is among the top 10 firms in overall market share by combined product revenues.

DEMSA welcomes the OFTâs continued crack down on rogue debt management companies

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 22:35:11 +0100

Following news of the OFT cancelling the licenses of 62 rogue debt management firms in the past year, Michael Land, Chairman of DEMSA (The Debt Management Standards Association), comments:

Dukes Bailiffs enjoy roaring success in Telford

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 21:19:35 +0100

Dukes Bailiffs enjoyed another successful show at the Annual conference of the Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation (IRRV) in Telford recently.

Mind the gap! - late payment pushes cash strapped SMEs towards bankruptcy

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 20:59:40 +0100

With corporate insolvency on the rise and a double-dip recession still a distinct possibility, new research commissioned by Hilton-Baird Collection Services shows that UK SMEs are falling victim to a punishing rise in late payment, which is stretching their cash flow to the limits.

Dealing with rogue debt management companies âlike weeding a bad patch of grassâ

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 20:50:21 +0100

Commenting on the news that the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has closed down another 12 fee-charging debt management companies, Joanna Elson OBE, Chief Executive of the Money Advice Trust (MAT), said:

âRent dayâ to hit retail once more on September 29

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 11:40:14 +0100

The previous ‘Quarter Day’ in June’s saw the largest wave of retail administrations since the height of the recession, and this month’s deadline looks could spark another wave of insolvencies.

The Lewis group appoints new finance director

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 19:08:15 +0100

The Lewis Group, one of the UK’s leading collections agencies, has continued the further strengthening of its senior management team with the appointment of Chartered Accountant Neil Robins as its new Finance Director.

European debt recovery tool threatens UK business rescue

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 19:05:10 +0100

A new European Commission measure to freeze the assets of British businesses deals a severe blow to the UK’s rescue culture, warns insolvency trade body R3. The European Account Preservation Order (EAPO) is set to give courts anywhere in the EU the power to freeze funds in UK businesses’ banks accounts without warning. The new measure comes without the protections crucial to similar procedures in English law.

Rundles re-appointed as bailiff services provider for the London Borough of Newham

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 18:54:36 +0100

Rundles long standing client relationship with the London Borough of Newham has been further extended after successfully submitting a tender to supply bailiff services to the Borough for the next 4 years.

Close Credit Management announce acquisition by Bluestone Group.

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 15:53:21 +0100

UK portfolio management business Close Credit Management ('CCM') today announced its acquisition by the Bluestone Group, a provider of capital and asset management services with offices in Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Spain.

Tariq Khan appointed to the CSA board

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 15:47:23 +0100

Tariq Khan, chief legal officer at Marlin Financial Group, has been appointed to the Board of the Credit Services Association (CSA) with responsibility for the Association’s compliance portfolio. He will liaise directly with the CSA’s new President, Sara de Tute.

Noble Systems Celebrates Top 25 Contact Centre Technology Awards Achievement

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 15:42:47 +0100

Noble Systems, a global leader in unified contact centre technology solutions, has been voted by the readers of ‘the UK’s most popular call centre magazine’, Call Centre Helper, as one of the Top 25 Contact Centre Technology vendors in the UK.

New director of compliance at the CSA

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 15:30:34 +0100

Tariq Khan, chief legal officer at Marlin Financial Group, joins the Board of the Credit Services Association (CSA) as director responsible for compliance.

Close Credit Management announce acquisition by Bluestone Group

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 14:05:33 +0100

BCW Group to take on 100 staff as it announces expansion plans

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:29:05 +0100

BCW Group, the UK’s number one credit management organisation, has announced plans to recruit 100 new employees as it aims to meet growing demand for its services.

Marston publishes Grant Thornton client account confirmation

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 14:50:19 +0100

Marston Group (Marston) recently appointed Grant Thornton to review the Group's client accounts as at 21 July 2011 (the most recent bank covenant compliance date).

Fredrickson International supports leading youth charity The Duke of Edinburghâs Award

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 22:05:03 +0100

Simon Jones, Managing Director of Fredrickson International, has shown his support for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award by becoming a Brighter Futures Partner with a generous pledge of £20,000.

eg solutions plc - Half year results for the six months ended 31 July 2011

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 21:57:34 +0100

eg solutions plc ('eg' or 'the Company'), the back office optimisation software company, announces its unaudited half year results for the six months ended 31 July 2011.

ICM and BIS monthly cashflow âtipâ to small businesses

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 20:51:59 +0100

The Institute of Credit Management (ICM) and the Minister of State for Business and Enterprise Mark Prisk have published their monthly ‘tip’ for small businesses to better manage their cashflow.

MAT comments on a sharp rise in water debts

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 20:43:48 +0100

Commenting on the decrease in complaints to water companies, Joanna Elson OBE, Chief Executive of the Money Advice Trust (MAT), said:

Dun & Bradstreet partners with Atradius Collections to launch a new debt collections ...

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 20:20:26 +0100

Leading global business information provider, Dun & Bradstreet (D&B UK), has launched a new B2B payment and collections service in partnership with international commercial debt collections specialist Atradius Collections (AC) to UK customers.

SWIFTReady accreditation for Tieto's payment solution

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 23:37:22 +0100

Tieto has received the SWIFTReady Payments 2011 label for its payment solution that is a part of Tieto's Transaction Banking services. These services support banks' and their corporate and personal customers' payments around the world. Tieto's payment solution has been certified as SWIFTReady for over 10 consecutive years.

Cost of judgments halves

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 23:07:45 +0100

Registry Trust has more than halved the cost of judgment information for its account customers – many of whom are law firms and others in the collections industry.

DEMSA comments on Citizen Advice Bureaux's call for tougher regulation for debt management companies

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 22:55:31 +0100

Following the Citizen Advice Bureaux’s call for tougher regulation for fee charging debt management companies, Michael Land, Chairman of Debt Managers Standards Association (DEMSA), comments:

CSL becomes the next major e-tailer to choose LaSer UKâs paperless finance solution

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 19:17:40 +0100

Leading furniture retailer, CSL, has become the latest e-retailer to successfully launch LaSer UK’s innovative e-commerce solution, enabling customers to finance purchases electronically through CSL’s websites. The paperless solution combines on-line verification and electronic signatures to revolutionise the customer experience.

Swift 1st Limited fined over mortgage arrears failings

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 13:23:50 +0100

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has today fined Essex based mortgage lender Swift 1st Limited (Swift) £630,000 for unfair treatment of some customers facing mortgage arrears.

Commons debate highlights value of professional credit management

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 17:00:54 +0100

The recent debate by MPs into the issue of Late Payment once again highlights the need for more informed dialogue between the credit industry and Government according to a leading business organisation.

Payments Council board endorses plans to make account switching easier

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:56:14 +0100

Today the Payments Council Board endorsed plans to deliver an enhanced account switching service. The Payments Council is committed to delivering the new account switching service to benefit personal and small business customers in September 2013; this also meets the recommendations published in the Independent Commission on Banking’s Final Report on Monday.

Communicate clearly and fairly' OFT warns consumer credit businesses.

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:30:10 +0100

The OFT is warning companies collecting consumer credit debts to make sure they communicate clearly and fairly and do not mislead consumers after a Tribunal found a business unfit to hold a consumer credit licence.

ICM and Veolia to Launch First Credit Centre of Excellence

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:35:52 +0100

The ICM has launched its first dedicated Centre of Excellence at Veolia Environmental Services’ state-of-the-art offices in Cannock, Staffordshire. It will offer credit professionals the first real opportunity to experience high quality learning and best practice together in a real working environment.

TDX achieves ISO 27001 certification for debt placement and management

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 12:19:03 +0100

TDX have announced that it has been awarded ISO 27001 certification for information security management relating to the provision of debt placement and management.

Dukes Bailiffs sponsors prestigious new public sector award

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 16:36:36 +0100

Dukes Bailiffs will be sponsoring the Partnership Working award at this year’s prestigious Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation Performance Awards night to be held at the Telford International Centre, Wednesday, 21st September.

Improving operational capability at The Co-operative Financial Services, Debt Management

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 16:32:45 +0100

By helping Debt Recovery undertake increased work volumes with the same number of staff and clearing backlogs, eg solutions delivered a cost benefit of 29 per cent to the department, staff morale is more positive and customer service has improved.

AIK: New Chief Executive Officer

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 17:08:59 +0100

OSLO - The Board of Directors of Aktiv Kapital ASA has appointed Geir Langfeldt Olsen (38) as new CEO of the company effective 19 September 2011.

Payments Council appoints new chief executive

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 18:13:00 +0100

The Payments Council today announces the appointment of Adrian Kamellard as its new Chief Executive. Mr Kamellard, currently an Executive Director within the Cabinet Office, will take up the role on 1 November 2011.

Recruitment sector hit hard by tax bills says SFP

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 18:06:05 +0100

A worrying spike of business failures in the recruitment sector is directly linked to unpaid tax bills, says one of the UK’s leading insolvency firms.

Dukes Bailiffs support Born Free Foundation with pride

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 22:24:04 +0100

Dukes Bailiffs has linked up with the Born Free Foundation, an international wildlife charity working throughout the world to stop individual wild animal suffering and protect threatened species in the wild.

Major new investment in The Sigma Financial Group

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 22:56:33 +0100

The Sigma Financial Group Limited (“Sigma” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that funds managed by Cyrus Capital Partners, L.P. (“Cyrus Capital”) have acquired a majority stake in the Company.

Harrisons makes new appointment to Board of Directors

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 17:34:24 +0100

National business recovery and insolvency specialists Harrisons has appointed Louise Hookham to its Board of Directors.

GB Group further strengthens tracing services with Accelerator e-Trace V5

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 17:31:43 +0100

GB Group, a global leader in Identity Management, has today unveiled a new version of its cutting edge people tracing solution, GB Accelerator e-Trace V5.

Cabot Financial and Apex Credit Management launch new Group brand

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 17:15:21 +0100

Cabot Credit Management is the new name for the combined business following the acquisition of Cabot Financial by AnaCap Financial Partners and the subsequent merger of Cabot with Apex Credit Management in April 2011. The new, enlarged Group is now the UK’s leading acquirer and manager of consumer debt.

Payments Council response to the Treasury Select Committee's report on the future of cheques

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 14:46:32 +0100

Gary Hocking, Acting Chief Executive of the Payments Council, said: “We are pleased that today's Treasury Select Committee report welcomes our decision to retain the UK’s central cheque clearing. Our decision shows that we are well placed to respond to stakeholder needs and will not flinch from taking a difficult decision if it is the right decision. We were set up by the OFT and the Treasury, and we have a remit to ensure that everyone who uses payments is listened to.

More consumers pessimistic about their financial outlook

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 14:44:36 +0100

Only a quarter (25%) of consumers believe their financial situation will improve over the next six months, according to the insolvency trade body, R3’s Personal Debt Snapshot. This has fallen 10 percentage points from 35% of consumers a year ago.

Olympic impact on ICM members yet to be seen

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 16:26:41 +0100

The Olympics is failing to ignite the interest of credit managers, despite the heavy emphasis on the new business opportunities that it presents.

Experian comments on lenders warning customers to prioritise mortgage payments

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 16:22:12 +0100

Simon Waller, Head of Collections, Experian UK & Ireland comments on Northern Rock and Bradford Bingley warning customers to prioritise mortgage payments:

Further Announcements Made for the CSA and DBSG Annual Conference

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 11:13:21 +0100

As the Credit Services Association and Debt Buyers and Sellers Group annual conference draws closer, Nigel Cates, Deputy Director, Consumer Credit Group of the OFT has been confirmed as a speaker, and will be giving an update on the OFT guidance and its anticipated release date.

DEMSA and IMA partnership to help raise debt advice standards

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 15:19:13 +0100

The Institute of Money Advisers (IMA) and the Debt Managers Standards Association (DEMSA) today announce a new partnership that will continue to raise standards in the fee payable debt advice sector. The initiative will include the introduction of a new professional qualification in debt advice for advisers working in DEMSA member firms.

Survey reveals significant rise in homeowners paying off mortgage arrears

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 16:52:16 +0100

UK homeowners who have fallen behind with their mortgage payments are now significantly more likely to pay off some or all of their arrears than two years ago - according to the latest research by national law firm Irwin Mitchell.

ICM welcomes delay as government reviews decision on âphoenixâ insolvencies

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 18:20:35 +0100

The Institute of Credit Management (ICM) has welcomed news that the Government is to delay the introduction of new rules to crack down on ‘phoenix’ companies resulting from ‘pre-pack’ administrations, taking the Insolvency Services’ hesitation as “firm evidence that the issue is at last being taken seriously and that the voices of smaller, interested business parties are being heard,” says ICM Chief Executive, Philip King.

P&A and Aon to partner in international debt collection

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 13:56:33 +0100

Aon, the UK’s largest insurance broker, has appointed The P&A Group of Companies in a competitive pitch process, to look after its international debt recovery services.

Allied International Credit appoint new managing director

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:15:48 +0100

Allied International Credit (AIC) has appointed Alan Evans as Managing Director. Alan has been in the financial services industry for 25 years which includes working for the Lombard Group and Paragon Group in senior management roles until 2001. In 2001 he joined Clydesdale Financial Services until 2009 where, as Chief Executive, left after the successful sale and handover of the business to Barclays.

Apollo introduces first total self-service system for account management for financial enterprises

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:30:43 +0100

Apollo Enterprise Solutions, Inc. (“Apollo”) has launched Release 2.0 of its TRUEContactTM product, a key module in its TRUETM system.

Marston hires new Finance Director

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 10:07:37 +0100

Marston Group is pleased to announce the appointment of John Crichton as Group Finance Director.

DDI Consulting Ltd announces appointment of new business development manager

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 18:39:35 +0100

DDI Consulting Ltd. announces the appointment of Alex Telowski as the company’s Business Development Manager. DDI has been marketing the Ascent Debt Collection platform in the market place for the last seven years and is confident that the experience Alex brings to the organisation will increase the profile of both the Ascent product and DDI Consulting Ltd. Alex will lead the formation and delivery of DDI’s sales and marketing strategy throughout the debt collection ...

AIK: 2nd quarter 2011 results

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 16:38:13 +0100

Aktiv Kapital reports an operating profit of NOK 105.3 million in the second quarter 2011, 14% above the corresponding quarter last year. The increase is mainly due to operational improvements initiated in 2010. "Aktiv Kapital has an efficient operation and is capable of achieving revenue growth with its current cost base. With future portfolio acquisitions, our margins will move higher", says acting CEO Scott Danielsen.

Jaywing announces Digital Collections 2.0 upgrade

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 16:30:31 +0100

Risk consultancy Jaywing, a member of Digital Marketing Group plc (AIM: DIGI), has announced the release of Digital Collections 2.0. The enhanced product offers improved repayment functionality, extensive analytical data extracts, new modules for Marketing and User Training, and a much improved user interface.

DEMSA appoints retired High Court judge as Chairman of Compliance and Discipline panel

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 16:24:48 +0100

The Debt Managers Standards Association (DEMSA) has appointed The Hon Sir Harry Ognall, DL as Chairman of its Compliance and Discipline panel. Sir Harry is a retired High Court Judge. Before his appointment to the Queens Bench division of the Court, his practice involved a wide variety of criminal and civil cases, including corporate fraud. He has also previously acted as an arbitrator in the motor insurance industry.

TowerBrook announces significant investment in CapQuest

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 16:06:53 +0100

TowerBrook Capital Partners L.P. (“TowerBrook”), a leading international investment management firm, announces that it has made a majority investment in CapQuest Group Limited (“CapQuest” or the “Company”). CapQuest is a UK market leader in the purchase, management and collection of consumer debt.

Dukes Bailiffs Step Up A Gear In Quality Management Systems And Working Processes

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 10:21:45 +0100

Dukes Bailiffs has passed it annual audit for ISO:9001 certification with flying colours, providing a competent working environment and management system for both staff and clients.

Pensioners hit by âdouble squeezeâ of high inflation and crippling debt repayments

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 10:17:32 +0100

Pensioners’ finances are being hit by a ‘double squeeze’ of rising prices and high debt servicing costs, according to a leading debt charity. Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) says that more than half of pensioners seeking help with their debts would have to spend their entire state pension just to keep up with their minimum monthly credit commitments.

Daniels Silverman petition attracts over 500 signatures in just one week

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 19:05:51 +0100

A petition launched by credit management and collections company Daniels Silverman aimed at SMEs broke through the 500 signatures mark in its first week.

Atlantic Financial Management Secures DEMSA membership

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 19:16:05 +0100

In a move that demonstrates unequivocally its focus on providing indebted individuals with the highest standards of service, Atlantic Financial Management has become a member of DEMSA, which enjoys the Office of Fair Trading’s Consumer Codes Approval Scheme (CCAS). Atlantic is now one of 17 debt management companies to hold DEMSA membership status.

Half the nation concerned about their debts

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 19:08:28 +0100

Nearly half of individuals (47%) are concerned about their debts, according to the latest wave of R3’s, the insolvency trade body, Personal Debt Snapshot. The quarterly tracker of the nation’s finances reveals a 7% rise in debt concern, compared to this time last year.

Slight fall in arrears and repossessions

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 18:11:36 +0100

Figures published today by the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) show that the number of repossessions in the first half of this year reached 18,100 – up 9,000 from the first quarter of 2011 but down 7% from 19,500 in the first half of 2010. Levels of mortgage arrears remained reasonably stable over the same period.

Getting your strategy right in the UK Debt Collection Agencies industry

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 17:59:00 +0100

110 companies in the UK Debt Collection Agencies industry are following a strategy that has led them into a blind alley and they must change quickly or risk disappearing altogether. That’s according to a new study assessing the strategic, financial and commercial performance of the top 300 companies in the market.

Tough Times Ahead for Renters as Rents Rocket

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 21:17:55 +0100

Debt solutions provider and DEMSA member, Atlantic Financial Management is warning of a rise in possessions by landlords as demand for rental property is exceeding supply, pushing up rental charges when rising day to day living costs are already driving families into debt. The IMF announced recently that families could be £1,500 worse off over the next five years, and the British economic recovery will be 'bumpy and uneven.' Not good news for families already struggling.

ICM and BIS monthly cashflow âtipâ to small businesses

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 21:01:24 +0100

The Institute of Credit Management (ICM) and the Minister of State for Business and Enterprise Mark Prisk have published their monthly ‘tip’ for small businesses to better manage their cashflow.

Paradigm renew strategic relationship with Ison Harrison

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 13:23:30 +0100

Paradigm Mortgage Services, the mortgage services proposition, has today announced the renewal of its strategic relationship with Ison Harrison, the national law firm.

SFP appointed administrators to Sheffieldâs 1A companies

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 18:38:34 +0100

SFP, the nationwide insolvency practitioners, has been appointed Administrators following the failure of two Sheffield-based companies: 1A Seal Systems Limited and 1A Drill Systems Limited.

Daniels Silverman sees 250% increase in consumer insolvencies

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 18:21:37 +0100

Credit management and collection company Daniels Silverman has seen a massive 250% increase in the number of consumers it is collecting debts from becoming insolvent through bankruptcy or individual voluntary arrangements (IVAs) over the last 6 months.

EuroDebt Financial Services achieves DEMSA membership

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 18:17:37 +0100

EuroDebt Financial Services is now one of just 17 debt management organisations to have achieved DEMSA membership. As a business that has been operating in the debt management sector for the past 15 years, EuroDebt has built a sound reputation for providing face to face debt advice to consumers in their own homes across the UK.

Number of people becoming insolvent remains static - comment on today's insolvency statistics

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 18:07:50 +0100

Alec Pillmoor, Head of Personal Insolvency at Baker Tilly, comments:

Insolvency rates rise with the cost of fuel

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 17:58:19 +0100

Irrefutable evidence that rising fuel prices are directly linked to company failures are shown in new analysis from one of the UK’s leading insolvency firms.

The good, the bad and the ugly in PPI Compensation Payouts

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 22:52:28 +0100

With news this week that 7 out of ten complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service in the past year were in relation to mis-selling of PPI policies, a rise of 113% year on year, debt solutions provider and DEMSA member Atlantic Financial Management is calling for clarity on compensation payouts estimated to be in the region of £9 billion.

Paul Smith Promoted to Partner at MCR

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 18:09:34 +0100

MCR, the corporate restructuring and recovery specialists, has appointed a new Partner to the business. Paul Smith, who joined the company in 2010, formally becomes Partner on September 1st 2011.

Teleperformance Collections receives company accreditation status at 100% by CSA for the âCAI'

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 17:13:29 +0100

Teleperformance Collections, the specialist debt collection division of Teleperformance UK, is delighted to announce it has received accreditation at 100% by the Credit Services Association (CSA) for the Collection Accreditation Initiative (CAI). The CAI assesses collectors’ knowledge and scope of understanding in relation to sector compliance. The test measures individual awareness of relevant regulatory guidance and the legislative framework of the debt collection ind ...

TDX appoints a new Chief Executive Officer

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 17:04:16 +0100

TDX announced today that Mark Sanders has been appointed CEO. Mark takes over the role from founder, Mark Onyett, as the business reorganises to prepare for a new period of growth.

CCCS Voluntary Arrangements releases half-year performance figures

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 17:06:14 +0100

The Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) company owned by leading debt charity Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) achieved a 98 percent acceptance rate for IVA proposals in the first six months of 2011, according to its newly released half-year performance figures.

Sicon Limited takes control of its direct debits with Albany Software

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 13:14:19 +0100

Sicon Limited, an IT consultancy specialising in hardware and software solutions for businesses and local government, today announces it has purchased Albany ePAY from the pioneering developer of electronic payment software solutions, Albany Software. Sicon needed a solution that allowed them to introduce Direct Debit (DD) capability to their cash collection processes and selected Albany Software after they were recommended by an existing customer.

Half-year statistics for The Association of Arrears Mediators

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 09:32:11 +0100

The Association of Arrears Mediators (AAM) is a Trade Association established in December 2009 and represents six major field agencies, responsible for circa 92% of all home visits instructed by mortgage lenders within the United Kingdom.

Fewer CCJs for business

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 18:05:54 +0100

The value of debt judgments against businesses recorded in the county courts of England and Wales in the first half of 2011, fell by 9.9 percent or £32.2m from £324.1m to £291.9m when compared with the same period last year, according to Registry Trust’s latest statistics.

Dukes Bailiffs sign up to managemycomplaints.com

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 17:24:03 +0100

In their continuous effort to drive business improvements to a new level, Dukes Bailiffs is using state-of-the-art software to enhance its complaints procedures.

Tracesmart celebrate 12th anniversary with new brand identity

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:00:01 +0100

Celebrating twelve years since inception and twelve years’ continuous growth, leading data specialists, Tracesmart, are commemorating their anniversary by launching their new corporate brand identity. Developed in-house, the new brand incorporates a distinct logo; designed to demonstrate the company’s contemporary and progressive attributes, it will also provide further creative options and a point of focus as the business moves forward in its current and prospective markets. T ...

Consumer judgments plummet

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:30:35 +0100

The number of debt judgments issued against consumers in the county courts in the first half of 2011 has fallen for the fifth consecutive year. Registry Trust’s statistics for the first six months of 2011 show 270,919 judgments compared to 415,327 in 2007 when this decline began, a 34.8 percent decrease.

Debt stats give hope for recovery

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:22:22 +0100

The total value of debt judgments issued against businesses and consumers in Northern Ireland for the first half of 2011 was 8.6 percent lower than the same period last year according to the latest statistics from Registry Trust.

DWF launches Birmingham office with new partner

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:12:28 +0100

Business law firm DWF is expanding its regional presence by announcing the opening of a new office and appointment of a new partner in Birmingham.

Lack of credit for small businesses set to swell insolvencies

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:00:19 +0100

Debt solutions expert, Atlantic Financial Management, is cautioning small business owners and sole traders against using personal loans and credit to shore up their business finances in the absence of lending support from the banks. The release of the Q2 Insolvency figures next week is expected to confirm the financial stress being faced by the UK’s small traders and self-employed. DEMSA member Atlantic Financial Management is continuing to see a sharp rise in the number ...

CML disappointed at today's Scottish Government decision affecting repossessions in Scotland

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:08:33 +0100

The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) is disappointed with today's decision by the Scottish Government not to legislate to reverse the perverse effects on court proceedings for mortgage repossession hearings created by the case of RBS vs Wilson, despite the fact that most respondents to the government’s consultation would support this approach. The judgement in November 2010 has led to lenders needing to serve a calling up notice and wait two months before they can start court proc ...

Debts up by ten times

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:01:00 +0100

The value of consumer debts registered against Irish consumers in the first half of 2011 was more than ten times that faced during the same period five years ago.

HMRC troubles at Zenith Engineering as SFP called in

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 13:17:05 +0100

Another company has joined the list of those in trouble due to large tax bills as SFP, the nationwide insolvency practitioners, has been appointed Administrator of Zenith Precision Engineering Ltd. The Coventry-based engineering company has accrued large debts in excess of £500,000, including a bill to Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

Daniels Silverman launches petition calling for tougher legislation on pre-pack administrations

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 13:11:59 +0100

Credit management and collections company Daniels Silverman has launched an online petition at www.danielssilverman.co.uk/petition.php campaigning for statutory force to be given to the Statement of Insolvency Practice (SIP 16) along with penalties for non-compliance, to help prevent abuse of the pre-pack administrations system by companies avoiding debt.

Who wants to be a quadrillionaire? CHAPS Co celebrates landmark payment

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 09:48:26 +0100

An incredible total of one quadrillion pounds (£1,000,000,000,000,000) has now been processed by the UK’s high-value, same-day money transfer system, CHAPS, following a payment made on 25 July 2011. One quadrillion pounds is the equivalent to more than £16 million for every person in the UK.

Cabot Financial and Apex Credit Management employees achieve CSA accreditation

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 19:08:10 +0100

Over 70% of Cabot Financial and Apex Credit Management collections staff have achieved CSA (Credit Services Association) accreditation as part of the pilot of the CSA’s Collector Accreditation Initiative (CAI). The accreditation means that both companies will be included in the first wave of businesses to have achieved this status within the debt purchase and collections industry.

CCM achieves 100% collector accreditation

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 11:23:57 +0100

Commercial Credit Management Ltd (CCM) are very proud to be the first CSA member to achieve 100% collector accreditation with every collector passing the Collector Accreditation Initiative online test.

Dukes Bailiffs look to the future with new website

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:40:21 +0100

In a move that marks a new era for Dukes Bailiffs, the Stone-based company has launched a brand new website to match its enhanced identity.

Businesses toughen up on late payers

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 13:01:06 +0100

The customer might be king but businesses have run out of patience with late payers, according to commercial debt recovery law firm Lovetts Plc. Overdue invoices are now being chased with a Letter Before Action (LBA) 33 days sooner than they were in the same period in 2010 and in June 2011, Lovetts saw the highest number of court claims for late payment made by clients for well over a year. The findings replicate business behaviour just ahead of the banking crisis in 2008 when ...

ICM members see improved DSO figures despite troubled economy

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 12:54:56 +0100

While businesses are struggling to make any headway in the current wave of tough economic conditions, those businesses employing qualified credit professionals are seeing a marked improvement in overdue payments, according to new research.

Payzone UK Launches One Stop Debt Collection Payment Service

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 16:22:39 +0100

Payzone UK, a leading consumer payments network, has announced the launch of Payzone Collect, the UK’s first alternative cash payment network. The innovative service means Payzone clients can now offer their customers a new way to clear debts as well as make holiday payments or join saving clubs.

Atlantic responds to debt advice and personal insolvency review

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 17:57:25 +0100

Following Business Minister, Edward Davey’s publication of the Government’s proposals to improve the delivery of debt advice to the most vulnerable, Kevin Still, Director of debt solutions provider, Atlantic Financial Management says: “Atlantic Financial Management is a member of the Debt Management Standards Association (DEMSA) whose Code of Conduct is approved by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT). We strongly believe that the measures that the OFT are currently taking in ...

Lewis Group appoints new head of risk

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 22:27:33 +0100

The Lewis Group, one of the UK’s leading collections agencies, has appointed credit risk professional Dan Betts as new Head of Risk.

Businesses are losing out on late payment interest

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 21:43:21 +0100

Businesses struggling with poor cashflow due to late payers are missing a major opportunity to claim late payment interest according to Lovetts Plc, one of the UK’s leading law firms specialising in debt recovery. Lovetts has found that in the past year approximately 36% of claims issued included late payment interest.

R3 comments on Governmentâs response to the personal insolvency review

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 20:31:35 +0100

Lee Manning, R3 Vice President, said: “R3 welcomes the Government’s announcement today to consult on increasing the petition debt levels for creditors. R3 believes that a rise from the current level of £750 to £3000 would be a more appropriate sum for a creditor to petition for bankruptcy.

MIL Collections is one of the first to achieve CSA CAI Company Accreditation

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 17:56:09 +0100

The specialists in the recovery of aged debt portfolios, established in 2007 and based in the South West of England, MIL is one of the first to achieve the “CAI Company Accreditation” with 87% of their collectors currently CAI Certified.

HMRC announces appointment of ten debt collection agencies - Comment from accountants Baker Tilly

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 17:51:00 +0100

In response to HMRC’s announcement that it has appointed ten debt collection agencies to collect up to £1.5 billion of outstanding debts, Alec Pillmoor, Partner, Baker Tilly, comments:

Confusion clouds landscape for consumers legal services, says new Ombudsman

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 15:46:26 +0100

The confused system of regulation for legal services risks leaving consumers without protection when things go wrong, the new Legal Ombudsman warns today. Against a backdrop of a rapidly changing legal landscape, there are particular difficulties in areas such as claims management and will-writing companies, he says.

HMRC contract winners officially named

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 12:23:11 +0100

The names of the 10 debt collection agencies and lawyers which have been successful in tendering for HM Revenues & Customs (HMRC) contracts have been announced.

Jobless figures mask reality of households struggling on reduced incomes

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 17:34:06 +0100

The latest job market figures have revealed a startling rise the number of families struggling on reduced incomes because they can’t find full-time work. The figures come on the back of a recent report suggesting increasing numbers of workers are being forced to take pay cuts or ‘downbanding’ of their jobs or face redundancy*. With loss of income the top reason for people to enter a Debt Management Plan (DMP), debt solutions specialist and DEMSA member Atlanti ...

Comment from Experian on the Payments Council's announcement to cancel cheque target closure date

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 18:03:12 +0100

Jonathan Williams, director of strategic development, Experian Identity & Fraud, comments: “While the decision of the Payments Council to cancel the 2018 target for possible closure of the cheque clearing decision will be welcome news to many, it remains important for organisations to ensure they continue to invest in payment processes that are more efficient, reliable and secure.

Payments Council to keep cheques and cancels 2018 target

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 17:52:03 +0100

The Payments Council is today announcing that cheques will continue for as long as customers need them and the target for possible closure of the cheque clearing in 2018 has been cancelled. The Payments Council Board will continue to focus on security, efficiency and encouraging innovation in all types of payments to ensure customers have options best suited to the 21st century.

Quantum Leap Forward With Linetime Case Management

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 16:14:07 +0100

Quantum Debt Recovery is a new name in the debt recovery industry, but as a wholly owned subsidiary of Wright Hassall LLP, has significant strength, expertise and experience to draw on. The introduction of the new separate debt collection business is testimony to the proactive and growth focused approach that Wright Hassall has. Quantum offers a full suite of collection solutions that cover, Pre Legal, Legal & Litigation, Trace & Collect, Doorstep and Debt Purchase.

SFP Completes Sale of The Cake Bake Company Limited (in Administration)

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 11:51:23 +0100

SFP, the nationwide insolvency practitioners, has successfully sold The Cake Bake Company Limited (in Administration) (“the Cake Bake Company”) after it was placed into Administration.

MIL Collections celebrate a milestone, achieving 1,000,000 account managed

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 21:15:35 +0100

MIL Collections & Outsource (MIL), the specialist's in the recovery of aged debt portfolios, established in 2007 and based in the South West of England, celebrated this achievement by treating all staff to dinner and drinks by way of thanking them for their efforts.

R3 comments on the hike in fuel prices

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 18:03:30 +0100

Graham Rumney, R3 Chief Executive Officer, said: “R3 is concerned that the hike in fuel bills will put further financial pressure on already squeezed households.

When customers come calling

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 18:00:44 +0100

For law firms facing FSA regulations requiring them to record their telephone calls, or where clients insist on this as part of the service, Linetime’s case management and debt recovery software may well have the solution.

ICM and BIS monthly cashflow âtipâ to small businesses

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 17:22:26 +0100

The Institute of Credit Management (ICM) and the Minister of State for Business and Enterprise Mark Prisk have published their monthly ‘tip’ for small businesses to better manage their cashflow.

GB Group acquires Data Discoveries

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 17:05:49 +0100

GB Group plc, the leading Identity Management business that provides services in both the UK and internationally, has today announced the acquisition of Data Discoveries, a provider of tracing software and services in the UK.

New payment system to be unveiled at CCUA 2011 Conference

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 09:43:58 +0100

The Civil Court Users Association conference in Leicester on 20th September has been chosen as the venue for Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Service to announce the introduction of electronic court fee payments.

Close Creditâs Knockout!

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:33:05 +0100

Sheffield based Close Credit Management (CCM) are at it again. Having already raised over £9,000 so far this year for several worthy causes including The Woodland Trust, Help for Heroes and Downs Syndrome Association, as part of their 40th birthday celebrations. They are taking part this Sunday, 10th July in a local It’s a Knockout tournament on behalf of St Luke’s Hospice, who also celebrate their 40th this year, which provides care for people aged 18 and above throughout Sheff ...

Jump Money CEO calls for renewed focus on life cancellation and persistency rates

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 11:22:35 +0100

Jason Butler, new CEO of Jump Money, the nationwide financial advisers, has today urged all stakeholders within the life assurance market to work together to tackle the ongoing problem of cancellation and persistency rates that continue to be an issue.

Arrow Global Announces H1 2011 Highlights and Strengthening of Its Management Team

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 11:18:50 +0100

Arrow Global, a leading investor in and asset manager of distressed loans in Europe, today announced the following highlights for the period ending 30th June 2011:

Crackdown on tax cheats

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 19:07:28 +0100

Revenue officers are launching a crackdown on council tax cheats in the Test Valley.

âBill-paying system just isnât workingâ

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 19:05:54 +0100

The Liberal group leader on Wyre Forest District Council has called for a rethink on the introduction of automated machines to pay bills for rent, council tax and other services at The Hub in Kidderminster Town Hall.

Total UK personal debt May 2011 - Credit Action

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:39:19 +0100

Total UK personal debt at the end of May 2011 stood at £1,452bn. The twelve-month growth rate remained unchanged at 0.8%. Individuals currently owe nearly as much as the entire country has produced over the last 4 quarters (Q2 2010 to Q1 2011).

Leading business body urges suppliers to anonymously âname and shameâ late payers

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:44:16 +0100

The Forum of Private Business (FPB) is calling on all smaller suppliers to anonymously ‘name and shame’ late paying companies.

King at the door of number 10!

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:19:48 +0100

Philip King, Chief Executive of the Institute of Credit Management (ICM), met recently with senior policy advisers at 10 Downing Street to discuss future initiatives to support small businesses manage cashflow.

New OFT guide could become charter for debt avoidance

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 18:23:04 +0100

The OFT should highlight the obligations of consumers, as well as collectors, and not allow its new Guidance on debt collection to be used as a reference guide for debt avoidance.

Dukes Bailiffs invest in sophisticated recording software

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 17:11:46 +0100

Dukes Bailiffs is building on its reputation for integrity and transparency with the recent purchase of state-of-the-art recording equipment.

Lowell Group acquired by TDR Capital

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 18:49:41 +0100

Leeds-based Lowell Group, widely acknowledged as the UK’s leading debt purchasing specialist, has been acquired by TDR Capital and senior management for an undisclosed sum from Exponent Private Equity.

Eurodebt offers advice to introducers on new OFT guidance

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 17:13:18 +0100

As it celebrates its 15 year anniversary, EuroDebt Financial Services is continuing its partnership programme with TrigoldCrystal at a series of regional Business Academy Events. Following the OFT’s revised debt management guidance proposals, EuroDebt is supporting 14 separate events across the UK, kicking off in Bristol on 21st June. As a founding member of the APDSI*, EuroDebt is committed to helping brokers and intermediaries act compliantly and will be at the TrigoldCrystal ev ...

Fall in unemployment masks underlying rise in those facing loss of income, warns Atlantic

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 16:04:05 +0100

This week’s unemployment figures revealed how record numbers of people are facing a loss in income because they can’t find a full-time job. Loss of income is the number one factor in people taking out Debt Management Plans (DMPs) according to debt solution specialist and Debt Management Standards Association (DEMSA) member, Atlantic Financial Management. While the headline ONS figures look positive, these could belie an underlying picture of growing debt problems i ...

Apollo to sponsor future of mobile banking conference

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 23:42:50 +0100

Apollo Enterprise Solutions, Inc. (“Apollo”), a leading provider of advanced interactive solutions for complex banking transactions, will be a key sponsor of Marketforce’s “Future of Mobile Banking” conference to be held at the Hilton Tower Bridge in London on June 21, 2011.

EuroDebt welcomes OFT consultation on debt management guidance

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 15:48:15 +0100

The UK's leading provider of face to face debt solution services, and founding member of the APDSI (Association of Professional Debt Solution Intermediaries), EuroDebt Financial Services, has welcomed the publication this week of the OFT's revised guidance for the debt management industry, for consultation.

Phillips & Cohen Associates signals growth intentions with major technology investment.

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 01:07:32 +0100

The UK’s only dedicated probate recovery business, Phillips & Cohen Associates (UK) Ltd, has signalled its growth intentions by making a significant investment in the latest, market leading dialler technology from Noble Systems.

Debt Recovery company âin the pinkâ as they raise money for cancer care research

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 17:43:26 +0100

A Rotherham based debt collection agency has put its best foot forward to help raise money for a cancer care charity.

Atlantic Applauds OFT Proposals to Improve Debt Management Standards

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 15:20:10 +0100

Debt Management Standards Association (DEMSA) member, Atlantic Financial Management fully supports the clarification offered by the OFT’s proposals for revised guidance for debt management companies.

New OFT debt management guidance makes cases like DCM Apex less likely

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 23:03:18 +0100

Debt resolution company, ClearDebt, is pleased that the OFT’s new debt management guidance, published today (Tuesday June 14) is likely to outlaw “full and final settlement” schemes such as those run by companies like DCM Apex, whose clients ClearDebt has been working with since that company went into administration on 2 March 2011.

New mental health training for debt collectors

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 18:39:36 +0100

A new online course which will teach debt collectors how to deal sensitively with people who have a mental illness, was launched yesterday.

Crown Mortgage Management comments on inflation

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 16:10:37 +0100

Eric Stoclet, CEO of Crown Mortgage Management said: "With both CPI and RPI remaining static in May, the MPC may feel its doveish view has been vindicated.

Dukesâ gets first time CHAS approval

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:59:09 +0100

Dukes Bailiffs has enhanced its credentials with the announcement that it has gained CHAS accreditation, (the Contractors Health & Safety Assessment Scheme) at the first attempt.

Further expansion at APDSI with appointment of Andrew Bowers to Board

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 18:02:06 +0100

The highly respected insolvency professional, Andrew Bowers, Director of Re10, one of the leading independent financial turnaround specialists in the UK, has joined the Board of APDSI (Association of Professional Debt Solution Intermediaries).

Plenty of cash rich to rescue the needy

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 17:47:10 +0100

1 in 5 companies in the UK Debt Collection Agencies industry could change ownership as a result of the current economic climate, claims a new study by leading financial analysts Plimsoll. With a surprising number of “cash rich” competitors waiting in the wings, the market could be set for a prolonged period of consolidation.

ICM and BIS monthly cashflow âtipâ to small businesses

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 17:37:15 +0100

The Institute of Credit Management (ICM) and the Minister of State for Business and Enterprise Mark Prisk have published their monthly ‘tip’ for small businesses to better manage their cashflow.

OFT to publish new debt management guidance

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 17:31:37 +0100

Debt Resolution Forum (DRF) the leading monitoring, training and representational body for fee-charging debt management companies, understands that the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) will be publishing it’s long awaited and much-delayed consultation on new debt management guidance tomorrow.

Iâve been made redundant, will I lose my house?

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 16:48:47 +0100

‘Will I lose my house?’ is the biggest single question people ask Payplan’s helpline after they’ve been made redundant.  

Record number of people in financial distress

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 18:17:37 +0100

The number of people experiencing financial distress has increased to the highest level recorded by R3’s Personal Debt Snapshot. The latest research finds that eight million people are due to go into their overdraft this month, with two million believing that they will go into an unauthorised overdraft position. The findings also show that six million people are currently behind with some of their bills and payments – a jump of 2 million over the last quarter.

Businesses fail to protect themselves from late payers

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 20:34:08 +0100

Businesses are failing to make use of publicly available data that could protect their business from poor payers, according to new figures from the Institute of Credit Management (ICM).

Housing issues on the rise for under 25âs says Citizens Advice

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 16:46:21 +0100

The number of under 25’s seeking help with benefits and housing issues is rising according to national charity Citizens Advice. Between April 2010 and March 2011 Citizens Advice Bureaux across England and Wales dealt with over 700,000 problems from people under the age of 25.

Why you are not alone if you hide money problems from a partner

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 15:51:26 +0100

Not sharing a money problem with a partner is more common than you think, says Payplan. The free debt advice and solutions company helps over 100,000 people every year and says it is 'incredibly normal' not to tell a partner or loved one when you get into debt.

Another First for Dukes Bailiffs

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 17:06:50 +0100

Dukes Bailiffs is setting new standards in the Collection and Enforcement industry with the introduction of cutting-edge technology to protect its bailiffs as they go about their business.

SFP appointed administrators to A & R Services (M&E) Ltd

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 16:56:24 +0100

The nationwide insolvency practitioners SFP has been appointed Administrators to the Bristol-based maintenance firm A & R Services (M&E) Ltd, after accruing large debts to Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Atlantic welcomes OFT proposals following CAB Super-complaint investigation

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 16:48:38 +0100

DEMSA member Atlantic Financial Management has welcomed the OFT’s proposed measures to tackle bad practice amongst credit brokers and Debt Management Companies (DMCs) with respect to marketing and charging of upfront fees.

Tiuta PLC announce new Non-Executive Director appointment

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 16:40:19 +0100

Tiuta PLC, the short-term loan lender, has today announced the appointment of Simon Engelsman to its Board as a new Non-Executive Director.

Three consultation documents published

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 11:27:50 +0100

The consultation document 'Establishing the future relationship between the Tax Agent community and HMRC' proposes transforming the relationship between agents and HMRC.

Birmingham council to outsource 100 jobs to India

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 16:21:14 +0100

Union leaders attacked the Conservative-led council today for planning to "export" 100 computer jobs to India.

Top speakers at CCUA Conference

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 15:40:45 +0100

The Civil Court Users Association (CCUA) have confirmed that the keynote speakers at their conference on 20th September at Leicester will be District Judge Paul Mildred, President of the Association of District Judges and Kevin Sadler, Director of Civil, Family & Tribunals, Her Majesty’s Courts & Tribunals Service.

Yet another increase in court fees 'will encourage people to run up debts'

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 17:46:16 +0100

A top credit control expert today said that the latest increase in Civil Proceedings fees, coming so soon after those implemented in April, will effectively encourage people to run up debts as the cost of recovering monies owed rises.

R3âs comments on the OFTâs credit practice proposals

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 17:27:28 +0100

Julie Palmer, R3 Council Member of Insolvency trade body R3, comments on the OFT’s credit practice proposals which were announced today.

LIP Service saving businesses from late payers

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 17:17:50 +0100

Lateinvoicepaymentservice.co.uk, LIP SERVICE as we call ourselves is a unique service.

TDX ranked in the Top 50 Best Workplaces

Fri, 27 May 2011 16:26:05 +0100

Nottingham-based TDX, the UK’s leading provider of data-driven debt solutions for creditors, has once again been named one of the UK’s Top 50 Best Workplaces in the Great Place to Work® Institute’s annual rankings. The company features in the list for the third time.

Increase in insolvency regulation will cost business, say Big Four and insolvency trade body

Thu, 26 May 2011 16:29:08 +0100

The cost of new insolvency regulation proposed by Government will outweigh the benefits to business and reduce creditor returns, according to insolvency trade body R3. Concern has prompted R3 and senior Insolvency Practitioners from the ‘Big Four’ accountancy firms (Deloitte, PwC, KPMG and Ernst & Young) to write a joint letter to the Insolvency Minister, Ed Davey MP, requesting an urgent meeting.

750 Mile Bright Red Bike Ride Raises Â£20,000

Wed, 25 May 2011 15:32:52 +0100

A gruelling, week-long (23 April - 2 May) charity bike ride from Lands End to Newcastle, organised by members of The Insolvency Service and trade body R3, has succeeded in raising more than £20,000 for blood cancer charity ‘Bright Red’. So far pledges have exceeded £20,000 with more coming in every day.

Atradius appoints new UK & Ireland Collections Head

Wed, 25 May 2011 15:22:06 +0100

Leading trade credit insurer Atradius has appointed Hans Meijer to their Collections business as Country Manager for UK & Ireland.

Payment delays give warning of impending crisis in construction

Wed, 25 May 2011 15:11:11 +0100

Larger building contractors are moving down the food chain as contract size and numbers continue to shrink, creating increased competition, eroding margins and putting intolerable pressure on prices.

CallGuardâs secure voice transaction technology -'a confidence boost to taking payments by ...

Wed, 25 May 2011 15:07:26 +0100

In the wake of recent data breaches suffered by several well known brands, companies taking card payments by telephone will welcome Veritape CallGuard with open arms. CallGuard is proven to cut contact centre fraud and deliver secure, PCI DSS compliant voice transaction technology. It gives companies taking payments over the telephone the power to safeguard their commercial integrity and give a boost to customers’ confidence in the payment process.

Business debt under the weather

Tue, 24 May 2011 12:06:08 +0100

Statistics on debt judgments in England & Wales released today by Registry Trust Ltd show that the total value of county court judgments (CCJs) issued against businesses rose 14.4 percent (£19.6m) from £136.2m to £155.8m in the first quarter of 2011.

Consumer court debt down Â£90m

Tue, 24 May 2011 11:49:53 +0100

The quarterly value of debt judgments against consumers in England and Wales has fallen £90m (16.7 percent) year on year according to statistics released today by Registry Trust Ltd.

British corporates are worst offenders in Â£24 billion late payment debt

Mon, 23 May 2011 18:58:55 +0100

Large corporates are responsible for many of the late payments making up the massive £24 billion owed to British small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), according to research from Bacs, the organisation behind Direct Debit and Bacs Direct Credit.

Credit Managersâ Role Gains Strength Through Troubled Times

Mon, 23 May 2011 18:45:58 +0100

Unemployment may be a concern for most in the current struggling economy but not if you work in credit management, according to new research.

Threat of insolvency offers fast debt recovery

Mon, 23 May 2011 15:41:18 +0100

As the cost of County Court action soars, credit management and debt collection company Daniels Silverman is advising small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to consider threatening insolvency as a means to recover debt.

P35 (PAYE) Deadline 19 May: Comment from insolvency trade body R3

Mon, 23 May 2011 15:37:55 +0100

Comment from Frances Coulson, President of insolvency trade body R3:

“Typically many businesses will be caught out by the P35 deadline on 19 May, having been ‘getting by’ and not submitting the full amount of PAYE they owe each month. This deadline is traditionally a time when HMRC uncovers any shortcomings in the payments due and the payments made in terms of PAYE, as well as those businesses which do not file at all.

Landmark Supreme Court ruling removes immunity from expert witnesses

Fri, 20 May 2011 12:34:21 +0100

Expert witnesses have had their immunity from suit removed by the Supreme Court. The groundbreaking judgment in Jones-v-Kaney, handed down in March, overturns four centuries of expert witnesses being given immunity from negligence claims.

32,000 facing redundancy helped as Insolvency Practitioners team up with Jobcentre Plus

Wed, 18 May 2011 20:10:55 +0100

Ministers extend a voluntary partnership between Jobcentre Plus and Insolvency Practitioners today that has so far helped 32,000 employees facing redundancy to find new employment, claim benefits and access training.

The Business Software Centre offers SMEs software-as-a-service Direct Debit technology

Wed, 18 May 2011 00:37:38 +0100

Albany Software, the pioneering developer of electronic payment solutions, has signed The Business Software Centre to its growing network of referrer partners to meet demand from SMEs to rent Direct Debit (DD) collection functionality as a hosted service. The Business Software Centre will be offering Albany’s eCOLLECT solution – a fully auditable and secure Direct Debit collection facility.

Ranking Affirmed As ABOVE AVERAGE On TDX Group As Master Servicer Of Consumer Finance In The U.K.

Wed, 18 May 2011 00:24:11 +0100

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services has affirmed its overall ABOVE AVERAGE ranking on TDX Group Ltd. (TDX) as a master servicer of consumer finance in the U.K.

Daniels Silverman calls for tougher regulation of Insolvency Practitioners

Tue, 17 May 2011 15:04:48 +0100

Credit management and debt collection company Daniels Silverman has called for tougher regulation of Insolvency Practitioners (IP) in its response to the government’s Consultation on Reforms to the Regulation of Insolvency Practitioners, which closed on 6 May.

New director appointed at Robinson Way

Mon, 16 May 2011 17:43:03 +0100

Robinson Way has appointed James Gracey as Key Account Director responsible for existing client relations and new business growth.

Dukes Bailiffs no couch potatoes

Thu, 12 May 2011 15:41:33 +0100

Dukes Bailiffs, the Staffordshire based company, has proven they will go the extra mile when it comes to acting on behalf of a client.

Repossessions back on the rise

Thu, 12 May 2011 11:40:42 +0100

Figures published today by the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) show that the number of repossessions in the first three months of this year reached 9,100 – up 15% from 7,900 in the last quarter of 2010 but down 10% from the same period a year ago. Levels of mortgage arrears were also down over the same period.

CML reports little change in level of mortgage payment difficulties

Thu, 12 May 2011 11:31:25 +0100

There was little change in the level of mortgage payment difficulties in the first quarter of 2011, according to new data released today by the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML).

Ministerial statement: Consultation on proposals for a restructuring moratorium

Wed, 11 May 2011 15:56:42 +0100

R3 President, Frances Coulson commented: “While examining proposals for a restructuring moratorium in CVAs, the news that Government will now tackle the issue of termination clauses - whereby suppliers can cancel essential contracts on insolvency - is extremely welcome.

AIK: 1st quarter 2011 results

Tue, 10 May 2011 16:22:50 +0100

Aktiv Kapital reports an operating profit of NOK 102.9 million in Q1 2011, up from NOK 99.8 million in the same period 2010. The improved operating profit is attributable to the operational improvements executed in 2010 and better economic conditions in some countries.

ICM and BIS monthly cashflow âtipâ to small businesses

Tue, 10 May 2011 12:06:15 +0100

The Institute of Credit Management (ICM) and the Minister of State for Business and Enterprise Mark Prisk have published their monthly ‘tip’ for small businesses to better manage their cashflow.

Daniels Silverman service to tackle private schools debt

Mon, 09 May 2011 12:10:49 +0100

Credit management and debt collection company Daniels Silverman has established a dedicated private schools team in response to the growing number of private educational establishments that are turning to them for help with fee arrears.

PCA Add US and Canadian Events to its Successful International Probate Creditor Roundtable Series

Mon, 09 May 2011 11:19:51 +0100

Phillips & Cohen Associates, Ltd. (PCA) will conduct as many as four more creditor industry roundtables in America and Canada, and possibly Australia and the UK following the success of the company’s inaugural event in the United Kingdom.

OnGuard C3 software suite clears the path to payment and optimizes working capital

Mon, 09 May 2011 09:00:00 +0100

OnGuard provider of business-to-business credit, collections, and complaints management solutions, has today announced the launch of OnGuard C3, a suite of advanced software tools designed to enable organizations to reduce the cost of working capital while enhancing customer relationships. By providing users with a 360-degree view of customer behavior and elevating accounts receivable to a strategic level, OnGuard C3 brings credit, collections and complaints management into the hear ...

Insolvency statistics - the calm before the storm

Fri, 06 May 2011 16:19:24 +0100

Paul Marsh, partner, and Head of Personal Insolvency at leading law firm DWF, comments: “Although today’s statistics show a continued decline in personal insolvencies, this is very much the calm before the storm.

The Debt Advisor comments on latest Insolvency figures

Fri, 06 May 2011 16:05:22 +0100

Figures published today by the Insolvency Service show that corporate insolvencies in the first quarter of this year were up again rising 3.7% on the previous quarter to 4,121. Personal insolvencies dropped again in the first quarter 2011 for the fourth time in a row and were 15.5% less than 12 months ago.

Insolvency Service Q1:2011 Statistics

Fri, 06 May 2011 15:40:02 +0100

• Overall individual insolvencies are down on the same quarter last year (15.5%), running at 30,162 for the quarter and 129,525 for the last 12 months. • Bankruptcies are down (31%) on the same quarter last year at 12,539, but up slightly on the previous quarter (4%). • Overall liquidations were up on the previous quarter (3.7%) and the same quarter last year (2.1%) at 4,121. • This rise was ...

Lowell Group posts strongly increased earnings

Thu, 05 May 2011 16:11:46 +0100

Leeds-based Lowell Group, widely acknowledged as the UK’s leading debt purchasing specialist, has posted a strong increase in earnings for 2009/10.

Insolvency Practitioners Association proposals in response to The Insolvency Service consultation

Thu, 05 May 2011 15:28:27 +0100

The IPA today publicises its response to the Insolvency Service (IS) consultation on regulatory reform ahead of the 6 May deadline as set by the IS. The consultation document was in response to an Office of Fair Trading (OFT) study, which recognised that the insolvency market worked well in the majority of cases, but made certain recommendations, including the establishment of an Independent Complaints Body, in respect of which the IS set out four suggested models.

Third party outsourcing set to rise in post recession collections environment

Wed, 04 May 2011 19:16:27 +0100

A new white paper published by specialist credit management and debt collection business, Transcom, predicts that third party outsourcing will become a defining trend in credit management and collections environments as companies reshape their operations in the aftermath of recession. The sentiment is echoed by the international analyst firm, Ovum, which predicts a 52% rise in collections outsourcing over the next 5 years.

Marlin Financial sign-up to utilise ClearSavvy.com software

Wed, 04 May 2011 17:43:31 +0100

ClearSavvy.com is delighted to announce its latest client acquisition. Leading debt buyer and servicer Marlin Financial Group have engaged the innovative online settlement and negotiation software. Both businesses are now underway with implementing the solution for the benefit of Marlin's growing customer base.

More businesses believe banks to be unsupportive

Wed, 04 May 2011 17:29:36 +0100

The number of businesses who believe that banks are being unsupportive has increased, according to insolvency trade body R3’s Business Distress Index. The quarterly report, which looks at the financial position of GB businesses, reveals that one in four (24%) businesses strongly disagree with banks being supportive, up 7% on September 2010 figures.

SoundBite Introduces New Preference Management Platform to Enable More Dynamic and Intelligent Comms

Wed, 04 May 2011 17:24:02 +0100

SoundBite Communications, Inc. today introduced SoundBite Insight, a dynamic cloud-based preference management platform that provides organisations with the intelligence needed to optimise communications decisions for personalised one-to-one or segmented customer communications strategies.

Insolvency service launch

Wed, 04 May 2011 12:57:11 +0100

DebtPlough.com and NCS have teamed up to provide our customers with a unique offering in the provision of claims management, risk mitigation and the supply of bespoke insolvency advisory services for clients who are faced with insolvent debtors. More often than not, when customers suffer bad debts which arise as a result of insolvency, significant time, effort and resources are expending in dealing with; attending meetings; reviewing reports; completing proxy and proof of debt forms; liai ...

ICM calls for radical change to IP regulatory framework

Wed, 04 May 2011 12:45:42 +0100

The Institute of Credit Management (ICM) is calling for a radical change to the current regulatory framework for Insolvency Practitioners (IPs) to better protect the interests of unsecured creditors.

Increase in businesses using bad debt protection highlights fragility of UK business community

Wed, 04 May 2011 11:53:45 +0100

The latest findings from the Asset Based Finance Association (ABFA) reveal the number of firms taking out bad debt protection increased by 23% in the final quarter of 2010 compared to the same period in 2009.

Dukes take pride of place at Parkex

Wed, 04 May 2011 11:41:14 +0100

Dukes Bailiffs enjoyed another successful show when they exhibited at Parkex recently.

Tax will be biggest killer of business says leading insolvency firm

Wed, 04 May 2011 11:29:43 +0100

Massive debts owed to the taxman are the likeliest cause of future company failures, according to figures from one of the country’s leading insolvency firms.

R3 survey reveals change in consumer spending habits

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:04:58 +0100

More than eighty percent of the population have changed their spending habits over the last twelve months, with over half (51%) of the population buying fewer non-essentials such as clothes and DVDs, according to a survey by R3, the insolvency trade body.  

Businesses battle with rise in debt through late payments

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 11:25:17 +0100

Businesses are experiencing a continued rise in late payment problems according to the latest analysis from commercial debt recovery specialist Lovetts. In the first quarter of 2011, the average debt being chased through Letters before Action (LBA) increased in value by 17.6% compared to the same period in 2010. LBAs are used to secure payment, or to obtain a response from a customer before the commencement of a legal claim.

Prompt Payment Code reaches major milestone

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 16:55:32 +0100

More than 1000 businesses have now signed the Institute of Credit Management (ICM) led pledge for big businesses to live up to their word to pay on time by becoming signatories to the BIS backed Prompt Payment Code (PPC).

Double bank holiday fuels late payment risk

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:08:54 +0100

Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance is warning businesses that the upcoming double bank holiday could lead to surge in late payments from customers and is urging firms to take all necessary precautions to avoid being affected.

CHL arrears back to pre-credit crunch levels

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:04:28 +0100

Specialist lender, CHL Mortgages, has today revealed its arrears across its buy-to-let mortgage book are now back to the same levels as 2008, before the start of the Credit Crunch.

Apollo, Bridgeforce, CMC resolve trade secrets, fraud, breach of contract,false advertising disputes

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 11:55:41 +0100

Apollo Enterprise Solutions, Inc. (“Apollo”), Bridgeforce Inc. (“Bridgeforce”), and Collections Marketing Center, Inc. (“CMC”) are pleased to announce that all claims and counterclaims have been dismissed in the lawsuits currently pending in California and Delaware state courts alleging trade secret misappropriation, fraud, and breach of contract on the part of CMC, Bridgeforce and certain of their principals.

Apex Credit Management win Customer Contact Innovation Award for Integrated Outbound

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 18:26:32 +0100

Apex Credit Management’s market leading expertise in outbound telephone activities has been recognised by the Professional Planning Forum, which awarded the business their Customer Contact Innovation Award for Integrated Outbound at their 11th Anniversary Conference in Birmingham on 13 April.

Teleperformance announce âTeleperformance Collectionsâ a new brand and 2 new senior ...

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 16:22:41 +0100

Teleperformance, the world’s largest outsourced collections provider, today announces a new brand “Teleperformance Collections” for its UK collections arm, formerly IMFS, and 2 new senior appointments as their debt collection arm continues to grow.

MCR appoints two new partners to continue growth

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 15:50:59 +0100

MCR, the corporate restructuring and recovery specialists, have appointed two new Partners to the business following the promotion of Matt Ingram and Ben Wiles.

Apex Enters The Sunday Times PwC Profit Track 100 at Number 38

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 18:10:27 +0100

The twelfth annual Profit Track 100 league table ranks companies according to growth in profits over the last three years of latest available audited accounts and was published in The Sunday Times on 17 April 2011, with title sponsor PwC. Apex Credit Management was the only organisation from the debt management/debt purchase sector listed in the report.

Consumers reminded that bank holidays may impact payment timescales

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 15:29:32 +0100

The occurrence of four bank holidays (Good Friday, Easter Monday, the Royal Wedding and May Day) in the next two weeks means that between Wednesday 20 April and Monday 2 May (inclusive) there are only five working days. The Payments Council is therefore advising all consumers to check that these bank holidays in such a close proximity won’t affect any of their up-and-coming payment commitments.

66% of UK businesses taking harder line against debtors but compulsory liquidations continue to fall

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 13:09:53 +0100

Nearly a quarter (23 per cent) of UK businesses have issued fewer winding up petitions over the past year, despite 66 per cent of firms claiming they have been taking a tougher approach to dealing with debtors, according to a new poll of professional credit managers undertaken by Graydon UK, a commercial credit reference company.

Apex Credit Management wins UK Customer Contact Innovation Award

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 13:00:48 +0100

Noble Systems Corporation, a global leader in unified contact centre technology solutions and its partner Nexidia, the market-leading provider of audio search and speech analytics solutions, are pleased to announce that flagship customer, Apex Credit Management, has received the Professional Planning Forum’s Customer Contact Innovation award for Integrated Outbound.

Insolvency Practitioners Association appoints new president

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:52:20 +0100

At the Annual General Meeting of the Insolvency Practitioners Association (IPA) held on the day of the 50thanniversary of the Association, Patrick (Paddy) Brazzill was appointed President for the next year.

ICM and BIS monthly cashflow âtipâ to small businesses

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:43:57 +0100

The Institute of Credit Management (ICM) and the Minister of State for Business and Enterprise Mark Prisk have published their monthly ‘tip’ for small businesses to better manage their cashflow.

Paradigm and The Debt Advisor announce new strategic partnership

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:33:01 +0100

Paradigm Mortgage Services, the mortgage partnership proposition, has today announced a new strategic partnership with award-winning debt advisory specialists, The Debt Advisor.

New Cabot Financial Group announces leadership structure and increased banking facilities

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 15:02:57 +0100

Cabot Financial Group, one of the UK’s largest debt purchase and collections companies, today announces the Group’s new leadership team. The announcement follows the acquisition of Cabot Financial by AnaCap Financial Partners and the subsequent merger of Cabot with Apex Credit Management.

CML welcomes solicitors' insurance reprieve and urges SRA to make it permanent

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 17:29:02 +0100

The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) welcomes yesterday's confirmation from the Solicitors' Regulation Authority (SRA) that for the time being it will retain financial institutions' protection under solicitors' compulsory professional indemnity insurance minimum requirements. The CML hopes that, in due course, the SRA will conclude that such cover should continue to remain integral to standard insurance arrangements.

Anvil launches simple and secure mobile phone call recording solution to meet new FSA Rules

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:57:33 +0100

With new FSA Rules due to take effect at the end of 2011, Anvil Mobile has announced its simple and secure recording solution for mobile phone conversations, Simply compliant.

Payments Council responds to the Treasury Select Committee

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:36:11 +0100

The Payments Council has responded to the Treasury Select Committee's plans to follow-up its inquiry into cheque closure decision.

NIC holiday passed into law

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 15:47:37 +0100

A scheme designed to help new businesses by cutting their national insurance contributions has become law.

Changes to the London bankruptcy jurisdiction

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 15:09:37 +0100

With effect from 6 April 2011 the Insolvency Rules will be amended by The Insolvency (Amendment) Rules 2011 (SI 2011/785) to require lower value bankruptcy cases allocated to the London insolvency district to be presented to and heard by the Central London County Court rather than the High Court of Justice.

GPBâs fund raising a success

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 15:05:39 +0100

Friday 18 March 2011 was Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day and GPB are proud to confirm they have raised £1,223.38.

Difficult times for pub landlords

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 15:12:17 +0100

Commenting on the £367m write down from Punch Taverns, Business Debtline spokesperson Katherine Rock said:

Daniels Silverman urges local councils to engage with late payers

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 11:50:42 +0100

Credit management and debt collection company Daniels Silverman urges councils to rethink their policy on employing bailiffs and adopt a more proactive form of engagement.  

King Sturge Property Management Team Goes Live with Moreton Smithâs Collection Software

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 11:12:43 +0100

Moreton Smith, the award-winning credit management agency, has announced that the King Sturge Property Management team has gone live with their market-leading collection software, eCollect365.

Apollo Enterprise Solutions, Inc. names Gregory Halligan as vice president of sales

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 10:53:33 +0100

Apollo Enterprise Solutions, Inc. (“Apollo”), a leading provider of advanced solutions for improving operational efficiencies, outcomes, and customer experiences for banks, lenders, and other financial products marketers, announced today that Gregory Halligan has joined the Company as Vice President of Sales.

CSA says collections industry must have voice in devising new FCA ârulesâ

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 16:25:00 +0100

A new ‘rule book’ is required to help the proposed Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulate debt collection agencies in the future, according to the industry’s trade body, the Credit Services Association (CSA).

GB Group's Accelerator e-Trace gains prestigious endorsement from the ABI

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 13:14:59 +0100

GB Group, a global leading Identity Management business, has today announced that its tracing product, GB Accelerator e-Trace, has been named as the exclusive, officially endorsed, tracing platform of The Association of British Investigator’s (ABI).

AnaCap Buys Cabot From Citi for Â£90m

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 10:45:38 +0100

AnaCap Financial Partners (AnaCap), the European private equity firm that specialises in the financial services sector, is to acquire Cabot Financial, the consumer debt purchasing firm, from Citi.

Opos Limited team sky dive

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 14:05:03 +0100

Members of staff from debt collection agency Opos are to jump from a plane at 10,000ft, in order to help cancer care.

Proposed changes to pre-pack administrations are 'inadequate and fail to protect creditors'

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 10:29:40 +0100

Credit management and collections company Daniels Silverman is calling for tougher legislation to prevent directors from repeatedly abusing pre-pack administrations to avoid debt, as the latest measures announced by Edward Davey, minister with responsibility for insolvency, will fail to protect creditors.

New bidding feature from ClearSavvy.com sees 85% success with customers

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 16:36:30 +0100

ClearSavvy.com's development team and its clients are celebrating some great results from one of the latest additions to the online collections software. The solution now provides the option for clients to allow their indebted customers to 'bid' on repayment plans, making offers that they can realistically afford and submitting these online for an immediate decision. Since putting this live they have seen a consistent engagement from customers of 85% or more submitting at least one bid ...

First Credit Management completes major re-branding exercise

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 16:25:42 +0100

One of the leading trace and collect debt recovery agencies, First Credit Management, has just completed a major re-branding exercise and Capital Resolve launches on May 3rd.

Moreton Smith to Lead Discussions at ICTF 2011

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:52:14 +0100

Charles Mayhew, a Board Director at Moreton Smith, the award-winning credit management agency, will be presenting at this year’s International Credit and Trade Financials forum, taking place in Amsterdam, in May of this year.

Select steps up rugby league support

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 15:31:25 +0100

Security firm Select Group has supplied 50 rain jackets through a sponsorship package with Keighley Town Amateur Rugby League Club.

Moreton Smith to Sponsor 11th Annual European Shared Services & Outsourcing Network

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 15:22:39 +0100

Moreton Smith, the award-winning credit management agency, will be sponsoring this year’s 11th Annual European Shared Services & Outsourcing Network (SSON) in Amsterdam, from 9th – 11th May 2011.

Dukes Bailiffs Strengthen Team

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 15:06:12 +0100

Dukes Bailiffs has strengthened its Stone-based operation with the announcement of strategic appointments.

New guide reinforces advantages of automated payments for SMEs

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 00:00:01 +0100

With £24 billion now owed to British SMEs in late payments, a new guide for businesses, designed to highlight the cash flow and debt collection benefits of using automated payment methods, has been launched.

OFT investigation continues following citizens advice complaint - EuroDebt Financial comment

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 17:29:08 +0100

OFT investigation continues following citizens advice complaint - EuroDebt Financial Services commentDebt Management Companies (DMCs) and the debt solution trade associations have over the last week received questionnaires from the OFT as part of its ongoing investigation into the Citizens Advice super-complaint regarding the marketing practices and fee charging of credit brokers and other service providers, including DMCs. Vance Parsons, Director of EuroDebt Financial Services commen ...

Government proposals on pre-packaged sales of businesses by administrators

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 17:22:26 +0100

The Insolvency Practitioners Association (IPA) , as a regulator of insolvency practitioners engaged in rescuing businesses through the administration process, has been actively monitoring the use of ‘pre-packs’ – a mechanism which is commonly used for the purpose of preserving value and jobs in insolvency situations – as part of its ongoing role as a recognised professional body under the Insolvency Act. The Government’s Insolvency Service has published the r ...

ccscollect appoint new sales and marketing director

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 17:24:58 +0100

CCS COLLECT has appointed Martin Bromboszcz as Sales & Marketing Director. Bromboszcz has over 24 years Credit Industry experience, the last 11 years at debt collectors Robinson Way.

Changes to pre-packs could increase transparency but may lead to increase in liquidations

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 17:14:10 +0100

Government proposals announced today introducing a three day notice period for pre-pack sales to connected parties could mean unsecured creditors lose out, as more businesses are liquidated instead of pre-packed. While any attempt to bring greater transparency to the pre-pack process is to be welcomed, an unintended consequence could be the value of a business depreciating and delay could jeopardise corporate rescues.

Industry launches updated Lending Code

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 17:08:03 +0100

The new Lending Code <http://www.lendingstandardsboard.org.uk/docs/lendingcode.pdf> containing enhanced and new provisions for consumers, micro-enterprises and charities has today been published by its sponsors (the British Bankers’ Association, the Building Societies Association and The UK Cards Association).

âStop the Debt Roguesâ â Campaign in the Daily Mirror to expose rogue debt ...

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 17:01:20 +0100

Payplan has welcomed the “Stop the Debt Rogues” campaign launched this week in the Daily Mirror. The Mirror’s campaign calls for a clamp down on the widespread bad practice by fee-charging debt management companies – with an estimated 400 firms operating in the UK, many are ripping off consumers and not paying their creditors.

BIS Minister announces new proposals for dealing with pre-pack administrations

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:39:51 +0100

Edward Davey, BIS Minister with responsibility for the insolvency regime, announces new proposals for dealing with pre-pack administrations

Samsung & Visa, two worldwide Olympic sponsors, join forces to enable mobile payments

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:09:10 +0100

Samsung and Visa today announced plans to bring the latest innovation in payment technology to the market as part of their sponsorships of London 2012, enabling consumers to make mobile payments using the Samsung Olympic and Paralympic Games mobile handset. Before and during the Games, the innovation will transform the payment experience in London and globally, enabling faster, more convenient payments via mobile phone.

Daniels Silverman appoints operations manager

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 17:17:34 +0100

Leading credit management and collection company Daniels Silverman has appointed former Bank of Scotland manager Joanne Cooper to head up its operations team following a surge in demand for late payments advice from small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

Echo delighted to announce the acquisition of debt collection agency, Inter-Credit International

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 19:06:29 +0100

 Echo Managed Services, the leading customer services and billing software provider to UK utilities and public sector is delighted to announce the acquisition of London based debt collection agency, Inter-Credit International.

Atradius issues an expanded International Debt Collections Handbook covering China and Hong Kong

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 18:43:17 +0100

In a first, the International Debt Collections Handbook includes dedicated reports on China and Hong Kong. The fourth edition has been released today by Atradius Collections.

ICM announces winners of prestigious icm11 awards

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 17:06:25 +0100

Karen Kelsey of npower business has been named as the Credit Professional of the Year, at the icm11 awards organised by the Institute of Credit Management (ICM). The award is seen as the ultimate accolade for exceptional performance and achievement in the credit world.

The P&A Partnership seek buyers for leading timber company

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 16:38:52 +0100

Andy Wood and Christopher White of The P&A Partnership, Sheffield, have today been appointed joint administrators of Nottingham timber company F W Mason & Sons Ltd.

Managing Credit in Todayâs Business Environment

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 16:05:28 +0100

The MACM 10th Anniversary Conference is to be held on Thursday, 12th May 2011 at Radisson Blu Resort, St Julian’s, Malta.

Moreton Smith wins again at this yearâs ICM Awards

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 15:46:00 +0100

Moreton Smith, the award-winning credit management agency, was again nominated for a host of ICM awards this year. During last night’s ceremony, the London-based agency was pleased to win the Newcomer of the Year award.

Rising costs are driving down profit margins in the UK Debt Collection Agencies industry

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 10:55:07 +0100

1 in 3 companies in the UK Debt Collection Agencies industry are making a loss according to new research from market analysts Plimsoll. Many in the market are finding it difficult to pass on the pain of cost inflation to their customers as competitive pressure is restricting their pricing power.

Leading bailiff experts join forces to help local authority management teams

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 22:10:44 +0100

With the news that the long-awaited changes to bailiff law will not happen before 2013, and with many people doubting that much will change even then, two of the enforcement industry’s leading experts have joined forces to offer Local Authorities courses on getting the most from their bailiffs during these difficult economic times.

Budget brings little relief for middle England

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 21:51:17 +0100

The March Budget has bought some much needed relief for low income families but Atlantic Financial Management is warning that many middle income home owners are still facing stagnant wage inflation, increased living costs and the spectre of mortgage rate rises in May. Atlantic is urging families to give themselves a financial health check to ensure they can cope with any further increases in their monthly outgoings.

The Money Advice Trust comments on the 2011 Budget

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 21:29:37 +0100

Commenting on the 2011 Budget, Joanna Elson OBE, Chief Executive of the Money Advice Trust, said:

SMEs reluctant to export amid late payment fears

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 18:46:36 +0100

UK SMEs are failing to capitalise on the weakness of the pound to export their goods and services, due to concerns over how late payments from overseas partners could impact their cash flow, according to Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance.

Malcolm Hurlston becomes President of CCCS

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 18:35:33 +0100

Malcolm Hurlston, founder and former chairman of leading debt charity Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS), has been named as its Honorary President. CCCS is awarding him the newly created position in recognition of two decades of work leading the charity, which is now the major source of free debt counselling and advice in the UK.

Dukes re-design debtor communications

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 17:39:08 +0100

Dukes Bailiffs has taken the initiative in completely re-designing its debtor communications to make notices easier to understand and more effective in use.

Hair raising conclusion to collections firms red nose fun!

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 17:32:07 +0100

Sheffield based Close Credit Management (CCM) have raised £300 for Comic Relief through a variety of different events including a sponsored hair cut, a tea-a-thon and a ‘guess the scent’ competition.

DCA wins Investor In People recognition

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 13:04:53 +0100

Successful debt collection agency, Empingham, have announced that they have been awarded the prestigious Investor In People recognition.

OFT Consultation on draft Debt Collection guidance

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 17:46:04 +0100

Having last reissued its debt collection guidance in 2006, the OFT has now published a freshly updated draft for consultation. It cites two key developments in debt collection in the last few years: the improved powers gained by the OFT via the Consumer Credit Act 2006, and the growth of debt sale and purchase.

Marston Group âModel of Excellenceâ wins Enforcement Award at the BPA 2011

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 16:02:14 +0100

Marston Group (“Marston”) is pleased to announce that its “Model of Excellence for Ethical Debt Recovery” has won the Enforcement Award at the British Parking Awards 2011.

OnGuard scoops âMost Innovative ICT Companyâ award at 2011 TIM Awards

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 15:50:32 +0100

Credit, collections and complaints software specialist, OnGuard, is delighted to announce that it has received the accolade of ‘Most Innovative Company’ at the 2011 TIM Awards.

Positive payment flows mask full impact of crisis facing UK exporters

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 16:53:10 +0100

British exports to the Middle East and North Africa are as yet apparently unaffected by the current troubles, with a positive flow of payments being made for goods and services provided.

R3: change insolvency law to reduce pre-packs

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 16:10:18 +0100

The insolvency trade body R3 is calling for a change in legislation which insolvency practitioners estimate will reduce the number of pre-packs by more than a fifth. R3 want the law to prevent suppliers demanding extortionate ransom payments, increasing their prices or ceasing to supply as a company goes into formal insolvency.

The magnificent 7 - ClearSavvy.com continues rapid growth

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 15:43:12 +0100

Brighton-based online collections software provider ClearSavvy.com is celebrating a very successful start to 2011. The business has secured seven new clients in the opening two months of the year.

A NEW WEBSITE FOR A NEW OFFERING

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 15:41:23 +0100

Hilton-Baird Collection Services has extended its debt collection offer to meet the needs of the SME and Corporate markets. To ring the changes, the company has launched a new website targeted at the wider business community.

The Federation of Small Business Joins call to the end the Channel Island VAT Avoidance Scheme

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 11:43:34 +0100

In a letter to the European Commission The Federation of Small Businesses has called upon EU officials to ensure that the UK Government brings to an end the abuse of Low Value Consignment Relief (LVCR).

Inflation busting increases

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 12:18:33 +0100

The Civil Court Users Association is disappointed to see an increase in court fees without any form of consultation.

OFT LAUNCHES CONSULTATION ON REVISED DEBT COLLECTION GUIDANCE

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 17:14:42 +0100

The OFT has today launched a 12-week consultation on its updated Debt Collection Guidance.

Apex Credit Management - A Sunday Times Top 100 Business to Work For

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 14:14:03 +0100

On 24 February the Sunday Times List of the Top 100 Companies to Work For listed a new entry for Apex Credit Management. Apex entered this well respected index at No 53, an achievement that delighted the whole team.

Ventura develops telecoms solution to revolutionalise financial sector call centre operations

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 10:58:56 +0100

One of the UK’s leading call centre operators for the financial sector has helped develop a revolutionary telecoms solution in the latest stage of a longstanding partnership with TalkTalk Business.

R3 comments on the CAB's 'Cashing In' report

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 18:09:25 +0100

“Debt Management Plans have an important role to play in the debt and insolvency landscape, however there remain worrying practices in the debt management market, as evidenced by the OFT report and R3’s research. More than half of our members had seen individuals whose debt management plan (DMP) had failed because the amount of debt they were in was simply too high to make a DMP a feasible option in the first place. Worryingly, 22% of individuals in a DMP say the organisation ...

New Audit of Debt Buyers Brings External Verification of Compliance Standards

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 17:07:16 +0100

A new professional compliance audit designed specifically to enhance the quality and reputation of buyers operating in the debt sale and purchase arena has been launched by the Debt Buyers and Sellers Group (DBSG), which is part of the Credit Services Association (CSA).

DBSG appoints New 'Seller Relations' Liaison

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 16:55:58 +0100

The Debt Buyers and Sellers Group (DBSG) has appointed Sarah Marshall, Head of Recoveries at Santander, to take responsibility for Seller Relations – a key role which maintains the Group’s profile and influence within arguably the more important ‘half’ of the industry body.

Close Credit Management Give it Some Welly!

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:33:55 +0100

Sheffield based Close Credit Management (CCM) have joined forces with the Woodland Trust, the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity, to help the business plant forty trees to celebrate their 40th anniversary later this year.

Delays building up?

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 17:21:29 +0100

The Civil Court Users Association (CCUA) is to canvas its members for their views on the current service provided by the Courts

Cobbetts announce new director in their financial services team.

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 17:12:59 +0100

Cobbetts are delighted to announce the appointment of Ray Hugill as a Director in their Financial Services Team.

CSA to be key stakeholder in OFT consultation

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 18:45:52 +0100

The Credit Services Association (CSA), the voice of the UK debt collections industry, is to be consulted as a key stakeholder in the proposed update to the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) Guidance for Debt Collectors expected later in the year.

Debt Resolution Forum welcomes CAB super-complaint on cold calling

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 15:35:09 +0100

Debt Resolution Forum (DRF) – the trade body for fee charging debt resolution companies – today welcomed Citizen’s Advice’s super-complaint to the Office of Fair trading regarding cold calling and upfront fees.

Erik Oyno withdraws from CEO position in Aktiv Kapital

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 15:29:36 +0100

Erik Oyno has informed, and the Board accepted, that he wishes to step down as the CEO of Aktiv Kapital. Erik will continue to manage the company until the Annual General Meeting March 30.

Apollo files patent infringement claims against CMC and Bridgeforce, Inc.

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 15:16:53 +0100

Apollo Enterprise Solutions, Inc, (“Apollo”), a leading provider of advanced solutions for improving operational efficiencies, outcomes, and customer experiences for banks, lenders, and other credit products marketers, announced today that it has filed a patent infringement claim against Collections Marketing Center, Inc. (“CMC”), alleging that CMC infringes a patent owned by Apollo in connection with CMC’s FlexCollect offering.

Merger of two field businesses creates âindustrial strengthâ offering

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:51:54 +0100

Two of the industry’s prominent field counselling and collections businesses, The Property Service Partnership (PSP) and Fieldcall are to merge, creating a business of almost 250 field agents with “industrial strength” compliance capabilities.

BCW Group climbs to 47 in the UKâs best companies to work for

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:43:51 +0100

Leading provider of credit management and debt recovery services in the UK and Ireland, BCW Group, has been recognised in The Sunday Times ‘Best Companies To Work For’ list 2011.

Research into the trace industry - How Variable Is Your Debtor Trace Department?

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 16:16:05 +0100

Research conducted by Manchester Metropolitan University Business School in partnership with Focus Software Systems has revealed some interesting trends within the trace industry. The research highlights the three biggest current issues for the industry. They are, in order of significance, staying within compliance rules, having transparency and productivity levels.

Phillips & Cohen Associates UK comments on OFT will-writing review

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 15:51:50 +0100

The nation’s only dedicated probate recovery business, Phillips & Cohen Associates UK Ltd, has commented on the Office of Fair Trading’s recent review of the sale of will-writing and executor services by the big four high street banks.

International Debt Collections Handbook reveals country differences in statute of limitations

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 17:47:25 +0100

The International Debt Collections Handbook which will be released by Atradius Collections in its fourth edition next month reveals the enormous differences in debt expiring in based on statute of limitations.

Debt judgments plummet to 1989 levels

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 12:36:06 +0100

Last year the number of County Court Judgments (CCJs) against businesses in England and Wales plummeted to the lowest level since 1989. In 2010, 27.1 percent fewer debt judgments were recorded against businesses compared with 2009. In total 150,900 CCJs were issued according to Registry Trust’s annual statistics. This is 56,200 fewer than last year’s 207,100 judgments.

High Court Enforcement Officers Association Examination

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 08:06:40 +0100

Amir Ali, Director of Clients Services & Business Development at High Court Enforcement Group passed the High Court Enforcement Officers Association examination in February 2011. As a result Amir is now well on his way to becoming an Associate member of the HCEOA. He will remain a Student member until he has completed his training as a High Court Enforcement Officer and gained Associate membership status, before applying for full authorisation status from the Lord Chancellor.

DebtFlow system reaches billion pound case load milestone

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:03:50 +0100

Sawfish Software has announced that a massive £1 billion worth of UK personal debt cases has been assisted by its specialist software.

ICM and BIS combine to provide monthly cashflow âtipsâ to small businesses

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 23:54:54 +0100

The Institute of Credit Management (ICM) and the Minister of State for Business and Enterprise Mark Prisk have teamed up to provide a monthly ‘tip’ for small businesses to better manage their cashflow.

Noble Systemsâ Global Revenue Grows by 36 percent in 2010

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 23:07:19 +0100

Noble Systems, a global leader in innovative contact centre technology solutions, today announced a 36 percent rise in total revenue from fiscal year 2009 to 2010. The company also expanded its global workforce by more than 50 percent to meet new management, support and product innovation goals.

44% with mental health problems have crisis debts â 5x everyone else

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 00:00:01 +0100

Mental health problems can cause severe debt; severe debt can cause mental health problems. The sheer scale of this national problem is hidden, as both issues carry a stigma. MoneySavingExpert.com today launches a campaign to tackle the marriage made in hell of mental health and debt, including a major new free guide for sufferers and their carers. In a new poll of 6,700 people, 44% of those who've had mental health problems (or have partners who do) have had seve ...

Aktiv Kapital (NO) - AIK: 4th quarter 2010 results

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 17:10:21 +0100

OSLO - Aktiv Kapital continues to show an improvement in results and reports an operating profit of NOK 103.1 million in Q4 2010, up from NOK 47.3 million in the same period 2009. The Board proposes a dividend of NOK 20 per share, which represents a direct return of 40 per cent based on the closing rate on 22 February.

MCR Receivables Management reaches finals of ICM Awards

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 16:43:36 +0100

Nic Taylor of MCR Receivables Management has reached the finals of the 2011 Institute of Credit Management (ICM) annual awards in the Newcomer of the Year award category.

FICO Offers Telrock Mobile Payment Apps to Help Clients Improve Customer Service and Payments

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 18:54:03 +0100

FICO, the leading provider of analytics and decision management technology, and London-based Telrock Communications Ltd., developer of mobile applications for banking, payments and debt management, today announced an agreement under which FICO will resell Telrock’s interactive text and smartphone applications around the world. Telrock applications give FICO clients a new, fully secure mobile channel for communicating with customers, improving customer service and collecting payments ...

MCR and SPW Poppleton and Appleby Appointed Joint Liquidators of Mayfair and Grant

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 18:41:27 +0100

Jason Godefroy and Matthew Bond, Partners at MCR, and Daniel Platt of SPW Poppleton and Appleby, were appointed as Joint Liquidators of Mayfair and Grant on 22 December 2010.

Empingham awarded ISO 9001 certification

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 18:38:14 +0100

Following an assessment by an independent body (QMS International Plc), Empingham Ltd has been awarded ISO 9001 certification for “The provision of debt recovery services in the consumer and commercial markets”. This certification has only been achieved by approximately 5% of UK businesses and this prestigious award is supported by the Government and recognised world-wide.

Collectors must go digital to improve debt recovery

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 18:26:19 +0100

With the number of personal insolvencies in the UK at its highest level since records began (The Insolvency Service, 4 Feb 2011), new online research reveals that two thirds of consumers are demanding new ways to repay and manage their debt. IE, a digital banking provider, found that 67% of GB adults online with outstanding debts or arrears prefer to repay them via a secure website or online portal. In a poll of over 1,100 consumers, the research found that those who chose the online chan ...

Ian Savage Joins Apex Credit Management as CFO

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 17:45:04 +0100

Apex Credit Management is delighted to announce that Ian Savage has been appointed to the role of Interim CFO with Apex Credit Management Ltd for the next 12 months.

Daniels Silverman says insolvency law not protecting creditors âburntâ by phoenix ...

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 16:43:25 +0100

A recent insolvency survey among SMEs by leading commercial debt recovery company Daniels Silverman has found that a massive 96% of businesses believe that insolvent companies should not be allowed to escape debts by transferring assets to a new company, operating under the same directors and in a similar guise, under pre-pack administration – known as ‘phoenix’ companies.

Presentation of Aktiv Kapital's fourth quarter results 2010

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 17:58:09 +0100

Aktiv Kapital's Q4 2010 results will be presented on Wednesday 23rd February 2011 at 09.00 CET.

Winding up orders made against worldwide car hire brokerage companies

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 17:46:49 +0100

Decode Car Hire Limited and Travel Market Limited which offered car hire brokerage services to members of the public have been ordered into liquidation in the High Court on grounds of public interest following an investigation by Company Investigations, part of the Insolvency Service.

UK businesses see signs of distress increase across the board, decreased profits experienced by half

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 17:22:49 +0100

R3’s second quarterly ‘Business Distress Index’, a barometer of financial distress, reveals increased signs of distress in December last year, with ‘decreased profits’ being the leading sign. R3, the insolvency trade body, surveyed over 500 business owners, 54% of whom recorded decreased profits, an increase of 5% from September.

Lowell Group announcement process and board changes

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 16:29:50 +0100

Lowell Group has today officially confirmed the intention of its major shareholder Exponent Private Equity to seek new investment into the Group.

TDX signs British Telecom debt recovery contract TDX to manage all BT late final debt accounts

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 17:50:52 +0100

After a rigorous selection process, BT plc (BT) has agreed a three year contract with TDX, the UK‘s leading independent debt liquidation expert. TDX will gain a ̳preferred supplier‘ status and see all of BT Retail‘s final debt accounts up to a value around £170 million per annum. BT Retail‘s debt accounts will be managed via TDX‘s awarding-winning debt placement and management platform, PLATO.

APEX CREDIT MANAGEMENT â BUYOUT TRACK 100 INDEX NO. 59

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 10:24:30 +0100

The ongoing success of Apex Credit Management was recognised from a financial perspective by the latest Sunday Times Buyout Track 100 Report, published on February 6th, when Apex was ranked 59th, having never been in the index previously.

Apex Credit Management Awarded Investors in People Gold Status

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 09:17:31 +0100

People are the heartbeat of all businesses and Apex Credit Management is delighted to have been recognised for energy and investment with the accolade of Investors in People (IiP) Gold status, the highest level of recognition.

Dukes Bailiffs feel the benefit

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:45:13 +0100

A late decision to take an exhibition stand at the Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation Benefit Conference in Southport has paid off for Dukes Bailiffs.

Marston Group works with Merseyside Police during Respect Week

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 17:34:59 +0100

Marston Group (“Marston”) was pleased to work in partnership with Merseyside Police during its Respect Week campaign that took place in January.

Direct Debit Limited secures WorldPay partnership to enhance payments-management platform

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 10:13:12 +0100

Direct Debit Limited, the payments-management software provider, today announced its partnership with WorldPay, a leading payment service provider for online transactions. The deal enables WorldPay and Direct Debit Limited customers to benefit from a single comprehensive payments platform and make and collect numerous payment types, including credit and debit card, Direct Debit, SEPA and Faster Payments, through one system.

Funding of Â£27 million secures Face-to-Face Debt Advice Programme

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 09:59:25 +0100

The future of the face-to-face debt advice programme has been secured with £27 million of funding for the next year, the has Government announced.   The Government wants to ensure that individuals facing financial difficulty can get valuable impartial advice early, rather than wait until their problems become much more difficult to resolve.

ICM announces plans for apprenticeship scheme

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 16:51:33 +0100

With the Government driven Apprenticeship Week in full flow, the Institute of Credit Management (ICM) has given full backing to the initiative by announcing plans for its own Credit Apprenticeship scheme.

Lewis Group appoints new sales director

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 16:22:30 +0100

The Lewis Group has appointed Matt Subert as Sales Director responsible for spearheading the expansion of its contingent collections and litigation operations of its three offices in Cleckheaton, Glasgow and Belfast. He will report directly to The Lewis Group Managing Director, Dave Berry.

ICM Welcomes Insolvency Serviceâs Consultation on Insolvency Practitioners Regulations

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 18:16:49 +0100

The Institute of Credit Management (ICM) has voiced its support for The Insolvency Service’s consultation in response to proposed changes to the corporate insolvency regime.

PPR Estates: Comment on the latest household UK repossession data

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 18:13:37 +0100

Nick Hopkinson of property company, PPR Estates, comments on the latest household UK repossession data:

Insolvencies could increase by 30% if interest rates rise

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 18:07:30 +0100

Despite today’s announcement that interest rates will be held, a leading insolvency professional warns that if they rise by more than 1% over the next 12 months, a significant number of businesses will not survive. He predicts the number of insolvencies could increase by nearly a third more than in 2010.

Consultation on insolvency regulation and complaints handling

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 18:00:58 +0100

The Insolvency Practitioners Association (IPA) welcomes today’s publication by the government’s Insolvency Service of its consultation on possible changes to the insolvency regime, with a view to enhancing public confidence in complaints and other processes.

Insolvency Service launches consultation in response to the OFTâs study on corporate IPs

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 17:49:16 +0100

The Insolvency Service has today launched a twelve week consultation seeking views on proposals put forward by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) in their report “The Market for Insolvency Practitioners in Corporate Insolvencies”.

Comment: DCA to FPS window extended to 22/7/365

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 17:45:41 +0100

Experian and Barclays comment on the changes to the payment window for Direct Corporate Access (DCA) for Faster Payments. From 13th February 2011 this window will be from 1a.m. till 11p.m. daily, including weekends and Bank Holidays.

Merlin conjures wrong image of business failure

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 17:13:48 +0100

Britain’s banks should not be forced to lend and small businesses are pointing the finger in the wrong direction for their failure, according to the leader of one of the top business organisations.

Businesses hit by cross-border debt

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 17:06:09 +0100

Leading credit management and collection company Daniels Silverman has seen a 600% increase in the value of cross-border debt enquiries as companies experience problems chasing late payments abroad.

24% fall in repossessions and 13% fall in mortgage arrears in 2010

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 16:05:57 +0100

The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) today revealed that, at 36,300, the number of repossessions by first-charge mortgage lenders in 2010 accounted for just 0.3% of all mortgages. The number was 24% lower than in 2009, while the number of mortgages ending 2010 with arrears of 2.5% or more of the outstanding balance also fell by 13% on the previous year-end, standing at 169,600 (1.49% of all loans).

Seal of approval for new ICM President

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 18:09:39 +0100

Stephen Baister, a solicitor and the Chief Bankruptcy Registrar since 2004, has been confirmed as the new President of the Institute of Credit Management (ICM) following the Board’s meeting in December 2010. He succeeds Master Robert Turner.

The debt landscape: comment from debt collection agency, dlc

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 18:06:54 +0100

Steve Grima, Operations Director of leading debt collections business, dlc, provides a perspective on the current debt landscape:

Debt advisors look set to be cut, Apex Credit Managementâs 24 x 7 advice site is available ...

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 18:00:51 +0100

“It is important for debt collection companies such as Apex Credit Management to increase the support provided to those in debt more than ever before in light of an announcement that £25M of funding to 500 debt advisors across England and Wales is to be cut” This is the conclusion of Apex Credit Management CEO Neil Clyne.

New client services manager appointed at LRC

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 17:48:54 +0100

Legal Recoveries & Collections Ltd (LRC) are delighted to welcome Liz Rogers to the newly created role of Client Services Manager. Liz will be the key point of contact for LRC's clients and will be dedicated to building and strengthening relationships, delivering value and widening our service offering. Before joining LRC, Liz was Client Services Manager at Geoffrey Parker Bourne.

New chief executive for 1st Credit

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 17:55:44 +0100

1st Credit today announced that it has commenced a search for a new chief executive.

Arum partners Capgemini Utilities to provide new credit and collections expertise

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 17:43:48 +0100

Arum is pleased to announce that it has partnered with Capgemini Utilities, a division of one of the world's foremost providers of consulting, technology and outsourcing services. Working together in the UK and Ireland, Capgemini Utilities will be drawing on the specialist skills and experience of the Arum team in income, debt collection and recoveries in the power and water industries.

GO Outdoors leaves costly cheques behind with payments solution from Albany Software

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 17:39:47 +0100

Outdoor equipment retailer GO Outdoors has selected an automated payments solution and electronic document management system from pioneering developer of electronic payment software solutions, Albany Software.

Recoveries team expands on the back of new business

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 10:45:38 +0100

East Midlands solicitors Roythornes has expanded its debt recovery capability with the appointment of Steve Martin as Debt Recovery Manager. Formerly Legal Recoveries Co-Ordinator at E.On UK Plc, Steve's role is to service current clients and expand the firm's client base.

Tieto offers new concept to modernize customer service in the banking sector

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 08:41:41 +0100

Tieto has launched a new complete solution that will enable banks and other financial institutions to develop all their online and traditional service operations into one streamlined consumer experience. The new concept will respond to the topical consumer need: managing their economy easily at any time of the day and getting advice on their financial decisions. With Tieto, financial companies can now build a sustainable competitive advantage by transforming separate, transaction-orienta ...

Insolvency Practitioners Association Annual Lecture Sees Greater Collaboration with Credit Industry

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 17:48:49 +0100

The Insolvency Practitioners Association (IPA) held their 2011 annual lecture at the RAC Club in Pall Mall, London, the first of many events this year to mark the 50th anniversary of the Association. Carl Faulds, President of the IPA opened the evening by introducing his chosen speakers for the evening – Peter Phillips, OBE, a past president of the IPA and Philip King, Chief Executive of the Institute of Credit Management (ICM).

âInsolvencies to top 150,000 this yearâ, warns The Debt Advisor

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 17:27:57 +0100

Figures published today by the Insolvency Service show another record high with a 0.7% increase to 135,089 for 2010.

The Card & Payments Awards winners announced

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 17:20:27 +0100

Last night, the card and payments card industry held its sixth annual ceremony to acknowledge customer service, excellence and innovation at The Card & Payments Awards, sponsored by TSYS. The Awards, hosted by top comedian, Marcus Brigstocke, at the Grosvenor House in London, had a capacity audience of 1360 guests including many of the industry’s leading figures and benefited Make-A-Wish Foundation® through a charity raffle. Many of the winners and finalists demo ...

Visa Europe and Monitise sign partnership agreement to develop mobile payment services

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 16:25:37 +0100

Visa Europe has signed a partnership agreement with Monitise plc to develop and supply mobile payments services for Visa Europe’s member banks and financial institutions across Europe.

EuroDebt supports TrigoldCrystal 2011 Business Academy Events

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 16:03:39 +0100

EuroDebt Financial Services is supporting TrigoldCrystal’s 2011 programme of regional Business Academy Events. The programme kicked off on 18th January in Enfield with EuroDebt supporting a further three events scheduled in key locations across the UK.

1st Credit comments on debt advice sector funding cuts

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 15:53:51 +0100

Hundreds of specialist debt advisers have stopped taking on new cases because their funding will soon be stopped, according to reports. The Financial Inclusion Fund has been paying for the specialists in England and Wales to give free advice for the past five years. But the BBC said the funding was due to run out in March and advisers facing redundancy had been told to stop taking on new clients other than those with the simplest problems.

DLA Piper comment on EU Consumer Credit Directive

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 18:28:06 +0100

Jeff Vernon, a Legal Director in DLA Piper’s commercial team said: “Tomorrow (Tuesday) will see the EU Consumer Credit Directive coming into effect in the UK. This will have a number of far reaching consequences for both businesses and consumers.

Glaisyers Solicitors LLP comment on new consumer credit directive.

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 18:23:41 +0100

The Consumer Credit Directive (CCD) will be introduced on 1st February 2011 and has a potential impact for some hire companies who provide credit as the CCD introduces a change to The Consumer Credit (Exempt Agreements) Order 1989 (CCEA).

ICM Welcomes New Move for Financial Education in Schools

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 18:13:01 +0100

The Chief Executive of The Institute of Credit Management (ICM) has added his support to news of the new All-Party Parliamentary Group on Financial Education for Young People, set up by Justin Tomlinson MP, which is being launched today.

4 out of 10 unaware of withdrawal of Cheque Guarantee Card Scheme on 30th June this year

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 18:00:51 +0100

With less than six months to go until the closure of the Cheque Guarantee Card Scheme, new research shows that 4 out of 10 people are still unaware that the Scheme will be closing on 30th June this year. After this date it will no longer be possible to guarantee a cheque up to a specified limit by handing over a plastic card carrying Shakespeare’s logo - the Scheme identifier.

OFT update on debt management enforcement action

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 11:58:13 +0100

The OFT today announced that 35 debt management firms have surrendered their consumer credit licences and at least 15 are facing licensing action as a result of an OFT compliance review.

Association agrees with views over effective enforcement of judgments

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 11:50:45 +0100

The Civil Court Users Association (CCUA) agrees with the views of the retired Judge, Paul Collins expressed in a report on BBC television over the effectiveness of enforcing County Court judgments.

Smartphone usage high even in debt collection

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:54:00 +0100

We have all witnessed the explosion of smartphone usage within retail and financial services. However, its spread and effectiveness is clearly now breaking new ground. ClearSavvy.com a Brighton-based software company focussed on innovative online solutions for debt recovery has witnessed some startling results since its launch this summer.

More features and benefits added for online settlement and negotiation

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:49:20 +0100

Development and growth continues at speed at ClearSavvy.com. It's online settlement and negotiation software now includes a client management console, meaning clients can upload new customer campaign files direct to their own system without ClearSavvy.com support and without the need for IT staff at their own end.

The Debt Advisor launches portal to introducer network

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:54:02 +0100

Award-winning debt management company, The Debt Advisor has extended its range of services by launching a new website and portal specifically for introducers, clients and creditors.

LSB requires improvements in the support for customers in financial difficulties

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:51:08 +0100

The Lending Standards Board (LSB) has today published the results of a themed review of the way subscribers to the Lending Code treat their customers who are in financial difficulties.

ICM Strengthens Ties With DebtCred

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:42:45 +0100

Philip King, Chief Executive of the Institute of Credit Management (ICM) has joined the Shrieval Council of DebtCred, the financial literacy project for secondary schools, in a move that further strengthens the ICM’s long-term relationship with the initiative’s parent group, Credit Action.

Credit Account Management (CAM) Appointment â Rod Curry, CEO

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 13:59:06 +0100

Panel and Asset Management Company, Credit Account Management (CAM) has appointed Rod Curry as Chief Executive Officer.

Kewlpost Introduces the World's First Debit Card that Comes with a Zero-Effort Income

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 16:00:36 +0100

This week sees yet another world 'first' from Kewlpost.com Ltd as it unveils the world's first debit card which provides subscribers with an ongoing income, for no effort at all.

Scots Bring in New Year with New Compliance Forum

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 17:32:48 +0100

Compliance is set to be one of the key issues facing the debt collection industry in 2011 according to a newly established industry network.

Insolvency Practitioners Association announces date for Annual Insolvency Conference

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 17:03:45 +0100

The IPA has set the date for its annual conference to coincide exactly with the 50th anniversary of the first ever meeting of ‘the discussion group of accountants specialising in insolvency’ the previous name of the association. The conference taking place on 14th April at One Great George Street, London SW1 will also incorporate, in recognition of the significance of the date, the Association’s AGM.

TDX launches PLATO, offering direct access to the UKâs largest debt placement & ...

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 15:59:20 +0100

TDX today announced it is now offering creditors direct access to the components of its market-leading debt collection solution, with the first step being to offer creditors open access to PLATO – its debt placement and management platform.

New accreditation scheme to help UK businesses reduce the risk of using incorrect sort code details

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 19:22:16 +0100

The Payments Council has today launched an accreditation scheme to ensure that the commercial companies who provide sort code validation products on a subscription basis or ‘pay per use’ basis to UK businesses, provide regular and up-to-date information. This will help minimise processing errors and delays for businesses that rely on this data to make automated payments via Bacs, Faster Payments or CHAPS.

OnGuard starts 2011 with multiple new appointments

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 18:40:47 +0100

December and January saw the appointment of ten new additions to OnGuard. The considerable growth in interest in credit management software and services prompted the need to reinforce the team with new highly qualified professionals. As a leading Credit Management Software developer, OnGuard is an attractive choice for those wishing to progress.

DBSG appoints Zach Lewy to position of vice chair

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 18:37:25 +0100

The Debt Buyers and Sellers Group (DBSG) has appointed Zach Lewy as its Vice Chair – a new position created to ensure a more defined succession strategy for leadership of the Group beyond the tenure of its current Chairman, Leigh Berkley.

Apollo expands product suite with the TRUEcommand Cockpit Command and Control System

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 18:11:34 +0100

Lowell Group launches new âoutsource to sellâ option

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 17:48:05 +0100

Leeds-based Lowell Group, widely recognised as the UK’s leading debt purchaser, has officially launched its new ‘outsource to sell’ operation, Lowell Preston.

Apollo issued additional United States patent for its TRUEcollect system

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 17:40:40 +0100

Apollo Enterprise Solutions, Inc, (“Apollo”), a leading provider of advanced solutions for improving operational efficiencies, outcomes, and customer experiences for banks, lenders, and other credit products marketers, announced today that it has been issued an additional patent by the United States Patents & Trademarks Office using a rules-based decision engine to process a user’s financial status data and then present an offer set distinctive to the user.

Lowell Group appoints Head of Quality

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 18:54:07 +0100

Leeds-based Lowell Group, widely recognised as the UK’s leading debt purchaser, has appointed Steven Peacock to the new position of Head of Quality within the business.

Men hate to ask for debt help

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 18:48:17 +0100

Men are more than a third less likely to ask for help with spiralling personal debts, a leading debt counselling charity has revealed.

Cabot Financial awarded City and Guilds accreditation for in-house training

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 15:24:26 +0100

Cabot Financial, a market leader in consumer debt purchase, has been awarded a City and Guilds accreditation in recognition for its outstanding in-house induction training programme.

FDsâ drive to cut costs and boost efficiency puts Direct Debit Limitedâs PayCentre in ...

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 15:20:04 +0100

Direct Debit Limited, the payments-management software provider, saw impressive growth in demand for its PayCentre platform in 2010. The company signed 54 new clients last year, including lucrative contracts with Unipart Merchandise and Eazy Collect, a Direct Debit collection bureau.

Eurotek Office Furniture Limited â in administration

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 13:17:32 +0100

Stuart Maddison and Karen Dukes of PwC were appointed joint administrators of Eurotek Office Furniture Limited on 13 January 2011.

Tracesmart Awarded ISO 27001 Accreditation

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 12:07:49 +0100

Tracesmart, a leader in the field of consumer intelligence, reinforced its stringent data security management with the successful accreditation of the globally recognised ISO 27001 Information Security certification. The standard provides a model for establishing, operating, reviewing and improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS) – providing Tracesmart with a trusted framework which ensures their data – and that of their clients – is kept secure and con ...

Debt worries significant cause of depression on Blue Monday

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:32:23 +0100

Debt worries will be one of the main causes of depression on ‘Blue Monday' (January 17) according to leading debt charity Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS).

Protecting our largest liquid asset - The Malta Business Weekly

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 12:55:13 +0100

Trade credit is the largest source of business financing and many economists contend that trade credit is the economic fuel driving the worldwide economy. This hypothesis has been evidently proved and confirmed by many businesses that are finding it difficult to get the usual credit terms from their suppliers due to the current international economic and financial turmoil.

Take home pay ends 2010 with a sharp nose-dive

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:00:01 +0100

The VocaLink FTSE 350 Take Home Pay index, which is a measure of private sector earnings, fell to 1.1% over the three months to December, its lowest level since July 2010. The VocaLink manufacturing dropped from 2.0% to its lowest level on record at 0.4% over the three months to December year-on-year and the VocaLink public sector index fell, with annual growth of 1.1% over the three months to December.

Businesses crack down on big debts

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 16:14:46 +0100

Debt recovery law firm, Lovetts PLC, has revealed that despite companies still wanting to preserve good relations with their clients, they are hitting late payers with the threat of legal action much sooner than anytime previously in the past year as positive cash flow continues to be a priority. In the last quarter of 2010, late payers were being issued with a Letter Before Action (LBA) 10 days sooner than the same period in 2009. And once that LBA is sent, debtors are getting a we ...

Qire awarded prestigious ISO 27001 (formally BS 7799 and ISO 17799) standard

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 15:54:42 +0100

In the first week back after the festive break Qire, a Liverpool Based Technology Business, have gained certification under ISO 27001 (formally BS 7799 and ISO 17799) which is the recognised international standard for an Information Security Management System (ISMS). This is the culmination of a major project run by Qire and reflects the attention that Qire devote to this important topic in line with the fast growth experienced to date and planned for this year.

Free Collections Webinar; 12.30, 15 February

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 17:44:25 +0100

Credit and collections professionals are invited to attend a free webinar featuring a case study on the importance of speech analytics in a modern collections and compliance environment.

Move with Us appoints new MD of Corporate Services

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 15:28:20 +0100

Property specialist Move with Us has announced the appointment of Ben Greco as Managing Director of Corporate Services.

Scottish press analysis of BCW sale

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 10:59:20 +0100

Paul Fraser appears to have added more than £14 million to his personal family fortune after selling his stake in BCW Group, the debt collection agency he founded more than 25 years ago.

UK Debt Collection Agencies industry - Whatâs in store for 2011?

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 11:51:43 +0100

As the UK Debt Collection Agencies industry emerged from the depths of recession in 2010 a fragmented industry appeared from the chaos. According to new research by leading industry analysts Plimsoll, the market is polarised between those getting it right and those struggling to recover.

Marlin Financial Group named in Fast Track 100, 2010

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 14:30:50 +0100

It was announced on Sunday 5th December that Marlin Financial Group has entered The Sunday Times Fast Track 100, sponsored by Virgin. This is the index of Britain’s 100 fastest growing privately owned companies. The Fast Track 100 has become the definitive barometer of private company growth and Marlin are the only financial services company in the 2010 index.

âAnd the Winner isâ¦ Marlin Financial Groupâ

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 14:28:39 +0100

At a prestigious awards ceremony sponsored by The Argus newspaper on Thursday 2nd December, Marlin was named as “The Best Employer in Sussex”. Marlin was chosen above the 400 other competitors for excellence in helping employees reach their full potential and quoted by the judges as having a “winning approach to employment”. The judges saw evidence of this at Marlin from their approach to formal training through to family social events.

Bar Council of Northern Ireland modifies its rules to address OFT concerns

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 12:40:21 +0100

The OFT has welcomed voluntary steps taken by the Bar Council of Northern Ireland (BCNI) to encourage price competition among barristers and improve choice for consumers. However, it continues to be concerned that regulation of legal services in Northern Ireland appears to lack the independence and accountability recently introduced in England and Wales.

Gothia Financial Group acquires the British company BCW Group

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 18:21:23 +0100

Gothia Financial Group has acquired BCW Group, a leading provider of credit management and debt recovery services. The company has around 400 employees in the UK and Ireland, and offices in Glasgow, Stratford-upon-Avon, Manchester, Leeds and Dublin. Gothia Financial Group has operations in seven countries, and together with Gothia’s existing business in the UK, the combined operations will become the leading player in the UK and Ireland within credit management and debt recovery fo ...

Dukes Bailiffs achieves âfantasticâ collection rates for Knowsley Borough Council

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 16:02:41 +0100

Dukes Bailiffs’ work for award-winning Knowsley Borough Council on Housing Benefit overpayment and Sundry Debt has directly contributed to its position as the top performing Metropolitan Council in the joint collection of Council Tax and Business Rates according to Principal Revenues Manager Tracy Hargreaves.

Moreton Smith Announces Record Year

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 12:22:49 +0100

Moreton Smith, the award-winning credit management agency, has announced a record year with high successes in both the debt-recovery and software arms of the business. The company, now entering into its third decade, has been consistently growing its customer base whilst developing their software portfolio in what was recognised as challenging trading conditions.

Q4 âDistress Indexâ confirms frozen housing â¨market unlikely to thaw in 2011

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 13:24:23 +0100

PPR Estates, the UK-based property company, has today published the results of its Distress Index for Quarter 4 2010. The Distress Index takes data on the latest PPR Estates’ enquiries from distressed sellers to forecast future mortgage possessions, company liquidations and UK unemployment.

Daniels Silverman comments on Consumer credit reform consultation

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 17:11:45 +0100

Speaking about the Treasury’s consultation issued on 21 December: A new approach to financial regulation: consultation on reforming the consumer credit regime, Carole Hughes, Managing Director of Daniels Silverman, one of the country’s leading collection and credit management companies says:

Four in Ten people struggle to make it to payday

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 14:57:03 +0100

Nearly four in ten people (38%) say they struggle financially to make it to ‘payday’, according to R3, the insolvency trade body’s, quarterly tracking research on the nation’s personal finances. This equates to over 18 million individuals across the UK.

Beware late payment snow storms

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 16:36:55 +0100

Lovetts PLC, the debt recovery law firm, is urging businesses to prepare for a combination of factors which could create the ‘perfect storm’ for late payment misery in the New Year. According to Lovetts, the Christmas break, adverse weather conditions, employee absences and the VAT increase could all impact cashflow putting smaller businesses at particular risk.

SEPA end-date has been announced - what now?

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 09:46:50 +0100

It has been a long time coming but the end-date for legacy payment systems has finally been announced. While rumours had it for some time that the end-date would be set for 2012, Stephen Hawkes, Product Manager at Experian Payments, discusses how the decision by the European Commission will help create certainty and stability across the SEPA region, giving both banks and corporates a timeline to work with.

Experian comments on unemployment figures

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 17:52:27 +0100

Following the announcement that unemployment in the UK has increased by 35,000 in Q3 2010, Experian advises lenders to be prepared for increasing consumer credit delinquencies amongst the most financially stressed consumer groups in 2011.

ICM chief Philip King joins Government Working Group

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 18:29:26 +0100

Institute of Credit Management (ICM) Chief Executive, Philip King, is to join the working group of the Small Business Economic Forum (SBEF), a Government initiative championed by the Minister for Business and Enterprise, Mark Prisk, MP.

EuroDebt urges homeowners to get their house in order

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 18:11:58 +0100

Leading debt solutions provider, EuroDebt is urging homeowners already facing financial stress to try to get some control on their finances and put their house in order following the Council of Mortgage Lenders’ prediction today that repossessions will rise in 2011.

OFT requires MBNA to improve debt collection practices

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 21:57:05 +0100

The OFT has imposed requirements on credit card lender MBNA to secure improvements to the way its in-house debt collection arm deals with customers in financial difficulties.

Focus Software launch Trace Hunter

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 23:10:31 +0100

Focus Software systems, a leading supplier of bespoke software solutions, have just announced the launch of Hunter, a highly developed trace solutions package, to the open market.

Owen James Joins Mackenzie Hall as Commercial Director

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 23:03:16 +0100

Consumer debt recovery agency Mackenzie Hall Group is set to continue its growth throughout 2011 with the appointment of Owen James as Commercial Director.

Unipart Merchandise saves Â£50,000 a year by choosing to automate payments processes

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 18:05:54 +0100

Direct Debit Limited, the Bacs-approved payments-management software provider, today announced that Unipart Merchandise, a subsidiary of leading logistics provider, The Unipart Group, has saved up to £50,000 a year by choosing PayCentre to automate its Direct Debit processes and ensure compliance with scheme rules.

R3 comments on the UK Pension Regulator and Nortel ruling

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 17:48:44 +0100

John Frances, Technical Director of R3, the insolvency trade body said: “Today’s ruling could have consequences for the UK’s business environment and highlights a conflict between insolvency and pension law. Judge Michael Briggs himself notes this decision could be ‘an impediment to the achievement of the objectives of the rescue culture’.”

Settlement on Visa debit interchange fees aids SEPA

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 19:04:36 +0100

Brussels, 8th December, 2010 - Visa Europe welcomes the European Commission’s agreement today that, following the public consultation it has conducted, it will now accept the commitments from Visa Europe on its multilateral interchange fees (MIFs) for intra-regional immediate debit transactions in the EEA. Visa Europe also welcomes the European Commission’s agreement to end proceedings on its immediate debit interchange fees.

The Enforcement of Local Tax Arrears (Scotland) Bill would reduce the limit for council collection

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 18:58:42 +0100

The Enforcement of Local Tax Arrears (Scotland) Bill would reduce the time limit within which councils can pursue arrears from 20 years to five years.

Experian predicts surge in delinquencies in 2011 among financially stressed

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 18:43:16 +0100

Experian®, the global information services company, today advised lenders to be prepared for increasing consumer credit delinquencies amongst the most financially stressed consumer groups throughout 2011, even though economic indicators show some stabilisation in the job market.

1st Credit secures further debt purchase funding

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 18:09:24 +0100

1^st Credit, the leading debt collection agency, yesterday announced that it has secured new funding for debt purchase.

Payments Council confirms they will not leave cheque users high and dry

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 17:46:42 +0100

One year after deciding to set a target date of 2018 to close the central cheque clearing, the Payments Council has today published its commitments to customers on the run up to 2016, when the decision will actually be taken whether the target date is feasible. The launch of the customer commitments coincides with the publication of the Payments Council’s first annual Progress Report which outlines the scope and scale of the work undertaken in 2010.

Britain moves away from cash as debit cards overtake notes and coins for the first time ever

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 11:12:55 +0100

Cash finally succumbed to the rise of the debit card over the summer. Debit cards passed the historic milestone over the August Bank Holiday, when the running total of debit card spending (£272 billion) finally overtook the cumulative amount of cash spent (£269 billion) in the economy for the first time ever.

Owen James joins Mackenzie Hall

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 08:14:40 +0100

Mackenzie Hall Group is delighted to announce the appointment of Owen James to the post of Business Development Director.

Trace & Collect - Apex Discovery Solutions Expands in Maidstone

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 17:49:51 +0100

The success of the innovative and effective approach to Trace, and Trace and Collect, activities by Apex Discovery Solutions (ADS), the specialist Trace Division within Apex Credit Management, have prompted the business to move to new, larger premises in Maidstone and embark upon a recruitment drive just 12 months after launching.

Drydens sets its sights on receivables finance market

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 17:02:29 +0100

Specialist law firm Drydens has launched a new debt recovery service to support asset based lenders, insolvency practitioners and receivables financiers. Steve Heighway, formerly a director at Optima Legal and three of his team Richard Gibbon, Adele Saunders and Munaf Sheikh have been recruited to spearhead the new service.

Some companies in the UK Debt Collection Agencies industry 'arenât worth lending to'

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 12:42:49 +0100

Many company owners in the Debt Collection Agencies industry are bemoaning the scarcity of bank lending to businesses but market analysts Plimsoll argue that the banks are right – many companies in the market are just not worth the risk.

Provision of return of responsibility of Scottish corporate insolvencies to Westminster welcomed

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 15:43:47 +0100

John Hall, R3 Scottish spokesperson commented: "R3 lobbied hard for this recommendation to be included in the Calman report and we are pleased that it is now being implemented.

Dukes drive towards best customer service has environmental benefits

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 12:06:05 +0100

Dukes Bailiffs has adopted the latest in database mapping technology to improve its operating efficiency and increase its customer service deliverables.

IMFS Teleperformance encourages businesses to think about their debt collection strategies

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:44:47 +0100

IMFS Teleperformance, part of the world’s largest outsourced collections provider and the UK’s leading collections outsourcer, is urging businesses to think about their debt collection strategies as consumers gear up for Christmas shopping.

Marston Group seizes Airbus

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:16:21 +0100

Marston Group’s High Court Enforcement Officers (“HCEOs”) recently seized an Airbus whilst executing a writ for the sum of £112,000 against a European airline.

Optima Legal further expands its senior team

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:11:43 +0100

Optima Legal has appointed Richard Taylor as associate solicitor and head of property litigation. Joining from HL Interactive in Manchester where he was head of mortgage repossession, Richard brings with him more than 14 years experience specialising in mortgage repossession and civil and property litigation.

Callcredit customises credit data for collections

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:56:19 +0100

Callcredit Information Group has launched Bureau Summary Block Lite (BSB Lite) for the Collections Industry, which delivers a configurable view of individuals’ credit data to feed into scoring and decision software.

FSA Mobile Compliance wonât break the bank

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:50:37 +0100

Mobile Phones 4 Business Ltd, a mobile solutions specialist with extensive experience in the Financial Services sector, understands the sentiment of the City: mobile phone compliance must not cost thousands of pounds per user per year and it shouldn’t be overly complicated to achieve.

Court delays costing landlords thousands in lost income

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 11:26:54 +0100

Landlords are having to wait up to eight weeks to enforce possession of their properties from non-paying tenants, according to a new report.

How long before you can be sure a cheque won't bounce

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:00:01 +0100

New market research has found that cheque recipients’ understanding of how long they have to wait before they can be certain that a cheque won’t bounce, and that the money is safely theirs, is still very low.

Proportionality over access to justice

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 17:51:35 +0100

The Civil Court Users Association wishes to respond to the recent Office of Fair Trading Press Release relating to action taken against four creditors about charging orders.

OFT and debt collection industry collaborate on standard letter guidance

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 17:13:55 +0100

In a drive to create greater standardisation in consumer correspondence across the debt collection industry, the OFT, the Credit Services Association (CSA) and the Debt Buyers & Sellers Group (DBSG) has launched an official joint guidance document for debt collection letters.

Only 48% of all UK credit managers believe the new EU Late Payment Directive will be effective

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 16:56:32 +0100

Less than half of all UK credit managers (48 per cent) believe that the new EU Late Payments Directive, which is to be introduced by the beginning of 2013, will have an impact when tackling late payments, according to research conducted by Graydon UK.

Registry Trust celebrates 25th anniversary, boosts Big Society

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 23:38:34 +0100

Registry Trust, the public interest company which has operated registers for the Ministry of Justice for 25 years, announced on Wednesday night (November 24) that it stood ready to help groups of public sector staff attracted by the big society option.

Bacs celebrates late payment campaign win at B2B Marketing Awards

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 16:31:23 +0100

Bacs Payment Schemes Limited (Bacs), the UK’s leading authority on automated payments, has scooped the coveted top prize in the Best Use of PR category at the B2B Marketing Awards 2010. The prize was awarded to Bacs for the high profile campaign to raise awareness of the late payments issue and its impact on British SMEs.

dlc renews its Consumer Credit Licence â without the need for audit

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 13:20:33 +0100

Leading collections business, dlc, has had its Consumer Credit Licence renewed without any requirement for an audit. With increased scrutiny on the consumer credit and collections sector by the OFT, the fact that dlc has achieved an open-ended licence reflects the company’s high standards of customer service and compliant business processes.

Aktiv Kapital signs a major deal in Spain

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 16:27:45 +0100

Aktiv Kapital has today signed a contract with an international financial institution acquiring a non- and semi-performing portfolio in Spain with a face value in excess of € 350 million. The portfolio consists of approx. 70 000 accounts. The purchase represents the single largest investment in Aktiv Kapital since 2008.

Philips goes for growth

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 18:40:39 +0100

Michael Cummings, a former local government officer and private sector recruitment and training consultant, has joined Philips' fast-growing business development team as Business Development Consultant.

Phillips & Cohen Associates UK to expand debt purchase presence

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 13:36:45 +0100

The next twelve months will see a boom in the level of debt sale according to the nation’s only dedicated probate collections business, Greater Manchester based Phillips & Cohen Associates.

Greater Manchester debt recovery experts win three industry accolades

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 13:30:41 +0100

The UK’s only dedicated probate debt recovery company, Salford Quays based Philips & Cohen Associates (UK) Ltd, has been recognised by its peers and secured three industry awards.

Mackenzie Hall Appoints Director of Compliance

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 12:42:53 +0100

Rob Sands has been appointed Director of Compliance at Mackenzie Hall Ltd, in a move signalling continued growth for the late arrears specialists.

Cabot Financial helps make Children in Need 2010 a ringing success

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 17:22:48 +0100

Cabot Financial Group was once again chosen as one of the official call centres for the BBC Children in Need 2010 appeal. Volunteers manned the phones and took donations from 6.30pm Friday evening (19th Nov 2010) until the early hours of Saturday morning.

Credit professionals want the government to do more to help tackle late payments

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:46:02 +0100

The latest survey of credit management professionals, from leading business information provider, Equifax, and the Institute of Credit Management (ICM), reveals that late payments continue to be the big challenge for many businesses.

1st Credit scoops Compliance Team of the Year award

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:41:13 +0100

1st Credit, the leading debt collection agency, has been named Compliance Team of the Year at the prestigious Debt Collection Awards.

One in five businesses fearful of their debt levels

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:36:05 +0100

One in five businesses (19%) are worried about the amount of debt they currently owe to their creditors, according to research by insolvency trade body R3.

Aktiv Kapital to move forward

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 12:47:01 +0100

Aktiv Kapital is set to move forward with an emphasis on customer focus and ‘benefit-orientated collections’ after an Office of Fair Trading (OFT) investigation was completed.

arvato expands BPO offering in UK with acquisition of Credit Solutions

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 16:39:25 +0100

arvato, a global business outsourcing partner, has acquired the leading UK-based provider of debt recovery and management services, Credit Solutions, from ISIS Equity Partners.

Gedling Borough Council chooses Dukes to help secure best value for borough taxpayers

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 18:51:10 +0100

Dukes Bailiffs has been approached by Gedling Borough Council as part of a campaign to clear up outstanding debt in the interests of the borough’s residents.

New funding primes Lowell Group for further success

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 18:10:05 +0100

Leeds-based Lowell Group, the UK’s leading debt purchaser, has secured a new £120 million senior debt facility to fund new portfolio acquisitions over the next three years.

Noble Systems Releases Updated Workforce Management System

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 18:39:59 +0100

Noble Systems, a global leader in innovative contact centre technology solutions, announces their latest release of Noble Workforce Management 2.1.1 (WFM), the next generation of Noble Systems’ planning tool for contact centre management. Noble WFM is a comprehensive workforce management system that can accurately forecast inbound and outbound call volumes, leverage flexible scheduling processes, integrate with other corporate systems and produce reports that measure agent adherence and ce ...

'Tweet a Bailff' - Twitter service launched to help recover small business debt

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 17:40:41 +0100

A revolution in business debt was announced today with the news that Small to Medium Sized Businesses (SMEs) will now be able to collect their outstanding debts using Twitter.

Debt charity wins equity release newcomer award

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:24:33 +0100

CCCS Equity Release, a subsidiary of leading debt charity Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS), has been commended for its ground-breaking new service which offers equity release advice without fees to clients in need. CCCS Equity Release was named Best Financial Adviser Newcomer at the Equity Release Awards on Friday (November 12).

Apex Discovery Solutions Expands in Maidstone

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:21:01 +0100

Following 12 months of significant growth, Apex Credit Management’s specialist Trace Division, Apex Discovery Solutions (ADS), has relocated to new premises in Maidstone.

The New FSA Mobile Phone Recording Ruling

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 17:57:53 +0100

News from NICE Systems: The New FSA Mobile Phone Recording Ruling: What Does it Mean and How Can You Comply?

Howes Percival LLP Opens Insolvency Offices in London and Manchester

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 17:49:49 +0100

The Norwich office of leading regional law firm Howes Percival is expanding its insolvency and corporate recovery work with the opening of two new satellite offices in London and Manchester. Howes Percival, which is highly regarded by Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500 for its work in this area, already provides contentious and non-contentious expertise for insolvency practitioners, commercial clients and government departments across the UK. The opening of the London and Manchester ...

Phillips & Cohen Associates UK expands debt purchase presence

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 15:27:36 +0100

The nation’s only dedicated probate collections business, Phillips & Cohen Associates, has signalled its intent to expand its deceased debt purchase footprint by seeking engagement with the UK’s major creditors.

EU Directive to combat Late Payment in Commercial Transactions

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 15:09:56 +0100

As reported in The Malta Business Weekly, the European Union voted on 20 October in favour of a new Directive to combat late payment in commercial transactions within the EU market. This Directive will replace the existing Directive 2000/35/EC.

Comments from PPR Estates on todayâs Q3 arrears and possession figures from the CML

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 15:02:45 +0100

Nick Hopkinson, Director of PPR Estates, comments on today’s Q3 arrears and possession figures from the CML:

FLA forecast is for fewer than 1,000 repossessions by second-charge mortgage lenders in 2010

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 14:56:11 +0100

Repossessions for second-charge mortgages were almost halved in the third quarter of 2010, compared with Q3 2009, leading the Finance & Leasing Association to forecast between 900 and 950 repossessions for 2010.

R3 responds to amendment of eligibility criteria of debt relief orders

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 17:39:10 +0100

R3, the trade body for Insolvency Professionals, responds to amendment of eligibility criteria of debt relief orders (DROs) to allow those with HMRC-approved pension schemes access.

The Money Advice Trust comments on new DRO proposals

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 15:37:31 +0100

Commenting on the proposals to reform the Debt Relief Order (DRO) regime, Joanna Elson OBE, Chief Executive of the Money Advice Trust (MAT), said:

Debt problems leave more sleeping on the sofa

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 15:30:05 +0100

Leading debt charity Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) has seen a rise in people calling its helpline who have no fixed abode. CCCS says that these people are not living on the streets but usually sleeping on the sofa of a friend or family member.

CCCS Voluntary Arrangements (CCCSVA) releases figures for first nine months of 2010

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 15:19:39 +0100

Less than two percent of proposals to repay debt via the Voluntary Arrangement company owned by the UK’s leading debt charity, Consumer Credit Counselling Service were rejected in the first three-quarters of this year. In 2009 only eight proposals were turned down by creditors.

Why Wayne Rooney's Crazy Salary is Actually Good News for the UK's Economy

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 13:22:04 +0100

Whilst most people have been truly angered at Manchester United's decision to increase Wayne Rooney's salary to a staggering £200,000 per week, the online tax calculation website TaxCalculator.co.uk point out that there could actually be some good news for the country to come out from this crazy situation.

Aktiv Kapital announces two new roles

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 09:50:53 +0100

Aktiv Kapital (UK) Ltd are pleased to announce the appointment of 2 new key roles within the UK business.

New trade association created to help intermediaries comply with consumer credit regulations

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:00:01 +0100

A new professional association has been created to help intermediaries and brokers offer a range of debt solutions to financially disadvantaged clients, whilst complying with regulations on consumer credit and debt advice.

Better quarter for business debt

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 16:19:53 +0100

Figures released today by Registry Trust show that the total value of debt judgments (CCJs) issued against businesses in England and Wales over the quarter of 2010 has fallen by 24 percent since this time last year.

Fredrickson Holdings renamed as Interlaken Group

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 16:14:38 +0100

Fredrickson Holdings Limited, the parent company of Fredrickson International, Credit Account Management and SRJ Debt Recoveries has, with immediate effect, changed its name to Interlaken Group Limited.

Debt charity warns insolvencies could rocket 20 per cent

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 10:23:45 +0100

A UK debt charity has warned that the debt crisis looks set to escalate again, despite the latest figures indicating a drop in personal insolvencies.

Price cuts are 'doing nothing for the collections industry'

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 16:26:02 +0100

Leading collections business, dlc, asks the question, is there a serious risk to the credit sector when DCA’s are continually being asked to work on lower commission rates?

Buy As You View invest in new equipment

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 11:48:16 +0100

Leading retail and consumer finance company, Buy As You View, has invested over £3million in new equipment for customers and staff. The investment comes at an exciting time for the growing company as it has recently launched a major recruitment drive for customer account managers.

First nationally regulated Money and Debt Advice qualifications receive accreditation

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 11:14:50 +0100

The first nationally regulated and accredited Diploma and Certificate in Money and Debt Advice has been launched. Created by leading debt charity Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) in association with the Institute of Credit Management (ICM), this innovative new qualification has just gained final accreditation on the National Qualifications Framework (QCF) following assessment by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual).

New Pegasystemsâ Collections Solution Enables Organizations to Collect Debt More Intelligently

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 18:04:38 +0100

Pegasystems Inc., the leader in business process management (BPM) and a leading provider of customer relationship management (CRM) solutions, has unveiled a new multi-channel solution that enables organizations to more intelligently manage their collections function.

The Debt Advisor: âDig deep, the worst may be yet to comeâ

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 15:35:23 +0100

Figures published on Friday by the Insolvency Service are likely to show that, despite a growing economy, rates of personal and corporate insolvencies are on the rise again.

OFT crackdown on illegal cold-calling

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 13:25:23 +0100

The OFT has taken action against lead generation firm Compensation Professionals Network Ltd (CPN) as part of a crackdown on illegal coldcalling practices in the debt management sector. As a result, CPN no longer holds a consumer credit licence.

Help Loan debt collection halted

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 10:27:23 +0100

The debt collection agency used by Help Loan has stopped pursuing people alleged to have borrowed money from the payday loan firm.

Phil Jones, outgoing ICO Assistant Commissioner joins 192business

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 17:37:46 +0100

Phil Jones, the outgoing Assistant Commissioner at the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has been appointed as an advisor to 192business, leading provider of tracing and people & business finding technology to the debt recovery industry.

Business Payment Support Service (Time to Pay): October 2010

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 17:27:04 +0100

“The number and value of Time To Pay arrangements has decreased dramatically during 2010, reflecting more favourable conditions for businesses post-recession. The scheme has worked well in preventing an expected spike in corporate insolvency numbers which typically follows the end of a recession.

Marston Group Moves Into Wales

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 16:52:31 +0100

Marston Group (“Marston”) is proud to announce the opening of its Welsh regional office in Newport.

Fall in debt judgments welcome news for Northern Ireland

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 16:42:46 +0100

A £2m fall in the value of debt judgments for the third quarter of 2010 will come as welcome news in Northern Ireland.

Aktiv Kapital Q3 2010: operating profit up 13% on efficiency measures

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 13:05:58 +0100

(OSLO, October 28, 2010) Aktiv Kapital reports third quarter 2010 portfolio collection of NOK 381.7 million, compared with NOK 446.7 million in the third quarter of 2009. The decrease is mainly due to lower level of portfolio acquisitions in recent quarters. Operating profit was NOK 114.1 million, compared with NOK 100.9 million last year.

The UK Debt Collection Agencies industry â a review of 2010

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 10:18:41 +0100

As we approach the end of a turbulent 2010 for the UK Debt Collection Agencies industry, Plimsoll have taken a look back at the highs and lows of the last 12 months and looked forward to the threats and opportunities facing the market in 2011.

Dukes Bailiffs helps Staffordshire Moorlands DC reach new heights

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 17:20:55 +0100

Staffordshire Moorlands DC is now ranked the third highest achiever in Council Tax collection out of 201 District Councils, thanks to its association with Dukes Bailiffs Limited.

Two new HCEOs appointed from the Marston Group

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:55:51 +0100

Gareth Hughes, Deputy Chief Executive, and Paul Caddy, Group Operations Director, both from the Marston Group,have been appointed as High Court Enforcement Officers ("HCEOs").

Reaccreditation for Marston Group's training centre and Foundation course

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 11:37:42 +0100

Marston Group is proud to announce that its bespoke Foundation Theory Course and new training facility have both received reaccreditation from City & Guilds.

dlc welcomes OFT Review in raising standards

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 11:33:06 +0100

Following the OFT’s review of the Debt Management sector earlier this month, leading debt collections business, dlc, provides its perspective on these organisations.

New expert to lead Yorkshire law firmâs probate debt recovery team

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 11:09:28 +0100

Lee & Priestley LLP has appointed Probate Recovery Expert, Terry Timpson to head its Probate Debt Recovery team.

Adele Lomas takes on expanded role at HL Interactive

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 15:59:58 +0100

HL Interactive has appointed Adele Lomas as Operations Manager of its Repossessions Department.

Investors are snapping up repossessed houses, reports whitehot property

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 15:48:33 +0100

Recent figures from whitehot property, one of the UK’s leading sellers of chain free property, reveal that 80% of properties advertised on their site are being bought by investors.

Direct Debit Limited Launches SEPA and SWIFT capabilities for payments management platform PayCentre

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 14:41:22 +0100

Today at Sibos, Direct Debit Limited, the Bacs-approved payments-management software provider, announced the availability of Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) and Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) modules for its PayCentre payments-management platform.

Patience no longer a virtue in debt recovery

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 17:04:18 +0100

Whilst some businesses across the UK relaxed their initial credit control procedures as the recent recessionary pressures on cash flow eased, the latest report from Lovetts Plc, the leading debt recovery law firm, has revealed that in Quarter 3 2010 businesses who had debtors that failed to make payment on receipt of a letter before action (LBA), issued a claim nearly 2 days quicker compared to the previous quarter.

Association to lobby for fixed costs increases

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 16:58:06 +0100

Following their successful conference last month and the reaction of their members, the Civil Court Users Association (CCUA) is to lobby for the increase in the fixed costs allowed to solicitors on the issue of a claim and on entry of judgment.

16 areas get 'Community Budgets' to help the vulnerable

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 12:23:48 +0100

Sixteen areas were today given direct control over local spending in their area free of centrally imposed conditions as part of the Spending Review.

Select Group enhances Cougars support package

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 19:16:40 +0100

Yorkshire-wide security provider Select Group has announced a major new dual club and shirt sponsorship deal for the 2011 season with Keighley Cougars RLFC.

eWise partners with VocaLink to introduce UK industry-led alternative payments network

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 19:10:41 +0100

eWise, a global provider of online payments and personal financial management solutions, today announced that John France has been appointed as Managing Director of the eWise European Payments Division, based in the UK.

P&A tackle Irish late payment problems

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 18:57:25 +0100

P&A Receivable Services Plc is predicting that more European manufacturers of homeware goods will turn to its Irish debt recovery service amid fears that Ireland’s financial woes will leave them out of pocket.

EU Mandatory Payment Terms Welcomed By Businesses, Says Atradius Study

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 00:00:01 +0100

As the European Parliament votes today to pass legislation on mandatory payment terms across the EU, leading trade credit insurer Atradius publishes a survey of almost 4000 businesses and their feelings on mandatory terms coming into effect. British businesses were amongst the keenest, with 61% welcoming the move, second only to Spain at 64%. The survey sought opinions from Europe, North America and Asia on the impact of fixed payment terms of 30 to 60 days on B2B and business to government tran ...

CML welcomes further reprieve on support for mortgage interest

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 18:15:13 +0100

The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) welcomes the extension of the temporary concession on support for mortgage interest announced today under the government's comprehensive spending review.

Darbys Solicitors of Oxford have acquired commercial debt recovery gurus Graham Bridgman & Co,

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 18:07:57 +0100

Specialising in receivables collection for a wide range of businesses, Graham Bridgman & Co was set up and grown by Graham Bridgman helping companies recover money that is owed to them. Graham is a Fellow of the Institute of Credit Management and received their Meritorious Service Award in 2009 for his contribution to the Institute.

Debt bodies merger talks fail

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 18:53:53 +0100

Debt Resolution Forum (DRF) today announced that merger talks with rival trade body DEMSA have failed.

Crown Currency Exchange Ltd and Crown Holdings (London) Ltd (Both in Administration) the Companies

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 18:45:48 +0100

The Joint Administrators, Harold Sorsky and Stella Davis of SPW (UK) LLP and Paul Clark and Matt Bond of MCR have today released further information on their investigation into Crown Currency Exchange.

Move with Us offers developers HomeServe insurance to help sales process

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 17:44:44 +0100

Property specialist, Move with Us has launched a new HomeServe insurance for developers to offer prospective buyers.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch joins CHAPS

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 17:40:10 +0100

CHAPS Clearing Company Limited, the organisation responsible for the operation of the UK’s high-value, same-day money transfer system and the Faster Payments Service, today (18 October 2010) announced that Bank of America Merrill Lynch is to become a full member of the CHAPS Scheme with immediate effect. This now brings total membership to 18 members.

Direct Debit Limitedâs PayCentre helps businesses take advantage of Faster Payments via DCA

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 17:28:24 +0100

Direct Debit Limited, the Bacs-approved payments-management software provider, today introduced a Faster Payments module for its PayCentre payments platform. Customers can use the module to make Faster Payments via Direct Corporate Access (DCA).

Debt Management Company welcomes OFT advice on âunenforceable debtâ claims

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 17:17:02 +0100

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has issued new advice to consumers about their rights in relation to ‘unenforceable debts’.

Latest Conveyancing Alliance figures show increase in remortgage instructions

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 10:41:00 +0100

Conveyancing Alliance Ltd, the online conveyancing distributor, has today (15 October 2010) revealed a significant 48% increase in remortgage instructions for quarter three 2010 over the previous quarter.

Equifax focuses on improving collections accuracy

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 14:57:04 +0100

Leading consumer credit risk expert, Equifax, has introduced an important new addition to its Debtor Management Solutions. The Equifax Dispute Alert service is designed to help the debt collection industry by ensuring innocent parties are not chased for debts which do not belong to them.

Life getting tougher for non-paying SMEs

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 14:53:50 +0100

Life is getting tougher for the minority of small businesses who fail to pay up after losing at an employment tribunal or arranging to make payment after ACAS intervention.

European payments: stronger direction needed

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 17:22:46 +0100

For the second year, the Financial Services Club ran a survey of payments professionals worldwide to see how successful the implementation of the Payment Services Directive (PSD) and Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) have been since the PSD transposition in November 2009 and implementation of SEPA’s full program of Credit Transfers (SCTs) and Direct Debits (SDDs) at that time.

Link Financial Group appoints Lindsay Town as Non-Executive Director

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 12:21:52 +0100

Link Financial Group (“Link”), the leading European receivables management company, today announces the expansion of its Board through the appointment of Lindsay Town as a non-executive Director.

Cabot Financial gives Pudsey a helping hand

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 12:17:04 +0100

Cabot Financial has once again been chosen as one of the official call centres for this year’s Children in Need appeal. Employee volunteers will be manning the phones and taking donations throughout the night on Friday19th November.

Â£3500 Raised at Heroesâ Gala Night

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 16:22:55 +0100

A fundraising gala dinner organised by staff from leading debt collection agency Mackenzie Hall has raised £3500 for Help for Heroes.

BCW Group selects Sabio solution to help reconnect customers

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 17:59:26 +0100

BCW Group Plc, the UK and Ireland's premier provider of credit management and debt recovery services, has placed a major contract with Sabio for a next generation Avaya proactive contact solution. BCW Group will use Avaya's latest Proactive Contact technology in tandem with its core Avaya customer contact centre infrastructure to meet and exceed current industry compliance requirements, and also deliver a more flexible and dynamic contact approach capable of integrating the firm's growing number ...

Fast track help for employees

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 17:53:37 +0100

From this month, people with unpaid awards under agreements reached through ACAS will have access to a Fast Track enforcement system.

DBSG seeks new vice chairman

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 17:47:25 +0100

The Debt Buyers and Sellers Group (DBSG) is actively seeking a Vice Chairman following the decision at its Annual General Meeting in September to create the new post and secure a more defined succession strategy for leadership of the Group.

Crown Mortgage Management comments on the Bank of England's interest rate decision

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 11:44:24 +0100

Eric Stoclet, Chief Executive of Crown Mortgage Management, comments on the Bank of England’s interest rate decision:

Credit Resource Solutions (CRS) announce two senior appointments

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 18:53:25 +0100

Andrew Calvert, Managing Director and owner of CRS, is delighted to announce the promotion of Darren Cole to the position of Director of Operations. Andrew comments:

ClearSavvy.com is born!

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 11:52:05 +0100

ClearSavvy.com Ltd has been born! A new entrant into the UK debt recovery market specialising in the recovery of consumer debt exclusively online.

The Mortgage Reposession (Protection of Tenants etc.) Act 2010

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 11:46:28 +0100

The Mortgage Repossession (Protection of Tenants etc.) Act received its Royal Assent in April and is about to come into force today.

Phillips & Cohen wins national awards for Samaritans Academy

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 18:35:45 +0100

A campaign that sees debt collectors and Samaritans working together through training, to ensure positive outcomes even in the most sensitive cases has won recognition in a national award.

Media Statement on OFT warning to Debt Management Companies:

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 19:28:26 +0100

Steven Law, President of R3, insolvency trade body, said: "“R3 welcomes the OFT’s decision to address an issue many people face when looking for a viable debt solution. It is hard for a vulnerable debtor to distinguish between fee charging debt management companies, licensed insolvency practitioners and free debt advice charities when weighing up their options. There are many debt solutions available, and it important that individuals use the one most appropriate for their finan ...

New Global Collections Review Shows A Focus On International Outsourced Debt Collection In GB

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 19:16:53 +0100

The latest “Global Collections Review” survey undertaken by leading credit management and collections specialist Atradius Collections, assesses the current commercial debt collection trends and practices of almost 4,000 companies in 22 countries across Europe, including Great Britain, together with the Americas and the Asia Pacific region.

Elected to CSA Board of Directors

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 18:56:46 +0100

Michelle Moore, Sales Director at MIL Collections & Outsource was elected to The Credit Services Association (CSA) board of directors at the AGM held on 9th September 2010.

Former president honoured with lifetime membership

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 18:42:10 +0100

The Credit Services Association (CSA), the voice of the UK debt collection industry, has honoured one of its former Presidents - Godfrey Lancashire - with Honorary Lifetime Membership following the announcement of his retirement from the CSA Board.

Â£2m silent calls fine in force

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 18:48:42 +0100

Firms which pester consumers with silent and abandoned calls will now be fined up to £2million under new Government legislation.

ICM celebrates 30 years of recruitment success

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 18:37:27 +0100

The Institute of Credit Management (ICM) Recruitment arm is celebrating 30 years as a leading supplier of credit personnel throughout the UK. During this time it has placed more than 1,000 credit professionals ranging from Credit Controller to Credit Director.

Local Authorities Across the UK Turning to Sawfish to Meet Government Budget Challenges

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 18:13:14 +0100

Sawfish Software is experiencing the effects of the Coalition Government’s public sector budget cuts with a 300 per cent increase in sales of its productivity-driven systems.

Equifax Business Failures Data supports reports that SMEs are tackling late payments

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 18:00:46 +0100

According to the latest figures from Bacs, the number of companies feeling the impact of late payments in June 2010 has fallen by 20% in six months. This new data is supported by leading business information specialist, Equifax, whose own intelligence has shown a drop in business failures during the first half of 2010. It appears that despite continuing difficult trading conditions, businesses are doing their best to keep their heads above water, and manage potential threats to their survi ...

40% of Adults in Britain Worry Over Their Personal Debt

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:00:01 +0100

Four in ten adults in Britain (almost 19 million people) are worried about their debt, according to research by R3, the insolvency trade body. The findings show that Londoners are the most likely to be worried, with almost half (49%) saying that they are concerned about their current level of debt.

Apex Credit Management Achieves Major Savings Utilising Noble Systemsâ Speech Analytics ...

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 10:55:16 +0100

Noble Systems, a global leader in innovative contact centre technology solutions, and Apex Credit Management, one of the UK’s leading, ethical debt management companies, have today announced significant landmark achievements in revenue collections and compliance monitoring utilising Noble System’s contact centre platform and Nexidia’s award-winning speech analytics capabilities.

David Vant from Cabot Financial completes the âPedal to Parisâ charity cycle ride

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 18:49:12 +0100

David Vant, Debt Purchase Manager at Cabot Financial recently completed a 290 mile cycle ride from London to Paris in aid of the Royal British Legion. David raised in excess of £1500 for the charity with contributions from family and friends.

Ensign Craft goes into liquidation

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 18:46:30 +0100

Insolvency specialists Bridge Business Recovery have been appointed liquidators to Ensign Craft Ltd, the events management company behind the Harwich Powerboat Festival.

Incasso appoints new Collections Manager

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 18:36:10 +0100

Leading Leeds based debt recovery law firm Incasso LLP, have today announced the appointment of Iola Sanger as Collections Manager.

Bridge Business Recovery to liquidate Sixty U.K. Limited following collapse of CVA

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 18:31:03 +0100

Rob Horton and Tony Murphy of leading insolvency experts Bridge Business Recovery have been appointed liquidators to Sixty U.K. Limited. The appointment follows the revocation of Sixty’s Company Voluntary Arrangement in the High Court in July 2010.

Leading brewer entered into late payment âHall of Shameâ

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 18:27:14 +0100

The company behind leading beer brands Carling, Grolsch and Cobra has been exposed for extending its supplier payment terms to well over three months.

The money runs out on the 20th day after âpaydayâ

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:00:01 +0100

More than four in ten adults in Britain (42%) struggle each month to make it to ‘payday’ (11% on a regular basis and 31% occasionally) and the average day this struggle begins is the 20th day after payday. This is according to research by insolvency trade body R3 and comes against a backdrop of record levels of personal insolvency.

When a bailiff calls

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 18:02:28 +0100

Counting the true cost of debt collection is far more than a matter of the fee to debt ratio, suggests Colin Naylor, recently elected Chairman of the Association of Collection Enforcement Agencies and Managing Director of Dukes Bailiffs.

Public sector 'should stick to its 10-day payment target despite new European standard of 30 days'

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 18:24:35 +0100

The Forum of Private Business (FPB) is calling on the UK’s public sector to retain its target of paying small firms in 10 days following a new ruling to make 30 days the standard across the European Union (EU).

Equifax launches Business Debtor Tracing Plus

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 18:18:51 +0100

As businesses continue to struggle in the current difficult economic conditions, being able to recover commercial debts remains a key focus to minimise the threat of bad debt and help manage cash flow. This is especially crucial when dealing with sole traders and non-limited businesses, where there is greater risk of a late payment turning into a bad debt more quickly.

Leeds based Incasso retains top ranking in Legal 500

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 18:14:00 +0100

Debt Recovery law firm Incasso LLP, has been ranked number one for debt recovery in the latest tables published by Legal 500.

Companies that switch off paper statements risk damaging customer relationships

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 18:14:33 +0100

Paper statements are as important as UK-based call centres and local bank branches to customers, according to a study that reveals removing key transactional communications can damage relationships and erode customer loyalty.

Fairpoint Group plc - Interim Results for the six months ended 30 June 2010

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 17:56:04 +0100

Fairpoint Group plc (“Fairpoint” or “the Group”) today announces its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2010.

Double top for Optima Legal

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 18:14:30 +0100

Legal recoveries, dispute resolution and property specialist Optima Legal, is celebrating double recognition from its clients and industry peers.

Neil Jinks appointed Fellow of the Institute of Credit Management

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 18:10:41 +0100

Neil Jinks, Marston Group's High Court Client Relationship Manager has been appointed a Fellow of the Institute of Credit Management with immediate effect.

Free expert advice service for consumers with debt problems launches

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 17:33:38 +0100

With UK consumer debt now running at an all time record high, millions of people are now finding themselves in a critical financial situation with seemingly nowhere to turn for genuine advice and help.

Latest CCCS budget guidelines published

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 17:21:59 +0100

The UK’s largest debt charity the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) has released it latest budget guideline figures. The new figures will increase guidelines for each budget item by the relevant RPI (Retail Price Index) value. A key change to the guidelines is a new ‘School Meals’ calculation.

192business redefines tracing and people finding

Sun, 12 Sep 2010 21:13:55 +0100

192business launches its redeveloped people and business finding solution, 192 Trace, this week with the aim of transforming the way organisations are able to locate and investigate individuals and businesses.

High Court clients praise Marston Group on film

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 18:19:23 +0100

Nick Dennett of WR Commercial and Mandeep Chima of Hodge, Jones & Allen Solicitors relate their experiences of using Marston Group to enforce their writs of fi-fa.

150,000 small businesses face insolvency if their public sector contracts are cancelled

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 18:09:01 +0100

According to research by insolvency trade body R3, almost 10% (or 148,000) of small businesses fear they could be pushed into insolvency if they lose their public sector contracts.

Faster Payments Scheme Boosts Banksâ Ability to Provide a Competitive Service to Customers

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 18:00:52 +0100

From this week, the Faster Payments Scheme is raising the maximum value threshold for internet and phone payments from £10k to £100k. Putting this facility in place will help banks increase their capability to offer the service to customers. This change reflects demand from some corporate customers, and it is most likely that they will benefit first over the coming months. The threshold for standing orders remains unchanged at £100k.

More than a third in debt would rather be dead

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 18:25:17 +0100

In questioning more than a thousand clients, UK-wide debt counselling charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP) found that 33 per cent had seriously considered suicide with a further five per cent having already attempted to kill themselves as a way out.

Faster Payments is 'frontrunner to replace cheques'

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 18:08:18 +0100

July 2010 marks the first anniversary of Direct Corporate Access (DCA) to the Faster Payments Service (FPS). In light of the announcement made in December 2009 around the close of the central cheque clearing, more corporates are considering whether this relatively new channel can be used to replace the more traditional payment method.

Harlequin Investigations Ltd launch new website

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:30:01 +0100

Leading private investigation company Harlequin Investigations has launched a brand new website to provide customers with clear and detailed information on its complete range of services for public, commercial and private sector organisations. The site, www.harlequininvestigations.co.uk is exceptionally easy to navigate and includes a new customer referral and an instruct online section.

CCCS Debt Dashboard Q2 2010

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:25:28 +0100

The Q2 2010 quarterly Debt Dashboard of the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) is published today. Following the Government’s announcement that it will review the debt solutions currently available in England and Wales, the focus of the Debt Dashboard is on the financial and demographic background of our clients, according to the solution recommended.

Noble Systems Announces Availability of Mobile-Friendly Contact Centre Management Tools

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:19:33 +0100

Noble Systems, a global leader in innovative contact centre technology solutions, today announced the availability of mobile-friendly contact centre management applications for the Apple iPad and other mobile devices.

Faster Payments reaches new heights

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:29:12 +0100

As of September 6th, the Faster Payments Direct Corporate Access (DCA) transaction value limit increases from £10,000 to £100,000 per transaction. Norman Taylor, product manager at Experian Payments, comments on the limit increase:

Bailiff mind games devastating to mental health

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:22:48 +0100

Mind, the leading mental health charity in England and Wales, today reveals shocking new evidence about the devastating impact a visit from the bailiffs can have on your mental health. 50% of people surveyed by the charity reported suicidal feelings after a knock on the door from bailiffs. In the current economic climate and as more and more people find it difficult to keep up with their bills, Mind is calling on the Government to act on its commitment to protect the public from aggressive baili ...

Target announces major jobs boost and achievement of Investors in People accreditation

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 17:49:29 +0100

Leading financial software and servicing company, Target Group, is expanding following another significant contract win. As a result, over 30 jobs will be created at its servicing centre at Tredegar Park, near Newport.

Optima Legal chooses Money Advice Trust as charitable partner

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 17:39:41 +0100

Optima Legal has pledged its support to national debt advice charity, Money Advice Trust (MAT).

Software provider advocates automating payment processes to boost efficiency and reduce costs

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:10:31 +0100

Direct Debit Limited, the Bacs-approved payments-management software provider, will showcase its market-leading PayCentre platform at the Credit Services Association (CSA) and Debt Buyers and Sellers Group (DBSG) Annual Conference, 8th and 9th September 2010. PayCentre helps organisations including debt buyers and sellers, debt-recovery agencies and credit-services firms make and collect payments more efficiently.

ICM Launches Credit Services Directory

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:41:25 +0100

The Institute of Credit Management (ICM) has recently launched Cr£ditWho?, a fully searchable directory of product and service providers, aimed at giving credit professionals and businesses needing advice an easy route to the right solution.

DRF welcomes Northern Rock announcement on interest freeze

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:08:33 +0100

The Debt Resolution Forum (DRF), trade body for fee-charging debt solution companies, welcomes the announcement from Northern Rock that, from September 1, they agree to freeze all interest on debts owed by customers entering Debt Management Plans in order to help repay their debt.

The P&A Group of Companies launches Scottish office

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:00:28 +0100

Yorkshire - based The P&A Group of Companies, one of the largest independent insolvency and debt collection firms in the UK, has appointed business recovery expert Derek Simpson to head up its first office in Scotland.

UK consumers keeping lenders in the dark about their financial woes

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:01 +0100

Independent research commissioned by Callcredit Information Group has today revealed that British consumers are storing up considerable problems for themselves and lenders by failing to keep their bank or building society informed about their financial woes. 69% of adults suffering from financial pressures over the past two years admit to failing to speak with their bank or building society about their financial difficulties, and 42% have not come completely clean about their financial situation ...

Credit Action Debt Statistics (September 2010)

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:43:43 +0100

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) predicts that household debt will be £1,823bn by end 2015 which is a growth of £159m a day. This would take the average household debt to £72,341 per household.

Free advice for UK businesses on debt recovery in foreign countries

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:04:49 +0100

Atradius Collections, the global expert in domestic and international debt collections, releases the latest edition of the International Debt Collections Handbook. The International Debt Collections Handbook is an essential tool for export-oriented UK businesses making decisions around debt recovery in foreign countries. In total the handbook covers 26 countries and covers the different stages of amicable settlement, financial regulations around collections, legal proceedings and insolvency proc ...

Wright Hassall adds to collections team

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 13:01:05 +0100

A Midlands law firm hassignificantly expanded its debt recovery service by appointing a team of four experts.

Police forces failing small businesses on prompt payment

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 21:07:01 +0100

New research into police payment practices has revealed vast differences in the amount of time different forces take to pay their suppliers and contractors.

Vendor and distributor credit managers will focus on future challenges and opportunities

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 20:52:38 +0100

P&A Receivables, the leading credit management and debt recovery service provider to the IT industry, is expecting ‘a lively and frank exchange’ of opinions at its forthcoming European Credit Forum (ECF) for senior credit managers from IT vendors and distributors, which takes place in Dublin on Thursday 16th and Friday 17th September.

Direct Corporate Access Service one year on

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 20:44:57 +0100

One year on, the Faster Payments Direct Corporate Access Service is making headway. Earlier this year Direct Corporate Access (DCA) extended submissions from its current 6am – 2pm window to 3am – 11pm, Monday to Friday and now the service is set to increase the submission limit from £10,000 to £100,000 as of the 6th September 2010.

Half of self employed debtors unable to repay debts as people cut back on luxury services

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 18:24:31 +0100

Half of those contacting debt charity Consumer Credit Counselling Service’s (CCCS) Self Employed Centre are unable to repay their debts. The CCCS centre, which specialises in dealing with the personal finances of the self employed, has helped over six and a half thousand people this year. However, only 1,600 were in a position to enter into a debt management plan (DMP) and repay their debts as over half of callers had a deficit budget and therefore no money to start repaying their debts. ...

Commercial landlords should act early on rent arrears to produce a fair resolution

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 18:21:53 +0100

As Chairman of the Association of Civil Enforcement Agencies, Colin Naylor,Managing Director of Dukes Bailiffs, has a special position when it comes to advising on best practice for the industry.

CallataÃ¿ & Wouters launches guide on payment standardisation

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 18:20:25 +0100

The pace of change in the European payments landscape today is unprecedented. Initiatives such as the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) and the Payment Services Directive (PSD) are reshaping the industry, encouraging new market entrants, enhancing competition and, ultimately, improving customer service for consumers and corporates alike. Banks’ payments business is coming of age and has never been so important to the future success of the organisation as a whole.

Growing performance gap in the UK Debt Collection Agencies industry

Sat, 21 Aug 2010 08:53:07 +0100

There is a real mixed bag of company performance in the UK Debt Collection Agencies industry at the moment. New research from market analysts Plimsoll indicates that with 83 companies in trouble, 164 others powering ahead and a further 70 set to be taken over, the market has never been more fragmented.

Repossessed property sells at fastest ever rate

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 18:58:00 +0100

Susan Robinson, Solicitor at Optima Legal comments that the market for repossessed properties appears to be gaining momentum with the average number of days taken to sell repossessed property not only significantly decreasing, but also their final prices achieving and exceeding the market value.

Rise in bereaved seeking help from debt charity

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 18:42:26 +0100

National debt charity, Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS), has seen a rise in calls to its helpline from people struggling to deal with debts after a bereavement. Most of these calls are from people who are dealing with the debts of their recently deceased spouse or partner. CCCS says that this is particularly serious when they are joint and severally liable for the credit which means that they will have to repay all of the remaining sum themselves.

Payments Council Welcomes Handelsbanken

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:12:25 +0100

The Payments Council today announced that Handelsbanken has become a full member of the Payments Council. This now brings the total membership to 29 members and 11 associate members.

Equifax puts more intelligence into recoveries activity

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:08:37 +0100

Leading consumer debtor and credit risk expert, Equifax, has enhanced its Debtor Management Solutions. A new Recoveries Report has been added to its Locate service giving collectors a unique insight into the credit commitments and behaviour of debtors.

New 'calculator' tots up trouble in store for small business cashflow

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 17:40:43 +0100

The results of a new online tool launched by the Institute of Credit Management (ICM) to give small businesses an early warning of potential problems with cashflow are already giving cause for alarm.

Money Advice Trust announces new 2010 trigger figures for the Common Financial Statement

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 17:04:03 +0100

The updated Common Financial Statement (CFS) trigger figures are now live on the CFS website, and can be accessed by licence holders. To access the trigger figures or apply for a licence, please visit www.cfs.moneyadvicetrust.org.

Fairfax Solicitors appoints chief operating officer

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:47:54 +0100

Following the appointment of Jonathan Holt as Chairman, Fairfax Solicitors Limited has continued to strengthen its senior management team with the appointment of Gary Marshall as its Chief Operating Officer.

ISO 9001 certification for LRC

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:20:55 +0100

Legal Recoveries & Collections Ltd (LRC) has recently achieved ISO 9001 certification, the recognised quality management systems standard.

Lowell staff complete three peaks charity challenge

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:48:45 +0100

A team of 20 staff from Leeds-based Lowell Group has raised nearly £2,000 for the charity Child Poverty Action Group after taking on the gruelling Yorkshire three-peak challenge.

LDL named as a finalist at the IRRV Awards

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 17:32:43 +0100

The Revenues Service, run on behalf of Liverpool City Council by Liverpool Direct Limited (LDL), has been selected as a finalist for ‘Team of the Year’ at this year’s Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation (IRRV) 2010 Performance Awards.

OFT refuses to licence debt advice firm

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:29:55 +0100

The OFT has refused to grant a consumer credit licence to a sole trader, Stewart Richard Wilson, because of his failure to demonstrate he had the required competencies to run a debt advice business.

The South West Finance Directors Forum

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:26:50 +0100

You are invited to join senior finance professionals from across the region at the South West Finance Directors Forum at Alveston House Hotel, Thornbury, Bristol, BS35 2LA on Tuesday 7th September 2010 from 12pm-2pm.

Atlantic Financial Management suggests debt solutions to help the Duchess of York

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:11:18 +0100

It has been reported that the Duchess of York is facing the very real prospect of bankruptcy as she continues to struggle with her financial difficulties. Leading debt solutions expert, Atlantic Financial Management, has some useful advice for the Duchess as she considers her options.

Bibby Financial Services comments on insolvency figures

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 17:45:00 +0100

With the news that in Q2 2010, the number of company insolvencies in England and Wales decreased by 19.1 per cent year on year, but has increased by 0.5 per cent compared to the first quarter of 2010, Edward Rimmer, UK chief executive of Bibby Financial Services, says:

Comment from Fairpoint Group on Q210 insolvency stats

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 19:28:18 +0100

As you may have seen, the insolvency statistics for the second quarter of 2010 have been released today (stats attached). The report showed that individual insolvencies have risen by 5% compared to the corresponding period last year, with the number of individual voluntary arrangements (IVAs) increasing by 10.2%.

Businesses see rise in debt from overseas customers

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 19:18:12 +0100

Businesses in the UK are falling victim to late payers overseas according to Lovetts Plc, one of the UK’s leading commercial debt recovery law firms. Since July 2009, Lovetts has seen a 19% increase in demand for overseas letters before action as businesses suffered a sharp rise in overseas customers defaulting on due payments.

Debt levels could be âtip of the icebergâ, warns The Debt Advisor

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 19:02:58 +0100

Figures published today by the Insolvency Service show the number of personal insolvencies in England and Wales reaching 34,743 in the second quarter of 2010 - a decrease of 2.6% on the previous quarter but an increase of 5.0% on the corresponding quarter a year ago.

MIL Collections expands

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 15:34:19 +0100

MIL Collections the specialist's in the recovery of aged Commercial & Consumer Debt Portfolios have expanded into new offices.

New management appointments in Sales and Collections at Lowell Group

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 22:26:38 +0100

Leeds-based Lowell Group, widely acknowledged as the UK’s leading debt purchasing company, has recruited two new highly experienced managers to further strengthen its senior management team.

Real estate and construction had the toughest journey through the recession

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 21:22:15 +0100

Exclusive research by R3, the insolvency body, has tracked each sector through the recession and found the largest number of insolvencies were in the real estate, renting and business activities sector. With over 12,000 (12,050) insolvencies, this is nearly double that of the second most affected sector - construction, at 7,184. Wholesale and retail are third with 6,077 and manufacturing fourth with 4,664 – all measured from the second quarter 2008 to the end of the fourth quarter 2009. ...

New CCCS Chairman announced

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:39:00 +0100

Lord Stevenson is to be the next chairman of the Foundation for Credit Counselling, the charity which runs the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) in the UK.

New Safe website goes live

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:24:28 +0100

Market leading software and services provider Safe Computing has launched their new, dedicated credit control products and services website.

CCUA Enforcement meeting to be continued at Conference

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:09:57 +0100

The Civil Court Users Association conference on 28th September at the Leicester Marriott will continue the meeting that took place in July at the Ministry of Justice when a limited number of members attended to consider effective enforcement of judgments.

Noble Systems Sponsors South West Contact Centre Customer Service Award

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:06:17 +0100

Noble Systems, a global leader in innovative contact centre technology solutions, has recently supported the second annual South West Contact Centre Awards.

DBSG to host networking event for sellers

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 18:06:56 +0100

The Debt Buyers and Sellers Group (DBSG) is to host a dedicated sellers’ networking event as part of this year’s Annual Conference next month.

LPC Law join CML

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:02:07 +0100

Advocacy lawyers, LPC Law, have joined the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) as an associate member.

Solution for call recording & PCI DSS

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:00:36 +0100

PCI DSS is a set of comprehensive requirements for enhancing payment account data security, developed by the founding payment brands of the PCI Security Standards Council, including American Express, JCB International, MasterCard and Visa to help facilitate the broad adoption of consistent data security measures on a global basis.

CSA Diploma winners celebrate at awards day

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:58:44 +0100

The Credit Services Association (CSA) has announced the results of its 2010 Diploma Course, held in partnership with City & Guilds, the UK’s leading awarding body.

Lender enquiries for new systems up 75%

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:05:38 +0100

Serious enquiries from mortgage lenders for new systems and software have risen 75% in 2010 according to Phoebus Software, the software house for lenders.

CABOT Financial wins West Kent Stop Smoking Service Award

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:22:31 +0100

Cabot Financial, market leader in debt purchase, has been recognised for its hard work in setting up a successful stop smoking campaign by winning the Innovation in Workplace Health & Wellbeing 2009-2010 - West Kent Stop Smoking Service Award.

CSA Diploma winners celebrate at awards day

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:08:34 +0100

The Credit Services Association (CSA) has announced the results of its 2010 Diploma Course, held in partnership with City & Guilds, the UK's leading awarding body.

Debt judgments still at historic high in Northern Ireland

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:33:22 +0100

The value of debt judgments (CCJs) faced by businesses and consumers in Northern Ireland in the first half of 2010 totalled £12.6m according to figures released today by Registry Trust, the non-profit organisation that collects judgment information from Northern Ireland and other jurisdictions in the British Isles.

The Debt Advisor to help HM Forces

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:12:53 +0100

Award-winning, Manchester-based debt management company, The Debt Advisor, has partnered with specialist armed forces home-buying adviser, Mortgages4Forces, to offer debt solutions to the military.

Hays and ICM partner to deliver enhanced recruitment services

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 10:32:30 +0100

Hays Accountancy & Finance, the leading recruiting expert, has signed an exclusive partnership with the Institute of Credit Management (ICM) to provide members with an enhanced, dedicated recruitment service. Complementing its existing strategic partnership to provide recruitment services outside of ICM’s core scope, as a Corporate Partner Hays will offer members additional priority services.

Public sector spending cutbacks expected to trigger a surge in business insolvencies

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 13:26:02 +0100

New research conducted by commercial credit reference agency Graydon UK reveals that four out of five credit managers believe that public sector spending cuts will spark a sharp increase in business insolvencies within the next 12 months.

Insolvency Service launches consultation on proposals for a restructuring moratorium

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 13:09:26 +0100

The Insolvency Service has today launched a twelve week consultation on proposals for a new restructuring moratorium. The proposals would provide company directors with the option of obtaining a protected breathing space in which to negotiate with their creditors and reorganise their business affairs, through a new statutory moratorium.

Direct Debit Limited launches Bacs-approved HSM for unattended payments submissions

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:49:46 +0100

Direct Debit Limited, the Bacs-approved payments-management software provider, today announced the launch of its Hardware Security Module (HSM). The module forms part of the PayCentre multi-payment processing platform, which helps organisations automate and streamline the lifecycle of credit and debit card, Direct Debit and Direct Credit payments processes.

Could a debt management plan help landlords to tackle rent arears?

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:46:38 +0100

According to the latest data from the National Landlords Association (NLA), 1 in 5 private-residential landlords have had tenants in arrears over the last three months. Leading debt solutions provider, Atlantic Financial Management, believes that for some landlords it may prove worthwhile suggesting their tenants go on a debt management plan to tackle their debts.

Faster Payments is frontrunner to replace cheques, according to Experian survey

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:41:15 +0100

One in ten deals involve distressed businesses

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:28:26 +0100

During the first half of 2010 almost one in ten (9.4%) of UK mergers and acquisitions involved distressed businesses. Of the 1491 deals completed in the UK, 141 involved companies acquired out of administration or other formal insolvency procedure, according to research by Experian Corpfin on behalf of insolvency trade body R3. The total value of all distressed deals in the first six months of the year amounted to close to £519m (£518.505m).

Firm simplifies collecting overseas payments for hauliers

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 18:17:17 +0100

Cash flow management specialists Octempo RM have embarked on a crusade to help road haulage firms by rolling out their international credit control service.

LG wins role advising Hill Dickinson on Halliwells administration

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 17:57:10 +0100

International business law firm Lawrence Graham LLP (LG) has advised Hill Dickinson on the purchase by way of a pre-pack administration of the Halliwells Liverpool office and part of the Halliwells Sheffield office on 20 July 2010.

Survey reveals high human cost of debt problems

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:40:09 +0100

A survey by leading debt charity Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) has revealed the high human cost of debt problems. The survey of 372 CCCS clients found that debt problems have a negative impact on people’s close relationships, their health and their ability to carry out their jobs. Alarmingly, 83 percent of those surveyed said that their debt problems had a very negative impact on their lives.

Spending Cuts Herald Fresh Problems for Debt Collectors

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:35:23 +0100

The latest budget announcements from the coalition government could trigger fresh difficulties for the debt collection industry, with revenues expected to fall by more than 14%, according to a press release from Euristix relased today.

Crown Mortgage Management comments on plans to cut the Mortgage Rescue Scheme

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:23:24 +0100

Eric Stoclet, managing director of Crown Mortgage Management, comments on cuts to the Mortgage Rescue Scheme:

Debt charity comments on Insolvency Serviceâs plan to reduce expenditure

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:18:46 +0100

Leading debt charity Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) has commented on the announcement by the Insolvency Service that it has offered the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) a plan to reduce its expenditure.

Prompt Payment to be duplicated by âfair paymentâ?

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:31:43 +0100

Announcement of the Government’s plan for a ‘fair payment’ code, to accelerate payments to sub-contractors on public construction projects, has received a cautious reception from the Institute of Credit Management (ICM) and Bacs Payment Schemes Limited (Bacs), already working in partnership to build awareness of the issue of late payments in the UK, through the Prompt Payment Code.

Experian report outlines recommendations for optimising collections in utilities

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:20:06 +0100

Information services company Experian has published new analysis on the UK’s utility industry and advice on how the sector can better adapt their collections strategies to market conditions.

Dukes Bailiffs contract with Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council extended

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:48:48 +0100

Dukes Bailiffs Limited, the Staffordshire based business whose Managing Director Colin Naylor is elected chairman of the Association of Civil Enforcement Agencies, has been working successfully with Stockport Council since July 2008 on Council Tax and NDR liability order collection.

Money Advice Trust responds to helping over indebted consumers report

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 17:07:53 +0100

Welcoming the publication of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills response to the Public Accounts Committee report on ‘Helping over-indebted consumers’, Joanna Elson OBE, Chief Executive of the Money Advice Trust (MAT), said:

Royal Mail is still not delivering two years on, says FSB

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:12:29 +0100

Royal Mail is still not delivering in its service to small businesses two years on from a review into the postal service.

Redstone Mortgages Limited fined Â£630,000 for unfair treatment of some customers in arrears

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:12:14 +0100

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has today fined Redstone Mortgages Limited (Redstone) £630,000 for poor treatment of some customers facing mortgage arrears.

Ten-day public sector payment not being passed along supply chain

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 10:43:26 +0100

A public sector initiative to pay invoices within 10 days is not being passed on by main contractors to smaller suppliers, the Forum of Private Business (FPB) has discovered.

Moreton Smith to provide e-Collect365 debt Management Software to Misys plc

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:20:32 +0100

Misys plc has announced that it has appointed Moreton Smith to provide their e-Collect365 debt Management Software across their European markets. Misys is a leading multinational software company providing software solutions and services to the financial services and healthcare sectors.

Late Payment Demands Rise But Recessionary Pressures Show Sign Of Easing

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:12:42 +0100

Lovetts Plc, one of the UK’s leading law firms specialising in commercial debt recovery, has revealed that late payment demands (LPD) shot up by 24.6% in the first half of the year against 2009. Interestingly however, Lovetts’ figures also show that, compared to last year, late payers are being given nearly a month longer to pay up, before legal action is taken.

Bacs and ICM partnership set to highlight late payments issue

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 10:32:04 +0100

Bacs Payment Schemes Limited (Bacs), the organisation behind Direct Debit and Bacs Direct Credit, has announced a working partnership with the Institute of Credit Management (ICM) to drive further awareness of the Prompt Payment Code and promote the importance of paying on time, across the whole business community.

New management team at Dukes

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 10:27:29 +0100

Dukes Bailiffs has announced details of a management restructure. Colin Naylor, Managing Director of Dukes and chairman of the Association of Civil Enforcement Agencies, has reviewed the current structure of the company to ensure that it continues to meet existing client requirements and also support new business opportunities expected within the next 12 months.

Retired struggle with debts

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 08:12:01 +0100

According to new research conducted for Age UK, being able to pay off debts has been the motivation for a third of equity release customers, whilst almost half have put it towards essential house maintenance.

Lowell effort is âoarsome!â

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 08:05:19 +0100

A 17-strong team from Lowell Group captained by IT director John Stewart raised over £1,500 for charity and finished a highly creditable 3rd out of 30 in the third annual Leeds Community Fancy Dress Dragon Boat Races last month.

Court advocates LPC becomes regulated

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 08:00:44 +0100

Nationwide court advocates, Legal Practice Clerks Limited (LPC), are now regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

Money Advice Charity chief says homeowners in need of more support than ever

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 17:44:15 +0100

Joanna Elson OBE, Chief Executive of the Money Advice Trust (MAT), today warned that failing to provide free support to homeowners in danger of losing their homes could cost the taxpayer a staggering £16k per home. The majority of this comes from housing benefits associated with re-housing each household in temporary accommodation and the social rented sector.

More than Â£ 7500 raised in The Innovation Software Credit Controllersâ Charity ...

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:13:36 +0100

What could be the cause of so much anxious and eager anticipation amongst the Partners at Addleshaw Goddard and Hammonds on Friday 2nd July? The firms’ annual results and PEP announcement?

Survey into European organisations' attitudes towards multichannel communications

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:04:21 +0100

Aspect, a global provider of unified communications and collaboration services and software, have announced the results of a survey into European organisations' attitudes towards multichannel communications and the likely impact of Unified Communications (UC) on business performance.

Direct Debit Limited says businesses need to simplify complex credit and debit card processes

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 07:58:22 +0100

Direct Debit Limited, the Bacs-approved payments management software provider will be showcasing its market leading payments platform, PayCentre, on stand G at the Future of Cards and Payments 3rd Annual Conference 2010, 7th - 8th July, in London. In particular, the company will demonstrate its credit and debit card module to delegates.

FICO launches first collection system with built-in analytic adaptation

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 07:38:33 +0100

FICO, the leading provider of analytics and decision management technology, have announced the general availability of FICO® Debt Manager™ solution version 8.0 for collections and recovery. The new release represents a complete redesign of the company’s core collection system, with new analytic and adaptive capabilities designed to help lenders accelerate collections and reduce operating costs.

The recession has driven greater take-up of automated monthly payments

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 16:50:20 +0100

A strategic partnership between pioneering developer of electronic payments and collections software solutions, Albany Software and Direct Debit training consultancy - Direct Debit Training Limited, couldn’t have been better timed as the recession has driven greater take-up of automated monthly payments. The Green Bus and Exeter Friendly Society are among those to take full advantage.

Yorkshire credit expert joins industry advisory council

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 16:43:29 +0100

Divisional director at P&A Receivables Plc, Laurie Beagle, has been elected to the Advisory Council of the Institute of Credit Management (ICM) to represent the credit services sector.

The Debt Advisor joins the club

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 16:37:26 +0100

Award-winning, Manchester-based debt management company, The Debt Advisor, has joined Mortgage Brain’s Affinity Club.

New menace to the UK Debt Collection Agencies industry â Zombie companies

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:18:13 +0100

There are now 50 companies in the UK Debt Collection Agencies industry that are “Zombie” businesses. These companies have seen their performance deteriorate to such as extent that they now exist merely to pay off their debts and survive.

Fredrickson International Collects Half a Billion Pounds!

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:47:47 +0100

Fredrickson International surpassed the £500m (five hundred millions) in recoveries on the 23rd June 2010.

Countdown begins. One year to go until guaranteeing a cheque with a card becomes a thing of the past

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:57:22 +0100

The year-long countdown starts today (30th June 2010) to the closure of the UK Domestic Cheque Guarantee Card Scheme. This means that after 30th June 2011, it will no longer be possible to guarantee a cheque using a plastic card. To help businesses and consumers, the Scheme has today published two fact sheets available from www.ukpayments.org.uk.

FSA finally showing its teeth, says lender law specialist

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:37:17 +0100

The FSA has finally shown its teeth by announcing new rules to protect vulnerable customers, according to a lender legal specialist.

ECR Retail Systems provides Big Bus Tours with a chip and pin ticket to ride

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:30:51 +0100

ECR Retail Systems, supplier of mobile point of sale (MPoS) technologies, is providing Big Bus Tours with a world first: mobile, chip and pin enabled, hand held terminals that can be used by its mobile sales team to sell tickets to customers.

New appointment at ACT Credit Management

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 13:58:27 +0100

ACT Credit Management Limited has secured the appointment of Mark Firth as their new Head of Sales.

Manchester Expansion for MCR

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:55:06 +0100

MCR is delighted to announce the relocation of its Manchester office as a result of sustained expansion in its business.

OFT recommends reform of corporate insolvency regime

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 17:47:16 +0100

The OFT has recommended far-reaching reforms of the corporate insolvency regulatory regime to build trust in the market and ensure that it works in the best interests of creditors and the wider economy.

Debt advice to soar following bloodbath budget

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 17:35:35 +0100

One of the UK’s leading providers of consumer debt advice is receiving record numbers of calls from those facing financial difficulty as a result of the ‘bloodbath’ budget.

Shoosmiths appoints new head of collections

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 17:26:34 +0100

Shoosmiths has appointed a new head of collections and portfolio management.

High Court Enforcement Officers Association appoints new chairman and officers

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 14:35:49 +0100

The Board of the High Court Officers Association (HCEOA) have unanimously appointed their new chairman, Mr. Martin Leyshon.

Optima Legal grows professional negligence team

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 18:46:21 +0100

Optima Legal is further expanding its Professional Negligence team to deal with the increase in work from its lender client base.

All in Property to track nationwide fleet with new GPS tracking system

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 18:20:55 +0100

All in Property, the UK’s largest independent contractor firm has unveiled a new GPS system which allows them to track all field operatives to ensure that they are being the most productive they can be.

JaywingDMG whitepaper: The online collections revolution

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 19:08:40 +0100

Risk consultancy JaywingDMG has published a new whitepaper, “The online collections revolution: Improving collections efficiency.”

CHAPS Co welcomes J.P. Morgan to its membership

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:22:05 +0100

CHAPS Clearing Company Limited, the organisation responsible for the operation of the UK’s high-value, same-day money transfer system and the Faster Payments Service, today announced that J.P. Morgan is to become a full member of the CHAPS Scheme with immediate effect. This now brings total membership to 17 members.

Phillips & Cohen Associates call for improvement to industry standards

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 17:16:37 +0100

Market leading probate collections company, Phillips & Cohen Associates (UK) Ltd, is calling for improvements in debtor treatment across the credit industry. To demonstrate its own commitment to providing ‘best in class’ customer service, the company has become the founding member of the newly launched Samaritans’ Academy, which is a membership scheme designed to help businesses equip staff with the skills to manage customers in emotional distress ...

Marston Group appoints new Deputy Chief Executive

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 17:13:10 +0100

Gareth Hughes has been appointed Deputy Chief Executive of Marston Group with immediate effect. Frank Millerick, Chief Executive, commented: "Gareth has played an increasingly important role across the business over the years, and this new position is recognition of that wider contribution."

New service offering for Incasso

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 10:26:23 +0100

Incasso, one of the UK’s leading credit management providers, have expanded their trace service line, to incorporate Process Serving on a worldwide basis for clients.

Conquering the peaks of Grasmere

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 10:23:41 +0100

A group of Incasso and Cobbetts staff recently completed a 14 mile sponsored hike in aid of The British Heart Foundation and have managed to raise a staggering £4,000!

Generational attitudes indicate more young people heading for debt disaster than older peers

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 09:43:06 +0100

Research from R3, the insolvency trade body, which explores the experiences of people struggling with their debts, reveals that a far higher proportion of younger respondents are more likely to leave their bills unopened and avoid their creditors than older respondents.

Assets must not be hidden from creditors warns Insolvency Service

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 09:31:34 +0100

A surge in potential bankrupts trying to put their assets out of the reach of their creditors has prompted a warning from The Insolvency Service.

Prison threat to council tax evaders

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 09:47:54 +0100

Council tax evaders across north Northumberland could be facing a prison sentence. Magistrates at Alnwick ordered warrants with bail for ratepayers who failed to show up at court on Monday.

Outsourced Debt Collections Industry Maintains Strong Profile and Effectiveness

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:39:49 +0100

The latest “Global Collections Review” survey undertaken by leading credit management and collections specialist Atradius Collections, assessed the current commercial debt collection trends and practices of more than 1,700 companies in nine European countries including Great Britain.

Tackle the Ts & Cs for Long Term Ease

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:06:38 +0100

With businesses facing increasing levels of debt from customers – up 40% in the first Quarter of 2010 - Lovetts Plc, one of the UK’s leading law firms specialising in debt recovery, is urging credit managers to set in place accurate, comprehensive and up to date Trading Terms and Conditions. Lovetts believes that well constructed Ts and Cs will not only help protect a business from bad debt but can become a profit centre for firms extending credit.

New board for the Registry Trust

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 12:51:12 +0100

Following an extraordinary general meeting of its members last month, Registry Trust has emerged with a new board and new governance, designed for its public and private role.

Numbers up for 3 Step Finance Ltd and 123 Finance Ltd as they are wound-up in the public interest

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:39:58 +0100

3 Step Finance Ltd (previously known as Global Debt Solutions Ltd) and 123 Finance Ltd based in the Bolton area were wound up in High Court following an investigation by the Company Investigations team of the Insolvency Service.

SMEs face global late payment issue when trading overseas

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:29:56 +0100

As companies take advantage of the current weakness of the Pound and increase their exporting arms, many business owners and managers are encountering frustrating international payment practices, according to specialist business finance provider Bibby Financial Services.

Small companies continue to struggle in the UK Debt Collection Agencies industry

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:24:59 +0100

27 small companies in the UK Debt Collection Agencies industry are in financial difficulty as the lingering effects of the credit crunch continue to bite hardest at the lower end of the market.

Direct Debit more popular than ever for British adults

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:23:29 +0100

More British adults than ever before think Direct Debit is a good way to pay, according to research by Bacs Payment Schemes Limited. A massive 79% responded positively when asked what they thought of Direct Debit, illustrating how important this straightforward and convenient payment method is for Britain.

Experian speeds up corporate payment advice with latest innovation

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 12:06:10 +0100

Experian®, the global information services company, today announces the launch of a Payment Advice module for its UK Payments Gateway product. This latest innovation will allow organisations to send automated messages advising consumer and business beneficiaries that payments have been made through a range of channels, including SMS and email.

Council writes off Â£400,000 in unpaid debt as legal fees soar

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 10:26:46 +0100

Tax dodgers, benefit cheats and bad debtors have forced Tamworth to write off more than £414,000 in the last 12 months – enough money to double the current number of street wardens or secure a major portion of the Staffordshire Hoard for the town.

Man jailed for failing to pay his council tax

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 10:14:24 +0100

A Congresbury man has been jailed for 40 days for failing to pay his council tax arrears.

Brent Council nets Â£800,000 from 1,200 tax dodgers

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 10:11:25 +0100

Brent Council recovered £800,000 from council tax dodgers after a nine month investigation.

Marsh launches new Practice to serve UK insolvency sector

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:54:02 +0100

Following a sharp increase in demand for specialist insolvency insurance products, Marsh has launched a dedicated practice to provide expert risk and insurance advice to insolvency practitioners in the UK.

CABOT Financial appoints Tina Carter as PR & marketing manager

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 17:28:02 +0100

Cabot Financial, market leader in debt purchase, is pleased to announce the appointment of Tina Carter as PR & Marketing Manager based at its West Malling head office.

Experian report sets out recommendations for improving DCA performance

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 17:20:05 +0100

Experian®, the global information services company, today published new analysis on the UK’s debt collection agency (DCA) industry and advice on how DCAs can better adapt to market conditions.

Consumers look to trade body to help manage their debts

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 12:05:53 +0100

First quarter statistics show a steady rise in hits to the new consumer section of the Credit Services Association (CSA) website as debtors look to learn more about managing their finances.

New board appointment at High Court Enforcement Group

Thu, 27 May 2010 16:38:41 +0100

The Directors of High Court Enforcement Group are delighted to welcome Amir Ali as Director of Client Services & Business Development.

Council Collect More Than Â£40,000 In Unpaid Council Tax From Payment Dodgers

Thu, 27 May 2010 10:13:08 +0100

More than £40,000 has been collected in unpaid Council Tax after a two-month crack down was launched.

MCR statement on Vergo Retail Limited

Thu, 27 May 2010 09:59:35 +0100

Sarah Bell and Steven Muncaster, Partners at MCR and joint administrators of department store business Vergo Retail Limited (“the Company”), have today confirmed that all 19 stores are commencing closing down sales with immediate effect, while negotiations with prospective purchasers continue.

Swansea Council launches hard-hitting clampdown on city's 6,000 tax dodgers

Mon, 24 May 2010 17:23:50 +0100

More than 6,000 people who failed to pay their council tax bills on time have been ordered to pay up.

Fairpoint Group - Trading Update

Mon, 24 May 2010 13:18:28 +0100

In advance of the Company’s Annual General Meeting held today at 1pm at Fairclough House, Adlington, Lancashire, the Company is please to update the market on current trading.

Dukes Bailiffs streamlines information flow for local authorities

Mon, 24 May 2010 13:14:56 +0100

Dukes Bailiffs Limited has purchased the Capita Bailiff Interface in order to streamline the flow of information between local authority clients who have the Academy Revenues system.

OFT joins campaign to stop loan sharks

Mon, 24 May 2010 12:28:53 +0100

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is taking part in a campaign to warn people of the dangers of loan sharks that charge exorbitant interest and use violence and threats to enforce debts.

MCR appointed Administrators to Art Founders Limited t/a Morris Singer Art Foundry

Sat, 22 May 2010 09:51:00 +0100

Matt Bond and Jason Godefroy of MCR were appointed as Joint Administrators of Art Founders Limited t/a Morris Singer Art Foundry on 14 May 2010.

Baines and Ernst welcomes ban on Orders for Sale

Sat, 22 May 2010 09:20:13 +0100

Debt solutions experts Baines and Ernst have welcomed the announcement that the Coalition Government plans to ban order for sale where the debts are for sums of less than £25,000.

COA Solutions and Experian Payments Partnership to check the validity of payments data

Wed, 19 May 2010 17:21:10 +0100

Business management and information systems provider, COA Solutions, has announced its partnership with payment software provider, Experian Payments.

A third of those in formal insolvency procedures are harassed by creditors

Wed, 19 May 2010 16:57:40 +0100

Figures released by R3, the insolvency trade body, reveal that 31% of those in statutory insolvency procedures are still being contacted by those they owe money to. This is made up of 44% of those who have filed for bankruptcy and 25% of those in an IVA.

New ACEA chairman foresees many changes in the collection and enforcement industry

Wed, 19 May 2010 08:23:05 +0100

Colin Naylor, Managing Director of Dukes Bailiffs, is the new chairman of ACEA (the Association of Civil Enforcement Agencies), the organisation which now represents not only the vast majority of bailiff companies but has recently introduced a new category of private membership.

Debt management solution for borrowers and brokers affected by unenforceable credit agreements

Wed, 19 May 2010 08:11:19 +0100

Blu Debt Management has seen a steep increase in the number of mortgage brokers seeking debt management help for clients who had been involved in challenging the terms of their credit agreements.

Albany Software in strategic alliance with Travelex Global Business Payments

Mon, 17 May 2010 18:01:19 +0100

Albany Software, the market leading developer of electronic payment software solutions for domestic payments, today announces its strategic alliance with Travelex Global Business Payments, a business division of Travelex the world’s largest non-bank international payments specialist, to deliver GlobalPay.

Ash Cloud Fails to Deter Credit Managers

Mon, 17 May 2010 16:32:25 +0100

As ash from the volcano Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland continues to cause havoc with flights across Europe, Lovetts, one of the UK’s leading debt recovery law firms is experiencing unprecedented demand for CaseManager its online tool to manage and monitor debt recovery cases.

Creditors spending Â£50 million a year administering bankrupt accounts

Fri, 14 May 2010 12:11:07 +0100

A new report by TDX Group, the UK’s leading provider of analytics-based debt management products and solutions reveals that creditors are spending over £50 million a year on administering bankrupt accounts, an 35% increase in the past two years as volumes soar and returns plummet.

New head of collections at LaSer UK

Fri, 14 May 2010 12:04:12 +0100

LaSer UK, the Solihull-based leading provider of credit and customer marketing programmes, has appointed Derek Pinches as its new Head of Collections to oversee the management and development of its recently in sourced Collections functions.

âRepossessions down but still an issueâ

Thu, 13 May 2010 17:50:43 +0100

Figures published today by the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) show that the number of repossessions in the first quarter of this year reached 9,800 – down 8% from 10,600 in the final quarter in 2009 and down from 13,200 on the corresponding quarter of 2009.

BSA advises new Government to introduce long term support for those at risk of repossession

Thu, 13 May 2010 17:39:52 +0100

The Building Societies Association (BSA), The Council of Mortgage Lenders, Citizens Advice and Shelter and have today written to the new Chancellor, George Osbourne and the new Business Secretary, Vince Cable, urging the Government to make a clear commitment in its first budget to continue to support homeowners in financial difficulty.

Second-charge mortgage repossessions down by a third

Thu, 13 May 2010 17:33:03 +0100

Repossessions for second-charge mortgages are down by a third in the first quarter of 2010, compared with Q1 2009 according to latest figures from the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA).

CHL reveals improving arrears situation

Thu, 13 May 2010 09:34:42 +0100

Specialist lender, CHL Mortgages, has today revealed further improvements in early and late arrears across its entire buy-to-let and homeloan mortgage book.

Assisted Self Help Scheme "CASHflow" wins award

Wed, 12 May 2010 17:00:33 +0100

A new service called 'CASHflow' which was launched in March by the Money Advice Trust (MAT) and various other partners, to assist individuals who are keen to negotiate debt repayment plans, has won an award.

R3 comments on todayâs unemployment figures

Wed, 12 May 2010 16:22:05 +0100

"The rise in unemployment is, sadly, unsurprising; unemployment is a factor that can trigger personal insolvency and, last week the official insolvency statistics recorded a rise in personal insolvencies.

The Law Society endorses The Association of British Investigators

Tue, 11 May 2010 17:59:26 +0100

The Law Society, the representative body for the solicitor’s profession in England and Wales, has today endorsed The Association of British Investigators (ABI) by recommending to its own solicitor members the use of ABI members for the provision of private investigation services as a means of mitigating risk, based on the ABI’s vetting procedures.

Marston Group appoints Neil Jinks as High Court Client Relationship Manager

Tue, 11 May 2010 17:42:48 +0100

Marston Group is pleased to announce it has appointed Neil Jinks as its High Court Client Relationship Manager.

European written off debt reaches â¬300 billion â equivalent to the national debt of Greece

Mon, 10 May 2010 17:50:17 +0100

Research to be released tomorrow in Brussels by leading credit management services company Intrum Justitia is set to show that European written off debt – monies owed to a business in the region but never paid – has reached the record level of €300 billion – a figure equal to Greece's national debt. This is an 8% rise on the levels recorded in 2009.

Can debt advice charities cope with demand?

Mon, 10 May 2010 17:29:04 +0100

Leading debt solutions provider, Atlantic Financial Management, is warning that the growing number of people struggling to manage their finances may be finding it difficult to get assistance from the debt advice charities, as one reports* a 34% year on year increase in the number of calls received in the first Quarter of 2010.

Money Advice Trust boosts its governance

Mon, 10 May 2010 16:56:28 +0100

The Money Advice Trust (MAT) is delighted to announce the appointment of three new Trustees to complement the skills and experience of its current board.

How will parliament hang with UK consumer debt?

Fri, 07 May 2010 17:11:39 +0100

As the nation prepares for its first hung parliament since 1974, a national debt charity is asking how the Government will tackle the country’s growing consumer debt crisis – with figures released today showing personal insolvency at a record level.

R3 comments on the insolvency statistics for Q1

Fri, 07 May 2010 17:04:55 +0100

Corporate insolvency - Today’s drop in corporate insolvencies comes a surprise to many and masks a large number of corporate insolvencies that have yet to come through the system.

Armed street mugger no match for âDukes Manâ Gary

Fri, 07 May 2010 16:54:41 +0100

Bailiff Gary Sandy provided his profession with a fine role model yesterday, when he intervened to stop an elderly woman driver being mugged for her mobile phone.

Glasgow council tax collection figure reaches all-time high

Fri, 07 May 2010 09:41:39 +0100

Record numbers of Glaswegians are paying their council tax, it has been revealed.

Disabled gran's Â£35,000 benefit fiddle

Fri, 07 May 2010 09:40:17 +0100

A disabled grandmother who swindled over £35,000 in benefits has been ordered to pay back what is left of her fraud – or face going to prison.

âDonât forget the private sectorâ, urges The Debt Advisor

Thu, 06 May 2010 17:37:33 +0100

Figures published on Friday by the Insolvency Service are likely to show that, despite emerging from recession, the nation’s people are still well and truly in debt.

EOS Group acquires True North AR in the U.S.

Wed, 05 May 2010 19:25:46 +0100

As of 30 April 2010, the international EOS Group, an Otto Group company, acquired 100 per cent of the stakes in the U.S.-American company True North AR, LLC. Established in 1968, True North provides healthcare revenue cycle solutions and debt collection services to county and municipal courts, government and other businesses.

Digital Voice Recording and integration of IPPBX with DialIntelligence

Tue, 04 May 2010 18:09:41 +0100

DialConnection, LLC, an international leader in providing the All-Inclusive DialIntelligence Contact Center Solution, has been providing their call recording suite for almost a decade and now provides client’s the ability to integrate their IP-PBX so all calls can be recorded, stored and dynamically retrieved in one compliant solution.

IMFS announces expansion programme

Tue, 04 May 2010 12:57:52 +0100

As part of the current expansion programme at Improved Financial Solutions Ltd (IMFS), several new appointments and promotions have recently take place.

Tax cheats blitz brings windfall

Tue, 04 May 2010 09:36:12 +0100

A blitz against council tax cheats has raised £1.3m for vital local services across Leicestershire.

Council tax collection rate is at its highest ever

Tue, 04 May 2010 09:32:07 +0100

More people in Glasgow than ever before are paying their council tax.

Bermans recruit new head of recoveries

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 12:31:22 +0100

Leasing specialist lawyers Bermans have recruited Ian Lambert as Head of Recoveries.

Continued rise in calls to debt charityâs helpline highlights need for telephone counselling

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 12:11:27 +0100

Leading debt charity Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) has seen a sharp rise in calls to its helpline in the first three months of the year. Over 93,000 people called it for help with their debts in quarter one 2010.

Aktiv Kapital acquire portfolio in UK

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 12:05:19 +0100

Aktiv Kapital has signed a portfolio purchase with a face value in excess of £75 million.

Benefits cheat found guilty

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 11:33:18 +0100

A cheat who falsely claimed benefits despite having several bank accounts and properties has been found guilty.

Woman sent to prison for Â£34,200 benefit fraud

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 11:31:39 +0100

A woman from Westbourne who falsely claimed £34,200 in benefits has been sent to prison.

Kidderminster benefit cheat sentenced to unpaid work

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 11:30:05 +0100

A Kidderminster woman has been sentenced to a 12-month Community Punishment Order and 100 hours of unpaid work after she falsely claimed more than £10,000 in benefits.

Ministry of Justice Orders for Sale Consultation - Response by the BSA

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:57:53 +0100

On 5 February 2010, Ministry of Justice (MOJ) published a consultation paper on whether to impose a minimum threshold in applications for orders for sale in debts regulated by the Consumer Credit Act.

Aktiv Kapital- 1st quarter 2010 results

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 09:34:18 +0100

Aktiv Kapital reports first quarter 2010 portfolio collection of NOK 371.9 million, compared with NOK 491.2 million in the first quarter 2009. As a consequence of few portfolio acquisitions, this decrease is in line with expectations. Operating profit was NOK 104.3 million for the quarter, compared with NOK 123.1 million the same period last year. Moving forward, Aktiv Kapital will continue to focus on operational improvements and seek attractive portfolio acquisition opportunities.

P&A Receivables expects strong turnout for Spring Forums as IT industry looks to new challenges

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 17:38:13 +0100

P&A Receivables, the leading credit management and debt collection service provider to the IT industry, is calling on more senior finance and credit managers to take part in its regular industry Forums to share ideas and experiences, and minimise the risk of business failures by holding back any recovery in the sector over the next six months.

Lovetts pushes power of credit application form to head off late payment

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:43:26 +0100

Lovetts Plc, the debt recovery law firm, is urging businesses to re-think their credit application forms (CAF) to give them the best chance of obtaining payments on time. The base document will of course cover the most important information, but Lovetts believes there is a lot more Credit Managers can request which will give them the edge when it comes to chasing up late payments.

CSA and DBSG annual conference programme announced

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 15:57:48 +0100

The programme for the Credit Services Association (CSA) and Debt Buyers and Sellers Group (DBSG) annual conference 'Leading in an era of change', to be held on September 8th and 9th, has been announced.

The Debt Advisor gains DEMSA accreditation

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:57:59 +0100

Award-winning Manchester-based insolvency practice, The Debt Advisor, has been accepted as a member of DEMSA (Debt Managers Standard Association).

AIK - Presentation of Aktiv Kapital's first quarter results 2010

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:44:44 +0100

Aktiv Kapital's Q1 2010 results will be released on Thursday 29 April 2010. In connection with the release, a teleconference/webcast will be held as described below:

Marlin signs investment deal with Duke Street

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 17:45:15 +0100

Marlin, the leading purchaser and manager of consumer debt and a specialist in litigation- based recovery, has agreed to sell a controlling stake to Duke Street, the mid-market private equity group which is growing its financial services platform. Duke Street is set to inject at least £50m into Marlin which will go towards investment and operational support to accelerate the group’s growth as a purchaser and manager of non-performing debt.

New R3 President offers positive messages for struggling firms

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 18:01:39 +0100

Steven Law, head of Business Recovery at Ensors Chartered Accountants in East Anglia, starts as President of R3, the trade body for insolvency professionals on 23 April 2010. He has over 19 years experience in business turnaround, in small to medium sized firms.

Court of Appeal backs Optima Legalâs stance on shortfall debt

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 17:46:27 +0100

Lender specialist Optima Legal has won a Court of Appeal ruling on behalf of client Bradford & Bingley, which it says will strengthen the lender’s position on shortfall debt.

Benefit cheat claimed Â£18,000

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:29:05 +0100

A benefot cheat has received a community order with six months' supervision and 240 hours' unpaid work.

Benefits cheat mum walks free from court

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:26:28 +0100

Mum-of-three Wendy Pukas has walked free from court after cheating the state out of almost £32,000 in benefits.

New Partner Joins MCR

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:19:40 +0100

MCR, the leading corporate insolvency and restructuring practice, has appointed Sarah Bell as Partner.

âCorporate Undertakersâ saved nearly 2 million jobs in 2009

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:09:11 +0100

With the latest unemployment figures out tomorrow, new research by ComRes estimates that the UK’s insolvency industry helped to save nearly two million jobs in companies going through insolvency and rescued around six thousand (5,851) businesses last year. Furthermore, the UK’s Insolvency Practitioners who work on corporate insolvencies spend nearly a quarter of their time on preventing insolvencies, work which cannot be made public for fear of damaging the value of the businesses co ...

Average debt being chased for payment rises by 40%

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 09:06:43 +0100

Credit managers let out the reins and relaxed their commercial debt management strategies in Q1 2010, in a sign that business confidence is returning, according to Lovetts Plc, the leading debt recovery law firm.

What price for inconclusive field visits?

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 18:25:14 +0100

It was in the news last week that the Financial Services Authority had issued another salutary reminder to lenders and industry practitioners, that it will take firm action against firms who have fees and charges that are disproportionate to the costs incurred of delivering a service, when dealing with their customers who are in arrears.

Credit Resource Solutions march onwards and upwards

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:33:58 +0100

Credit Resource Solutions(CRS) has completed testing on the Fair Isaac PlacementsPlus system allowing it to fully interface with clients and prospects in the Finance and Banking sector.

Mortgage Repossessions (Protection of Tenants Etc.) Act 2010

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:00:36 +0100

The latest Callcredit Industry Minute reports on the Mortgage Repossessions (Protection of Tenants Etc.) Act which has received Royal Assent.

Overseas buyers snap up UK bargains

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 10:38:03 +0100

Overseas buyers are targeting the UK probate, part exchange and repossession market, according to whitehot property, following recent statistics taken from their website reports.

Bacs highly commended for late payments campaign

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 09:39:00 +0100

Bacs Payment Schemes Limited (Bacs) has received prestigious marketing industry recognition for its on going work to raise awareness of the late payments issue in Britain, reinforcing its position as a leading voice for Britain’s SME community on this subject.

Phillips & Cohen Associates Academy Class Graduates!

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:29:42 +0100

Phillips & Cohen Associates (UK) Ltd, the UK’s leading probate collections business, is delighted to announce the graduation of the latest Class of Academy students, with a record 100% pass rate.

The Supper Club automates member payments with Albany Software

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 12:08:28 +0100

The Supper Club, the country’s exclusive club for high growth entrepreneurs, has signed a rental agreement for ALBACSip from pioneering developer of electronic payment software solutions, Albany Software. This secure e-payment solution will smooth management of monthly membership payments through the collection of Direct Debits.

UKâs late payment mountain grows to Â£62.87 billion

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 11:08:21 +0100

New research from NatWest and RBS reveals that 71% of SMEs in the UK have suffered from late payments over the last 12 months, with the collective value of invoices paid outside of the stipulated terms and conditions estimated at £62.87 billion. As a result, 235,000 SMEs claim time wasted chasing debt has adversely affected their business.

Late payments still a major cause for concern for British SMEs

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 13:33:04 +0100

Research by Bacs Payment Schemes Limited (Bacs), the organisation behind Direct Debit and Bacs Direct Credit, has revealed that British SMEs are having to wait an average of 41 days longer than their original agreed payment terms, before invoices are paid.

Calls for debt management firms to be open about performance figures

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 13:07:58 +0100

Blu Debt Management, the intermediary focused debt management firm, is calling on debt management companies to be open about the amount of debt management plans they get accepted by lenders.

Contributory Negligence â a timely reminder

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 12:53:13 +0100

Negligent professionals need a timely reminder about the current economic climate when alleging contributory negligence on the part of claimants, according to a legal specialist to the lender market.

He who cares, wins! - JBW launches unique service for clients

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 12:46:32 +0100

Despite the recession, since the beginning of 2009 JBW Group Ltd, the ethical bailiff and debt management company, have been expanding. With their staff count now at 106 up by 74% and the recent acquisition of National Enforcement Services in Darlington the company has been going from strength to strength. They have won 15 contracts with Clients in London and the North East.

Firstsource appoints Matthew Vallance as new CEO

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 11:44:08 +0100

Firstsource, a leading Indian-headquartered Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company, has announced that Ananda Mukerji, will be stepping down as CEO on July 27th 2010. Taking over from him as global MD & CEO will be Matthew Vallance, currently Joint Managing Director and President of the company’s global financial services and telecoms divisions. Ananda Mukerji will then assume the position of non-executive Vice-Chairman on the board of Firstsource.

Northampton woman found guilty of benefit fraud

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 10:12:05 +0100

Earlier this month (13 April 2009) Northampton Magistrate's Court found a Northampton woman guilty on two charges of dishonestly claiming over £22,000 in benefits she was not entitled to.

Prison sentence for benefit fraudster

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 10:09:38 +0100

On Tuesday 30 March, Mr Stephen Hughes (aged 54) of Wheatfield Way, Chelmsford, was sentenced to a total of 120 days imprisonment by Chelmsford Magistrates Court for benefit fraud. Mr Hughes had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to six counts of failing to declare that he was in receipt of a private pension when claiming Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.

Three strikes policy to crack down on benefit fraud

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 10:07:02 +0100

Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Theresa May has announced a new ‘three strikes’ policy to crack down on those who repeatedly defraud the benefits system.

CCR-PublicSector

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Read May's CCR-PublicSector magazine here, free of charge, for your chance to win a Panasonic Lumix digital camera. ...

Mortgage Repossessions (Protection of Tenants) Bill receives Royal Assent

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 17:01:07 +0100

This Bill protects tenants when their landlords are repossessed by their lender. Where a landlord has not taken out a buy-to-let mortgage and has not received consent to let, the lender typically has no knowledge that the property has been let.

Irresponsible Lending â Guidance for Creditors

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 16:04:08 +0100

The latest Callcredit Industry Minute reports that the final Irresponsible Lending Guidance has now been published by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT). The full Guidance can be found at http://www.oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/business_leaflets/general/oft1107.pdf

Selby council to halt bill payments by cash

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 09:23:22 +0100

Selby residents who pay their household bills by cash at the council’s customer contact offices will no longer be able to do so from June 1.

Barmaid told to pay back benefits

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 09:21:04 +0100

A benefit cheat was ordered to pay back thousands of pounds after hoodwinking the system.

GB Group: Baines & Ernst locates more than 40% of clients they had previously lost touch with

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 13:07:32 +0100

Experienced debt management company, Baines & Ernst, sees an immediate rise in profitability and collection rates after locating 40% of its clients who they had previously lost touch with. The success comes after its implementation of GB Accelerator e-Trace, a tracing solution from Identity Management leaders, GB Group (GB).

London Boroughs Collaborate on Revenue Collection

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:48:44 +0100

The London Revenues Group (LRG) has launched a new secure, private members only web site to easily and quickly share information with members located at all 34 London Boroughs Revenues Departments. The LRG promotes and shares best practices to maximise revenue collections and customer services so has launched a collaboration site that can be updated and maintained without the involvement of IT resources.

Online system risks âpressurisedâ and âmaliciousâ bankruptcies, warns ...

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:02:47 +0100

A newly proposed system allowing people to apply for bankruptcy online creates a number of serious risks including impulsive, pressurised and ‘malicious’ bankruptcies (where individuals can apply for bankruptcy in someone else’s name), warns insolvency trade body R3.

Forthcoming changes to the Civil Procedure Rules

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 15:44:45 +0100

Lenders are being advised of further changes to the Civil Procedure Rules, which will affect mortgage repossession claims due to come into force from next month.

Duke Street acquires majority stake in Marlin

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 12:45:54 +0100

Duke Street, the mid-market private equity group, has acquired a controlling interest in the Marlin Group, the leading purchaser and manager of consumer debt specialising in litigation-based recovery.

New head of IT at Gothia

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 12:37:24 +0100

Gothia Limited is delighted to announce that Steve Bentley has joined the UK Senior Management Team as Head of IT.

Marlin signs investment deal with private equity group

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 12:19:43 +0100

Changes to Insolvency Rules aims to save industry Â£45 million each year

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 12:00:46 +0100

A package of measures aiming to modernise and streamline insolvency legislation come into force today.

Probe finds 300 on council tax âfiddleâ

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 09:15:46 +0100

More than 300 people in Reading were caught dishonestly claiming the single person discount on their council tax according to a new report.

Insolvency Service cracks down on bankrupts who try to conceal assets

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 11:35:42 +0100

Debtors who believe they can go bankrupt yet hide some of their assets from the Official Receiver have been told to think again by The Insolvency Service.

Apex Credit Management expands to Kent

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 11:34:48 +0100

Financial services company, Apex Credit Management, based in Stratford-Upon-Avon, has expanded into Kent. The company’s Discovery Solutions division has taken a Regus serviced office at Kings Hill Business Park, near Maidstone, and hopes to create 50 new jobs in the county over the next three years.

Noble Systems releases results of contact centre survey

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 11:33:52 +0100

Noble Systems Corporation, a global leader in innovative contact centre technology solutions, today announced the results of a comprehensive survey, commissioned by Noble Systems of more than 1200 independent contact centres, the survey revealed that 97 percent of respondents expect their businesses to grow or remain stable in 2010, a sign of strong confidence in the industry.

Encouraging now in the UK Debt Collection Agencies industry â but not for everyone

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 11:29:32 +0100

In encouraging news for the UK Debt Collection Agencies industry, 147 of the top 379 companies in the market are growing at more than 10% per annum and making healthy profits.

Suspended jail sentence for Cumbrian man who owed Â£2,100 council tax

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 09:51:59 +0100

A Carlisle labourer has been given a suspended prison sentence for failing to pay more than £2,100 in council tax.

Direct Debit taxpayers in Barnet borough could win Â£25k in prize draw

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 09:50:16 +0100

Residents who chose to pay their council tax via Direct Debit could be in the running for a £25,000 prize.

Marston Group welcomes Employment Tribunal award announcement

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:23:51 +0100

Marston Group welcomes the Justice Minister’s announcement that, from 6 April 2010, High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEOs) can be directly commissioned by successful tribunal applicants to enforce their Employment Tribunal award or settlement.

Howes Percival LLP recruits Blake Lapthorn insolvency partner as first partner for new London office

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:21:46 +0100

Howes Percival LLP’s Norwich office has appointed Blake Lapthorn’s Head of Insolvency and Business Recovery, Nick Oliver as a partner.

New Employment Tribunal Fast Track scheme

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 10:22:12 +0100

As reported in the latest news release from the Ministry of Justice, workers awarded payouts from their former employers at Employment Tribunals will be given extra help to ensure they receive their payments.

Benefits cheat in Â£20k cash scam

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 10:07:36 +0100

A benefits cheat admitted he was a greedy liar when he was caught illegally claiming almost £20,000 from the public purse.

March Madness: Businesses embark on Year-End Cash Haul

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:01:00 +0100

New research published today by Creditsafe, the business intelligence experts, reveals that over half of UK businesses have their year end in March (27%) or April (24%). It means companies will be chased for payment of invoices and outstanding debts harder over the next two months than at any other point in the year as companies seek to reduce their liabilities.

Insolvency Service publishes annual insolvency practitioner review

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 16:50:11 +0100

The second ‘Annual Review of Insolvency Practitioner Regulation’ is published today by the Insolvency Service, the Executive Agency which monitors the regulation of Insolvency Practitioners (IPs). This follows on from the review of the first six months of SIP 16.

Mortgages: Power of Sale & Residential Property MoJ Consultation - Response by the BSA

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 12:56:12 +0100

On 29 December 2009, Ministry of Justice (MOJ) published a consultation paper in relation to power of sale and owner occupied mortgages.

More than a quarter of small businesses will go under in a âdouble dipâ

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 11:05:10 +0100

Figures released today by R3, the insolvency trade body, show that over a quarter of small businesses in the UK (28%) believe that they will become insolvent if the economy suffers from a double dip recession.

First bailiff franchise for Preston and Flyde Coast

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:26:26 +0100

National Enforcement Services (NES), the first franchised bailiff operation in the UK, has extended its operations to the Preston and Flyde Coast areas, where local man Vinny Shaw will take forward the company’s third franchise venture.

Online tool extended to help customers check payment options

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:19:27 +0100

The Payments Council has today relaunched its Sort Code Checker online tool, extending it beyond Faster Payments to cover Bacs, CHAPS, cheques and paper credits.

paythru launches Mi-Account platform for mobile payment of credit card bills

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 15:57:39 +0100

Banks and credit card companies can make it easier for the 30 million UK credit card users to pay their credit card bills, and speed-up debt collection while reducing costs with Mi-Account, a new mobile payments platform from mobile payments specialists paythru.

ICM announces winners of prestigious icm10 awards

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:37:49 +0100

In its fourth successful year, the icm10 awards ceremony was held at The Royal Courts of Justice, commonly called the Law Courts, on the Strand, London on 16 March.

Assisted self help scheme âCASHflowâ rolls out nationwide

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 00:01:00 +0100

A new service to assist individuals who are keen to negotiate debt repayment plans is being launched this evening (Wednesday 24th March) by Consumer Minister, Kevin Brennan.

Firms face Â£2m fine for silent calls

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 15:37:39 +0100

Firms which cause nuisance and distress to consumers through silent and abandoned calls will face a new maximum fine of £2 million, Kevin Brennan, Minister for Consumer Affairs confirmed today.

One-Sure Insurance manages monthly direct debit collections in-house with Albany Software

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 16:17:07 +0100

One-Sure Insurance, the independently-owned insurance intermediary has selected eCOLLECT from pioneering developer of electronic payments solutions specialists, Albany Software.

Blu Debt Management brings debt management to Northern Ireland

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 11:20:31 +0100

Blu Debt Management has launched into Northern Ireland; it has teamed up with Irish IFA, Rory McLeurson who will become the regional director for Blu in Northern Ireland.

Government misreporting on pre-packs 'undermines confidence'

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:56:12 +0100

Insolvency trade body R3 challenges the Insolvency Service’s reporting on pre-pack compliance rates, claiming it is issuing misleading figures. The Insolvency Service claims that more than a third of cases in the last six months were deemed to be non-compliant when in fact just 7% were referred to the Regulatory Bodies (RPBs) for possible sanction.

Phillips & Cohen recruiting new staff

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:33:48 +0100

Phillips & Cohen Associates, the UK’s only dedicated deceased recovery specialists, are actively recruiting for a new class of associates, to cater for an influx of new clients across a broad range of sectors. ...

Blake Lapthorn appoints new head of Insolvency and Business Recovery team

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:41:28 +0100

Blake Lapthorn, one of the leading law firms in the UK, is pleased to announce the appointment of Licensed Insolvency Practitioner Adrian Owen as the new head of its Insolvency and Business Recovery (IBR) team.

Moreton Smith Wins Prestigious icm10 Awards

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:27:31 +0100

We are delighted to announce that Moreton Smith has been awarded the Innovative Solution of the Year Award and International Trade Award at a full-house at the icm10 Awards on 16 March 2010.

Management of benefit overpayment debt

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:11:37 +0100

Department for Work and Pensions: management of benefit overpayment debt. Publication of the Committee's 20th Report, Session 2009-10. Edward Leigh MP, Chair of the Committee of Public Accounts, today said:

Grahame Aylott Joins Mackenzie Hall

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:29:22 +0100

Mackenzie Hall Ltd continues to strengthen its senior team with the announcement today that Grahame Aylott is joining the fast growing Debt Collection Agency in a business development capacity.

MCR Statement on Ethel Austin and Au Naturale

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:06:08 +0100

MCR, the administrators of value clothing retailer Ethel Austin and its sister company Au Naturale, has confirmed that a further 81 stores will cease to trade in the next 3 to 4 weeks. This follows the closure of 124 stores last month.

JBW completes 1st acquisition, creating one of the largest providers of Bailiff services in North

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:59:16 +0100

JBW Group Ltd, the ethical debt management and enforcement organisation are delighted to announce their first acquisition. They have acquired National Enforcement Service (NES), a Darlington based organisation which specialises in the enforcement of Council Tax and commercial rent recovery.

Where is the Ministry of Justice going to go on Debt Management Plans?

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:36:05 +0100

According to press reports, The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) will ask on Monday 15th March 2010 for more time to consider the findings of its consultation into debt management plans (DMPs). It is expected to say that the responses to its consultation are still being considered, and it will refrain from announcing immediate legislative action.

Spectre of buy to let debt dragging down professionals, warns IVA.com

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:18:34 +0100

A sharp rise in buy to let investment casualties has seen increasing numbers of people looking for serious debt advice, warns debt solution comparison site IVA.com.

Faster Payments extends its Direct Corporate Access service

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:11:42 +0100

It has been announced that, from Monday 15th March, the Faster Payments Service (FPS) is extending its Direct Corporate Access (DCA) submissions from its current 6am – 2pm window to 3am – 11pm, Monday to Friday.

CSA defends right to consult edited electoral register

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:40:01 +0100

Plans to abolish a collection agency’s right to consult the edited electoral roll to trace ‘gone-away’ debtors could have disastrous consequences for the industry, the economy and the consumer.

âNew penuryâ strikes as debt grips the more cautious

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:01:00 +0100

An unprecedented change in the kind of people needing help with their debts is revealed in the stats year book of Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) for 2009 published today (March 15). CCCS is Britain's leading charitable debt advice agency.

Christmas spending catches up with us in March

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:02:41 +0100

Figures released today by R3, the insolvency trade body, indicate that almost a third (31%) of personal insolvencies that occur in March have been triggered by overspending during the festive season.

Consumer Focus response to Government energy rebate scheme

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:01:00 +0100

In response to today's announcement by the Department of Energy and Climate Change and Department for Work and Pensions of an agreement over data-sharing with suppliers to target assistance to low-income energy customers, Jonathan Stearn, energy expert for Consumer Focus, said:

Industry chief slams EU rule change on small firm accounting

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:39:07 +0100

EU rules that may exempt small firms from filing annual accounts have been condemned as 'utterly absurd' by a leading figure in the credit industry.

Credit insurance refusals a continuing problem for business

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:16:24 +0100

The latest research from npower reveals that access to credit insurance continues to be a problem for businesses and a possible threat to economic recovery.

Apex Discovery Solutions â The Fully Qualified Trace Team

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:15:51 +0100

Apex Discovery Solutions, the specialist tracing arm of Apex Credit Management, has become the first trace company in the UK to receive City & Guilds accreditation for its dedicated trace training programme, further emphasising its commitment to quality.

Aspect positioned as leader in Contact Center Infrastructure Magic Quadrant

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:47:57 +0100

Aspect, a global provider of unified communications (UC) and collaboration services and software, today announced it has been positioned by Gartner, Inc. in the leaders quadrant of the 2010 Magic Quadrant for Contact Center Infrastructure, Worldwide report.

Nick Cherry joins Phillips & Cohen Associates (UK)

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:09:58 +0100

Phillips & Cohen Associates (UK) Ltd., a full service debt recovery agency with headquarters in Manchester, has announced that industry veteran Nick Cherry is joining their team as Site Director.

New debt recovery business arrives on the south coast

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:42:21 +0100

A new Debt Recovery company was launched in Dorset on 1st March 2010. Acquit Ltd are an independent company who specialise in the recovery of commercial debts on behalf of organisations throughout the UK.

Apollo accepted as first international member of UK's Debt Buyers & Sellers Group

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:08:52 +0100

Apollo Enterprise Solutions, Inc., the leading provider of web-based payment, debt collection and debt recovery technologies, today announced it had been accepted as the first international member of the UK’s prestigious Debt Buyers and Sellers Group (DBSG), part of the Credit Services Association and ‘Voice of the Debt Collection, Sale and Purchase Industry’.

Foundation of the IPF Association

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:12:11 +0100

On Wednesday 24 February 2010, in London, 21 leading banks, clearing houses and associated payment service providers formed the International Payments Framework Association (IPFA).

Marston Group & Lancashire Police work together to combat crime

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:44:16 +0100

Lancashire Constabulary has commended Marston Group’s north west Operations Manager, Darren Connor, following his assistance in a high profile confiscation.

Sky's the limit for debt sufferers

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:42:18 +0100

Only one in three householders would consider cutting their satellite TV if they had severe debt problems according to a study commissioned by a leading debt management company.

Government response to collections petition

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:51:40 +0100

The government has given an "unsatisfactory" response to the collections industry's petition, according to the editor of Credit Collections & Risk, who is urging the industry to have its say in the next edition of the magazine.

Ten years of debt slavery for those in Debt Management Plans

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:16:02 +0100

Figures released today by insolvency trade body, R3, show that a quarter (26%) of Debt Management Plans (DMPs) will last ten years or more, even though a DMP is meant to be a short-term repayment plan between an individual and their unsecured creditors.

MCR appointed Administrators to four companies from the British Seafood Ltd food group

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:58:24 +0100

Jason Godefroy and Andrew Stoneman, Partners at MCR, were appointed Administrators of Seatek (UK) Ltd, Oriental Delight Foodservice Ltd, and Vision Seafoods Ltd on 23rd February 2010. On the same day Jason Godefroy and Declan Taite (FGS Partnership) were appointed Joint Receivers of Evergreen Food Services Ltd.

New Edition: International Debt Collections Handbook!

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:45:57 +0100

Atradius Collections, the global expert in domestic and cross-border debt collections, releases today the new extended edition of its International Debt Collections Handbook.

Proposed changes to the Aktiv Kapital's UK business

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:14:57 +0100

Aktiv Kapital has today informed its employees in the UK that the company will be entering a period of consultation, on restructuring proposals, at both its Chester and Bromley sites.

Aktv Kapital maintains profitability in challenging market

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:28:58 +0100

Aktiv Kapital reports fourth quarter 2009 portfolio collection of NOK 402.8 million, compared with NOK 531.6 million in the fourth quarter 2008. Total operating expenses in the quarter were reduced 26 percent year-over-year, to NOK 187.4 million.

Experian enhances collections capabilities with new innovations for Tallyman

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:23:06 +0100

Experian®, the global information services company, today announced two new developments for its collections management software tool Tallyman. Adding even greater flexibility to how the software’s capabilities are accessed, Tallyman will now be available as a hosted service, managed from Experian’s data centre.

R3 welcomes loosening of entry criteria for Debt Relief Orders to exclude pension funds

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:52:41 +0100

Debt Relief Orders provide low cost debt relief for those overwhelmed by debts of up to £15000. Designed to help the most financially vulnerable, the strict eligibility criteria require assets of less than £300, debts of no more than £15,000 and surplus income of less than £50 per month.

MCR Statement on Ethel Austin and Au Naturale

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:40:54 +0100

MCR, the administrators of value clothing retailer Ethel Austin and its sister company Au Naturale, has confirmed the imminent closure of 114 stores. This follows a statement earlier this month announcing that 129 retail outlets were to begin closing down sales.

Else Solicitors shortlisted for award and expanding

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:45:49 +0100

For the second year running, legal debt recovery specialists, Else Solicitors LLP of Birmingham and Burton on Trent have been short listed for Law Firm of the Year in Birmingham Law Society’s Legal Awards 2010.

SRG creditors vote through CVA proposal

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:55:13 +0100

The creditors of Speciality Retail Group Ltd (SRG), the menswear retailer, which trades as the Suits You, Racing Green and Young's brands, have voted through the company voluntary arrangement (CVA) proposal, which sets out a financial compromise between landlords and the company.

CSA and ICO combine to launch new guide to trace

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:42:14 +0100

A new guide to help consumers understand and respond to situations involving a ‘mis-trace’ – ie when they are mistaken for a genuine debtor with an identical or similar name – is now available.

Amendment to Debt relief Orders and changes to Insolvency Fees

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:26:56 +0100

Business Minister Ian Lucas today announced that the Government plans to make more people eligible to apply for Debt Relief Orders (DROs) providing extra support for those in financial difficulty.

Launch of first nationally recognised and accredited money and debt advice training

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:54:57 +0100

The Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS), the UK’s leading debt charity, and the Institute of Credit Management (ICM) are delighted to announce the addition by the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) of three money and debt advice units to the ICM’s Diploma in Credit Management and Diploma in Money and Debt Advice.

TV Actress and writer to present icm10 Awards

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:39:18 +0100

Meera Syal, British-born actress, writer and comedian, will present the awards at this year’s icm10 Gala Awards dinner that takes place at the Royal Courts of Justice in London on March 16.

R3 issues consumer store card advice guide

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:18:43 +0100

R3, the insolvency trade body, has issued a consumer advice guide on store cards that provides consumers with useful tips on how to make the most out of the store cards and how to avoid getting into financial trouble.

AIK - Presentation of Aktiv Kapital's fourth quarter results 2009

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:20:11 +0100

Aktiv Kapital's Q4 2009 results will be released on Friday 26 February 2010. In connection with the release, a teleconference/webcast will be held as described below:

CARE 24 Peaks Challenge to finance sector

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 17:13:28 +0100

Leading overseas development agency CARE International is laying down the gauntlet for professionals from the financial industry, in the shape of the CARE 24 Peaks Challenge supported by Lexicon Partners on 26-27 June 2010. This is the ultimate UK Mountain Challenge: 24 Peaks in 24 hours!

MCR appointed administrators for UKâs largest driving instructor colleges

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:59:53 +0100

Andrew Stoneman and Paul Clark, Partners at MCR, were appointed joint administrators of LVG Limited (“the Company”) on 16 February 2010. It is one of the UK’s largest driving instructor training colleges and third largest driving school.

Common Financial Statement

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:50:30 +0100

Money Advice Trust has launched a new website for the Common Financial Statement (CFS) which is a budgeting tool that can be used by advice agencies and other third party organisations to make debt repayment offers to creditors on behalf of clients.

New Director for MCR with focus on hotel and leisure sectors

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:24:24 +0100

Conrad Bigham has joined MCR, the corporate restructuring and insolvency specialists as director with a brief to develop the company’s hotel and leisure related business.

TraceIQ Set For a Summer Launch

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:18:46 +0100

Tracesmart, leading providers of debtor tracing systems and data cleansing services, have announced that this summer they will be launching the next evolution in tracing software; TraceIQ. The new system has been designed to provide the collections industry with much more than a simple tracing tool and will make its debut at an official launch in London.

Mortgage Rescue Scheme has helped 1200 households

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:38:52 +0100

Mortgage Rescue Scheme has helped 1200 households stop the immediate threat of repossession, with 276 homeowners having completed the full process since the scheme's launch last year.

NHS prompt payment survey finds wildly varying performance among trusts

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:28:43 +0100

A new survey has found ’astonishing’ differences in the amount of time different health trusts are taking to pay their suppliers. Research carried out by the Forum of Private Business (FPB) discovered some NHS trusts are paying more than 90% of their bills within 10 days.

Invoice scandal: UK firms routinely use accounting tricks to delay payments

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:10:14 +0100

New research published today by Creditsafe, the business intelligence experts, reveals UK businesses are routinely forcing trading partners to reissue invoices. More than one in ten companies (14%) has been forced to reissue at least 20% of client invoices in the last 12 months. In the same period one in five companies (20%) has had to reissue between ten and 20% of invoices.

New Director for MCR Receivables Management division

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 10:39:14 +0100

Tom McWilliam has been promoted to the role of Collections Director of the Receivables Management division of MCR, the corporate restructuring and insolvency specialists.

Garlands Group launches Hosted Technology Services Division

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 17:41:17 +0100

Garlands Call Centres has launched a Hosted Technology division to address the growing demand for hosted contact centre services.

Council charges illegal fee for council tax payment plan

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:17:18 +0100

Local Government Ombudsman (LGO), Tony Redmond, has found that Thurrock Council charged an illegal £400 fee for administering a council tax payment plan it had agreed as an alternative to making a man bankrupt.

Look Who is on the Move

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:44:23 +0100

The Directors of High Court Enforcement Group (HCEG) are delighted to announce that Mr. Amir Ali has accepted the position of Director of Client Services and Business Development.

2009 repossessions down on 2008 but market conditions remain difficult

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 12:40:41 +0100

Figures released today by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that second-charge mortgage lenders took possession of almost ten percent fewer properties in 2009 than they repossessed in 2008.

Healey: repossession help will continue

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 12:13:09 +0100

Housing Minister John Healey today said that Government will keep help in place for struggling homeowners as new figures published today showed that repossessions court activity has dropped by over a third compared with 2008.

Repossession orders down as measures to help homeowners continue to make an impact

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 11:58:56 +0100

The number of mortgage possession claims issued in the courts dropped by 15% in the last three months of 2009 compared to the previous quarter (23,705 down to 20,061) according to statistics published today.

Repossessions high but continuing to fall

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:32:51 +0100

Figures published today by the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) show that the number of repossessions in the fourth quarter of 2009 reached 10,200 – down 13% from 11,700 in the previous quarter and 2% on the corresponding quarter of 2008. However, the total number of repossessions for 2009 was 46,000, which is still 15% higher than the total amount for 2008.

Advantis wins significant Utilities contract

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:18:07 +0100

Advantis has announced that it has won a significant new contract with United Utilities to provide debt collection services.

MCR Statement on Ethel Austin and Au Naturale

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:44:20 +0100

Closing down sales at 129 retail outlets of value clothing retailer Ethel Austin and its sister company Au Naturale, have been announced by joint administrators Geoff Bouchier, Philip Duffy, and David Whitehouse of MCR.

Mediation In A Nutshell Webinar, Thursday 18 February

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:21:07 +0100

There is just one week to go until the next CCR-webinar, which this month covers the crucial issue of Mediation.

What you will learn from the CCR-webinar
Mediation is becoming an increasingly important part of the litigation process, with many credit disputes now resolved through an official mediation process, rather than more formal litigation.

Adeptra forecasts strong 2010 demand for true multi-channel communications

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:55:19 +0100

Adeptra, the recognised leader in automated contact and resolution services, has announced a summary of 2009 successes as it prepares for a strong 2010, during which it expects to see exponential demand for multi-channel customer communications, including landline and mobile phone calls, email and SMS.

Talisman Energy (UK) Ltd enables slick back-office processes with Albany Software

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:59:30 +0100

Albany Software, a pioneering developer of electronic payment software solutions, has secured a contract for its ALBACS system from Talisman Energy (UK) Limited.

Equifax puts focus on credit management challenges with new ICM sponsorship

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:20:43 +0100

Leading credit and business information provider, Equifax, is putting an even greater focus on the challenges facing the credit management industry in 2010 with a new sponsorship agreement with the Institute of Credit Management (ICM).

100 New Jobs for Kilmarnock

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:51:43 +0100

Business is booming at one Kilmarnock company, with the announcement that up to 100 jobs are to be created over the next year.

Noble Systems on Track to Double Revenue in Five-Year Span

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:36:00 +0100

Noble Systems Corporation, a global leader in innovative contact centre technology solutions, today announced a projected 2010 revenue total marking a 100 percent increase over 2006 levels. The landmark five-year period points to the company’s continued financial stability and expanding market position.

"Donât go back to our old waysâ as insolvency reaches record high

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:06:25 +0100

Figures published today by the Insolvency Service show a record high with the number of personal insolvencies reached 35,574 in the fourth quarter of 2009 - an increase of 24.9% on the same period in 2008. The figures consisted of 13,219 Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs), an increase of 26.3% on the corresponding quarter in 2008, 17,007 bankruptcies, representing a decrease of 5.5% on the corresponding quarter of 2008 and 5,438 Debt Relief Orders (DROs).

Todayâs record insolvencies just the tip of the debt iceberg as 1m struggle without ...

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:53:38 +0100

The latest insolvency figures, showing record insolvencies in 2009, are just the tip of the personal debt iceberg, according to insolvency trade body R3. Results of their research, released today, indicates that an additional one million individuals (916,000) are struggling with debts without seeking help.

Plans to make bankruptcy easier are ill-conceived, Institute warns

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:45:21 +0100

Government proposals to reduce bankruptcy to an online ‘box ticking’ exercise have been roundly condemned by the organisation whose Members are most likely to have to deal with the fall-out.

Debt Mountain or Clear Consumer Skies

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:35:13 +0100

On Monday, the Bank of England announced that unsecured consumer credit rose £52m in December driven by credit card borrowing, last week we heard about the potential green shoots of an economic recovery, so how will the latest national personal and corporate insolvency statistics match up?

CCCS statistics reveal steep rise in personal insolvencies

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:34:20 +0100

Ahead of the release of the insolvency statistics for Quarter Four 2009 by the Insolvency Service tomorrow, the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) has published its personal insolvency statistics for 2009. Data from CCCS, the UK's leading debt charity, reveals a steep rise in personal insolvencies during the past year.

Lender legal specialist welcomes clampdown on solicitor panels

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:28:03 +0100

Legal specialist for the lender market, Optima Legal, has welcomed new, stricter limits on entry to lender solicitor panels.

CCCS response to National Audit Office report on government debt advice

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:38:35 +0100

Responding to the National Audit Office report, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills report: Helping over-indebted consumers, published on 4 February, which calls for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to evaluate how advice could be provided more efficiently, Delroy Corinaldi, Director of External Affairs of leading debt charity Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) comments:

Debt charity welcomes new IVA rules

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:21:21 +0100

The UK's leading debt charity, the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS), welcomes the revised IVA protocol released this week by the Insolvency Service.

John Healey backs private tenants with extra help and protection

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:03:27 +0100

Housing Minister John Healey today announced new practical help and protection for tenants in privately rented homes. The moves will help tenants find safer and better homes for rent and offer extra support if they face problems with their landlords or accommodation.

Consultation on the Private Rented Sector

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:18:16 +0100

The Government today published a consultation document on the role the Private Rented Sector should play in supporting the economic recovery and increasing supply in the housing market.

Apollo launches TrueCollectâ¢ Express as a more affordable web collections technology

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 07:49:05 +0100

Apollo Enterprise Solutions, Inc ("Apollo") announces its launch of TrueCollect™ Express, a reduced-featured version of its award-winning market-leading TrueCollect technology.

Payments Council welcomes three new members

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:22:47 +0100

The Payments Council today announced that Allied Irish Bank Group (UK), ING Direct and G4S Cash Services are to become full members of the Council, along with Consult Hyperion and Barron McCann Technology who are to become associate members of the Council with immediate effect. This now brings total membership to 28 members and 11 associate members.

Scottish system set to be brought in line with England

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:05:59 +0100

Following the recent publication of Lord Gill’s Scottish Civil Courts Review, Director of Litigation Services in Scotland for Optima Legal, Denise Loney, predicts major changes within Scotland’s Civil Justice System in the next ten years.

One in three payments from the public sector are still being made late

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:38:46 +0100

Government and its agencies are still paying small businesses late despite making commitments over a year ago to pay within 10 days, the FSB-ICM ‘Voice of Small Business' Annual Survey report shows.

New CSA chief officially takes office

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:41:58 +0100

From February 1st, Peter Wallwork will formally assume responsibilities as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Credit Services Association (CSA), the official voice of the UK debt collection industry. He succeeds Kurt Obermaier, the outgoing Executive Director, who retires at the end of April after more than a decade in office.

Nearly half of SMEs have 'no efficient system in place to chase unpaid invoices'

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:31:31 +0100

Edward Rimmer, CEO of Bibby Financial Services, has responded to Business Link's recent figures showing nearly half of small and medium-sized businesses have no efficient system in place to chase unpaid invoices.

VocaLink launches MyBillsOnline service for billers and their customers

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:45:48 +0100

VocaLink, the international payment transaction specialist, today announced that it has launched a new online portal, MyBillsOnline, which enables consumers to view their bills and statements in one place regardless of which financial institution they bank with.

Two year anniversary of SEPA Credit Transfers...

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:29:22 +0100

Jonathan Williams, Director of Strategic Development for Experian Payments, comments on the second anniversary of SEPA Credit Transfers.

Insolvent deals have doubled in a year

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:50:18 +0100

Acquisitions of insolvent businesses in the UK have more than doubled over the past year and remain at high levels, according to research into mergers and acquisitions by Experian Corpfin on behalf of insolvency trade body R3.

Cabot Financial strengthens team with key appointments and promotion

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:10:18 +0100

Cabot Financial, a market leader in debt purchase, is pleased to announce three new key appointments and a senior promotion at its West Malling head office.

Noble Systems is Honoured for Outstanding Innovations in Contact Centre Technology

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:22:28 +0100

Noble Systems Corporation, a global leader in innovative contact centre technology solutions, has received a “Product of the Year Award” from Technology Marketing Corporation’s (TMC®) Customer Inter@ction Solutions® magazine for Noble® WFM with Outbound Plus.

New generation plunged into debt

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:42:51 +0100

The debt collection industry is warning of a sudden surge in ‘new’ middle-class debtors as the full impact of the recession is realised.

Debt advisory group launched by MCR

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:40:26 +0100

Restructuring and insolvency group, MCR, has launched a new Debt Advisory group, designed to work in partnership with corporate clients and their stakeholders as they identify effective and appropriate funding solutions.

Business debt decreases almost 28% year on year

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:45:13 +0100

With news that the UK is officially out of recession, the latest figures on commercial debt from Lovetts, one of the UK’s leading debt recovery law firms, reveal a fall of 28% in the value of commercial debt being experienced by its customers in Q4 2009 compared to Q4 2008.

Reliance on credit 'fuelling new wave of crippling consumer debt'

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:46:22 +0100

MIS-USE of zero per cent balance transfers and the enduring temptation of store cards is dragging consumers down into crippling levels of debt, according to debt solution website IVA.com.

ICM announces icm10 awards shortlist

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:46:46 +0100

The Institute of Credit Management (ICM) has announced the shortlist for the prestigious icm10 Awards, which reward the highest levels of professionalism across the credit management industry. The winners will be revealed at the icm10 Gala Awards Dinner, which is to be held at the Royal Courts of Justice, London on Tuesday 16 March 2010.

Marston Group appoints Brian Havercroft as the new High Court Services Director

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 11:07:29 +0100

Marston Group has appointed Brian Havercroft as its new High Court Services Director. Brian is also Chairman of the Civil Court Users Association (CCUA).

Curbing free credit culture is crucial to repairing personal debt despair

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:45:34 +0100

Vincent Bond and Co, the UK based financial and debt solutions specialists, welcome proposals by the government, insolvency officials and credit card industries to help consumers regain control in the fight to battle personal debt levels.

Debt collection agency successfully gains ISO accreditation

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:48:49 +0100

Award winning debt collection agency Improved Financial Solutions Ltd (IMFS) successfully gained accreditation to ISO 9001:2008 with no non-conformances during the assessments.

Major changes at Optima Legal

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:30:38 +0100

Optima Legal has announced a series of major appointments in line with increased demand from its national lender client base.

Lowell Group appoints Head of External Recoveries

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:25:04 +0100

Leeds-based Lowell Group, the UK’s leading debt purchasing company, has recruited Paul Thomas from Capital One Bank as its Head of External Recoveries.

New Blu office to help advisers stem the rising tide of indebted clients

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:20:28 +0100

The number of borrowers looking to advisers for help in managing their debt has increased dramatically through December and over the Christmas period, leaving many mortgage brokers unsure of how the best solution.

Newtomorrow Broker Services relaunches intermediary offering as Invocas Financial

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:15:31 +0100

Newtomorrow Broker Services, the intermediary debt solutions provider, has relaunched an improved service offering under a new brand – Invocas Financial Intermediary Services.

Ban point-of-sale store card sales to protect the vulnerable, says insolvency trade body

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:27:15 +0100

Financially unqualified shop staff should be banned from selling store credit cards, according to insolvency trade body R3. Ahead of the closure of the Government’s credit card consultation tomorrow, insolvency experts warn that this practice contributes to the mountain of personal debt in the UK and entices vulnerable customers into debt.

Tribunal reform enters final phase

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:45:17 +0100

Today heralds the start of the next chapter in the Tribunals Service's ambitious programme of reform.

Outsourced Debt Collections Industry Maintains Positive Image

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:34:54 +0100

In its recent "Global Collections Review" of over 3,500 companies across four continents, leading credit management and collections specialist Atradius assessed business requirements for outsourcing business-to-business collections services.

Government departments 'continuing to fall short on 10 day payment pledge'

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:31:37 +0100

Research findings from commercial credit reference agency Graydon UK reveal today that government departments are continuing to fail to deliver on the pledge by Business Secretary Lord Mandelson to ease the cashflow problems faced by SMEs through the payment of trade invoices within ten days.

JBW keep the wheels turning despite the snow

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:23:12 +0100

JBW, the ethical debt management company, kept all their ANPR vans and enforcement agents on the road throughout the recent severe weather conditions throughout the country.

Money Advice Trust comment on Loan Sharks

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:01:00 +0100

The Money Advice Trust (MAT) today commented on “The real cost of Christmas” report published today by the Financial Inclusion Centre.

Drydens acquires commercial debt recovery business

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 23:21:13 +0100

Specialist debt litigation law firm Drydens has acquired commercial recovery specialists LCL Collections Limited and merged the business and its workforce into the Drydens practice. This brings the number of staff employed by the niche, top ranking firm to 165.

FSB calls for major conference to better prepare the country for snow

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:16:55 +0100

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is calling the Government to hold a national conference to review its contingency planning after weeks of snow and icy weather brought the UK to a standstill.

Albany Software announces new partnership with The FD Centre

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:54:35 +0100

Albany Software, the pioneering developer of electronic payment software solutions, today announces its strategic partnership with The FD Centre, the largest and most respected provider of part-time Finance Director services in the UK.

EuroDebt partners with Mortgage Force to deliver non-borrowing debt solutions

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 12:43:45 +0100

Leading Debt Management Company, EuroDebt Financial Services, has partnered with specialist mortgage and insurance provider, Mortgage Force Limited, to provide their franchisees the facility to provide alternatives to those clients struggling to re-finance and to maximise revenue streams.

Severe Weather Conditions Fail To Interrupt TouchStar CCS Business Operation

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:08:12 +0100

TouchStar CCS’s UK call centre customers continued to receive seamless, uninterrupted support despite the support centre in Manchester being closed for two days due to the severe weather conditions of over one foot of snow and night time temperatures of -17 in the area.

Bridge Business Recovery begins realising the assets of civil engineering and plant hire companies

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:31:19 +0100

Leading South East insolvency experts Bridge Business Recovery have begun the process of realising the assets of civil engineers M Holleran Ltd and related plant hire company Oranmore Plant Ltd, after the companies were placed into administration late last month.

The Debt Advisor ties up new IFA deal

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:20:17 +0100

Award-winning, Manchester-based debt management company, The Debt Advisor, has been selected by Chorley-based Independent Financial Adviser (IFA), Anne Wray, to offer non-lending solutions to its clients.

VPI Call Recording and Analytics-Driven Quality Monitoring Solution Now Compliant on Avaya AuraTM

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 09:59:55 +0100

VPI CAPTURE and VPI QUALITY PRO application has undergone successful compliance testing on Avaya’s AuraTM Communication Manager, enabling organizations to cost-effectively capture, evaluate, analyze and optimize interactions to increase operational performance, customer satisfaction and compliance.

CSA half yearly conference focuses on a climate of change

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 11:15:20 +0100

With weather patterns changing, and the business environment constantly on the move, the Credit Services Association (CSA) is adopting a theme of 'Climate Change' to promote the CSA/DBSG half yearly conference and how it is adapting to the challenges of the future.

Qire secures Investment from Capital for Enterprise Fund

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 11:00:55 +0100

Qire, the provider of intelligent voice messaging solutions, has secured funding to support their plans for growth. The funding comes from Capital for Enterprise Fund (CfE Fund) managed by Maven Capital Partners.

UK Debt Collection Agencies industry - What's in store for 2010?

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:31:35 +0100

Few would argue that 2009 was a difficult year for the UK Debt Collection Agencies industry but early signs suggest that conditions in 2010 will be much brighter. According to new research by leading industry analysts Plimsoll, the market is slowly emerging from the malaise of the last 2 years.

15 billion data rows best at informing understanding of consumer over-indebtedness

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 13:25:39 +0100

Data from the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) has been identified as the best at informing the understanding of consumer over-indebtedness.

Newly appointed CSA president meets with MEPs in Brussels

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 10:38:16 +0100

Dr Roger Lucas, the newly appointed President of the Credit Services Association (CSA), has made a positive start to his two-year term of office, accompanying Diana Wallis, the vice-president of the European Parliament, to the recent FENCA meeting in Brussels last month (December).

Apex Credit Management - New Appointment

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 11:50:56 +0100

Apex Credit Management has further strengthened its team with the appointment of the highly experienced Janice King to the position of Associate Director.

Automotive business failure rate hits annual high

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:44:06 +0100

The automotive industry bucked the national trend by seeing the rate of insolvencies rise in November, according to the latest Insolvency Index from Experian®, the global information services company.

Biggest businesses lead the way in improved payment performance

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:38:24 +0100

During November, businesses were paying their late invoices 12.5 per cent faster than in November 2008, according to the latest Late Payment Index from Experian®, the global information services company.

A report produced by the Insolvency Service on behalf of the IVA Standing Committee.

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 13:27:34 +0100

The Executive Summary and key findings of the report produced by the Insolvency Service on behalf of the IVA Standing Committee.

Latest study shows that where we live shapes how we pay

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 13:20:31 +0100

The Payments Council has created an online, interactive map to demonstrate the varied payment attitudes, preferences and behaviours that can be seen in the different regions across the UK.

CCR-PublicSector set for launch

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:35:20 +0100

With public spending budgets being reduced, taxpayer services cut and jobs under threat throughout the UK’s Public Sector, there has never been a more critical time for the timely and efficient collection of public debt.

Craig scores in debt advice exam success

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 11:10:49 +0100

Craig Gedey, Marketing Manager of Debt Advisory Line has successfully attained a ‘Certificate in Debt Resolution’, which makes him one of the first in the UK to be awarded the formal debt advice qualification.

Tracy Rivers appointed as Philips Managing Director

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:09:11 +0100

Darlington based revenue recovery and enforcement company Philips Collection Services Ltd has officially appointed Tracey Rivers as its new Managing Director. Ms Rivers replaces former MD Nick Bradley who was appointed Philips CEO in 2008.

FPB responds to today's decision to phase out cheques

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:56:05 +0100

The Forum of Private Business (FPB) has responded to the Payments Council’s decision to phase out cheque payment by 2018.

2018 target date set for closure of central cheque clearing

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:12:37 +0100

Today the Payments Council Board has agreed to set a target date of 31st October 2018 to close the central cheque clearing. Cheque use is in long-term, terminal decline.

Don't let nostalgia cloud thinking on the chequebook, says FPB

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:14:52 +0100

The FPB has commented ahead of tomorrow’s decision on whether or not cheque payment will be abolished in Britain.

Businesses See Massive Rise in Foreign Debt in 2009

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:04:11 +0100

2009 saw a colossal increase in the value of foreign debt being chased by UK exporters. New data from Lovetts, the law firm specialising in commercial debt recovery and litigation, has found that in the first quarter of the year, businesses were experiencing a shocking 475% increase in the value of debt from overseas customers compared to the same period in 2008.

CSA Announce New Chief Executive Officer

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:15:55 +0100

Dr Roger Lucas President of the Credit Services Association (CSA) has announced to the association, the appointment of a new chief executive officer.

2010 Electoral Roll Data Already Online at Callcredit

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:42:50 +0100

Callcredit Limited, part of the Callcredit Information Group (CIG) has today announced that 2010 electoral roll data, released by councils in November, has already commenced upload to its online database.

Credit Resource Solutions are delighted to announce 2 new appointments.

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:50:41 +0100

Peter Gent has joined as Client Services Manager. He has a wealth of experience having spent the past three years in a Senior Account Managers role with Atradius Collections, prior to which Peter enjoyed two years as Business Development Manager with P&A Receivables.

Advance notice - Payments Council to make a decision on the future of the cheque on 16 December

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:19:25 +0100

The Payments Council has made an announcement, prior to the meeting of their Board on the 16th December to decide whether an end-date should be set for closing the cheque clearing.

DialConnection LLC granted signatory status to the collection technology open standard

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:44:21 +0100

DialConnection has become a Signatory to the Collection Technology Open Standard (CTOS), a best practices document that defines what it means for collection technology to be open. The Signatory designation indicates that DialConnection supports and adheres to the CTOS.

Noble Systems Celebrates Top 10 Technology Vote

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 18:41:54 +0100

Noble Systems Corporation (NSC), a global provider of contact centre technology solutions, is celebrating being voted in the Top 10 Call Centre Technology vendors in the UK.

Tracesmart launches the 2010 Electoral Register

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 10:21:59 +0100

The end of the calendar year is the period when local authorities make available their amassed edited Electoral Registers, and again Tracesmart is at the forefront following the announcement that they have already started incorporating the newly released 2010 data into their extensive catalogue of consumer information.

Lowell Group appoints Head of Strategic Projects

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:50:18 +0100

Lowell Group, the Leeds-based debt purchasing specialist, has recruited Samantha Crossley (nee Archer) from Experian to take on the newly-created role of Head of Strategic Projects.

Fundraising challenge aims to raise Â£6 million in a week

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:01:00 +0100

A fundraising challenge to raise £6 million for charity in a single working week has been launched by one of the UK’s leading not for profit organisations.

Â£2.8 billion - the cost of the global recession on the UK Debt Collection Agencies industry

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:13:26 +0100

The recession has cost the UK Debt Collection Agencies industry £2.8 billion in lost profit in the last year according to new research by market analysts Plimsoll.

Octempo:RM speaks OH2's language when it comes to chasing payments

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:09:01 +0100

A translations business is getting the help they need to become established in the UK from a unique cash flow management specialist, which can chase invoice payments in up to 27 different languages.

Businesses face credit crunch conundrum

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:35:04 +0100

Reports may suggest the end of the recession is in sight but according to new figures from Lovetts, the debt recovery law firm, it has failed to spur businesses into dramatically speeding up their debt recovery processes.

Company awarded ISO accreditation as specialists in credit management

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:21:16 +0100

The Directors of P&A Receivables plc are pleased to announce that they have been awarded ISO 9001/2008 accreditation as specialists in credit management. The process began in April and final assessment took place in October.

Time running out on HMRC time to pay scheme - ensure your finances are in order for the new year

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:58:52 +0100

January is all about making resolutions and getting the decks clear to make a good start to the year. However, businesses making use of HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) Time to Pay scheme could be faced with more than they’d bargained for, warns cashflow specialist Bibby Financial Services.

Qire and dlc work together to significantly improve contact rates

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:51:53 +0100

Direct Legal and Collections (dlc) are regarded as one of the UK's leading providers of debt collection solutions, they have teamed up with the leading interactive voice messaging specialist Qire to dramatically improve their contact rates.

What is the European Commission doing about e-Invoicing?

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:35:50 +0100

In 2007 the Commission worked with a wide range of stakeholders - companies, banks, other financial service providers, standardisation organisations - to develop a common understanding of the problems and to agree the best way forward.

Retailers should prepare for New Year bloodbath, insolvency experts warn

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:36:40 +0100

The retail sector is set for a repeat of last year’s clear-out on the high street, with over 20 household names likely to disappear early next year, according to insolvency trade body R3.

Experian sets out key strategies to cope with surge in post-Christmas collections activities

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:44:00 +0100

Experian®, the global information services company, today advised lenders to ramp up their collections capabilities to ensure that they are able to deal effectively and efficiently with the annual post-Christmas surge in collections cases.

Late payment culture among businesses improves

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:35:49 +0100

Businesses improved their late payment performance during October, according to the latest Late Payment Index from Experian®, the global information services company.

Angry man rammed car into bailiffs' van

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:35:18 +0100

An enraged driver deliberately reversed a car into a bailiffs’ van when they turned up unannounced, according to local press reports.

JBW launches High Court Enforcement subsidiary

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:19:12 +0100

JBW has launched a subsidiary to specifically deal with High Court Enforcement. Working in conjunction with Frank Whitworth an authorised High Court Enforcement Officer (for 22 years), Frank Whitworths family have been Sheriffs and High Court Enforcement Officers for over 55 years.

Scottish business 'Under the cosh' - Registry Trust Stats

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:24:27 +0100

There were 2087 decrees against businesses in Scotland in the third quarter of 2009, an increase of 42 percent compared with the same quarter of 2008.

Credit crunch hits the Province - Stats from Registry Trust

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:02:41 +0100

The credit crunch is having a massive effect on Northern Ireland according to statistics released today by Registry Trust, the non-profit company which administers registers of judgment information throughout the British Isles and Ireland.

New appointment highlights commitment to 'treating customers fairly'

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:57:04 +0100

Lowell Group, the UK’s leading debt purchasing company, has emphasised its commitment to treating customers fairly (TCF) by appointing a ‘customer champion’.

Teleperformance today announces the acquisition of Improved Financial Solutions

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:10:31 +0100

Teleperformance, the world’s leading provider of outsourced contact centre and CRM solutions, today announces it has acquired the major shareholding of Leeds based Improved Financial Solutions (IMFS) to further strengthen its debt collection offering.

Albany software partners with financialforce.com to provide on-demand online payment functionality

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:10:45 +0100

Albany Software, a pioneering developer of electronic payment software solutions for Bacs payments, has today announced the launch of Albany ePAYMENTS for Software as a Service (SaaS) accounting solution – FinancialForce.com.

DIRECTV achieving solid ROI with Neural Technologies' fraud system

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:17:53 +0100

DIRECTV, the US’s leading provider of digital television, is achieving solid return on investment (ROI) from its fraud management system. In the period January to October 2009 the company saved more than US$60m through the identification of fraudulent subscriptions using Neural Technologies’ Minotaur™ Fraud Management Solution.

Eurodebt comments on the Insolvency Service proposals for bankruptcy reform

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:02:00 +0100

The Insolvency Service published a consultation document on 13 November 2009 about Debtor Bankruptcy Petition Reform and Early Discharge from Bankruptcy.

New client boosts DWF's debt recovery business

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:53:02 +0100

Law firm DWF is celebrating a significant new client win for its Leeds-based debt recovery team. The firm has been appointed by CCS Ltd, which provides credit management services to blue-chip and public sector organisations including the Department for Work and Pensions.

Adeptra sees surge in interest in auto-resolution as power diallers come under increased scrutiny

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:50:44 +0100

Adeptra, the recognised leader in automated customer communications, today announced that it is experiencing a surge in interest in its Auto-resolution services to financial organisations as they consider their usage of traditional power diallers, the technology behind so-called ‘silent calls’ and the target of the latest UK governmental proposals to deter the practice.

HML shortlisted for Global Excellence

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:39:25 +0100

HML, the financial outsourcing provider, has been shortlisted for the 2009 Global Awards for Excellence in Business Process Management (BPM) and Workflow.

New Finance Litigation Team for Drydens

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:33:18 +0100

Specialist debt law firm Drydens has recruited a team of three finance litigation specialists from DLA Piper to join its growing practice.

Proposed reforms to bankruptcy procedures will help people in debt and reduce court costs.

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:07:25 +0100

Proposals to allow individuals to submit a bankruptcy application online or through the post, rather than in a court, were outlined by the Government today (13 November.)

Second mortgage repossessions fall in Q3 'but no cause for celebration'

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:38:13 +0100

The Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) gave a cautious welcome to its figures just published that show a fall in repossessions by second charge mortgage providers.

Comment from Xit2 on CML Reposession Forecasts

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:33:45 +0100

Mark Blackwell, MD of Xit2, the property and mortgage outsourcing specialist, says: “If the repossessions process has been genuinely well-managed over 2009 then this really is good news. As far back as February we were saying the CML’s 2009 repossession forecasts were at least 10,000 too high.

R3 welcomes opportunity to demonstrate value of Insolvency Practitioners to the economy

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:50:06 +0100

R3 – the trade body for Insolvency Practitioners (IPs) welcomes the OFT announcement on the corporate insolvency study, and hopes that unfounded claims about Insolvency Practitioners fees can be put to bed for once and for all.

Research finds Northern Ireland's councils are worst payers in Britain for suppliers

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:36:37 +0100

A major study by the Forum of Private Business (FPB) has found councils in Northern Ireland are by far the worst in the UK at paying their suppliers and contractors promptly.

OFT launches market study into corporate insolvency

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:46:17 +0100

The OFT has today launched a market study into corporate insolvency.

CML cuts 2009 repossession forecast to 48,000

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:40:25 +0100

The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has cut its forecast for the number of repossessions this year to 48,000.

Big name chairman is coup for newcomer Fairfax

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:58:58 +0100

Fairfax Solicitors Limited has strengthened its board of directors with the appointment of a new chairman.

UK's first Asset Management Online launched for lenders

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:45:53 +0100

whitehot property, the UK’s largest seller of chain free properties (repossessions, probate and part-exchange properties), is launching the UK’s first Asset Management Online (AMO) service to mortgage lenders looking to improve their data management and regulatory reporting of properties held in possession.

Experian launches enhanced collections and recoveries management software

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:31:11 +0100

Experian®, the global information services company, today announced the launch of the latest version of Tallyman, the collections process management software which forms a core part of Experian’s strategic Debt Collection and Recovery Suite.

CCCS response to Insolvency Service statistics

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:48:52 +0100

The UK's leading debt charity, Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS), welcomes the slow down in the rate of insolvencies and the growing numbers of people opting for the new Debt Relief Orders.

Collectability Index 2009 - Quarter 1 & 2

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:59:30 +0100

A stabilisation of consumer’s ability or willingness repay their debts is the indication found by the Collectability Index released by the Credit Services Association and the Debt Buyers and Sellers Group.

The UK Debt Collection Agencies industry - a review of 2009

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:44:11 +0100

As we approach the end of a turbulent 2009 for the UK Debt Collection Agencies industry, Plimsoll have taken a look back at the highs and lows of the last 12 months and looked forward to the threats and opportunities facing the market in 2010.

Experian appoints head of collections propositions in UK and Ireland

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:04:48 +0100

Experian, the global information services company, today announced the appointment of Nick Grant as Head of Collections Propositions for the UK and Ireland.

Bristol bailiff spared jail after fraud

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:56:13 +0100

A bailiff who illegally pocketed close to £20,000 he had collected from debtors was spared jail at Bristol Crown Court.

The Crown Estate implements flexible payment platform

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:32:31 +0100

The Crown Estate, a UK-wide property company, has purchased ALBACScs from pioneering developer of electronic payment software solutions, Albany Software. Albany’s corporate, multi-user Bacs payment solution will provide The Crown Estate with greater flexibility and control over its payment processes. The Crown Estate will also be utilising the Direct Debit module, built into ALBACS, to allow its tenants to realise the benefits of efficient and convenient Direct Debit payments. ...

Five-year block on repossession

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:37:28 +0100

A carpenter from Bridgend has been granted a five-year stay on any repossession proceedings against him by his lender.

John Healey tightens repossession rules to get greater help for homeowners

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:29:31 +0100

Housing Minister John Healey today announced new protection for people struggling with mortgage arrears, by further tightening the rules on lenders taking court action for repossession.

Administrators appointed to First Quench Retailing

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:19:06 +0100

Richard Fleming, Mick McLoughlin and Ian Corfield of KPMG have been appointed joint administrators to First Quench Retailing (“First Quench”), the off licence retailer, which operates 1,202 Threshers, The Local, Wine Rack, Bottoms Up, Victoria Wine and Haddows branded stores across Scotland, England and Wales and employs 6,283 people.

KPMG Behind the 'Business Rescue of the Year'

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:56:24 +0100

KPMG’s Restructuring team has received an award for its work at JJB Sports, at the annual national Insolvency & Rescue awards, which named the JJB turnaround the Business Rescue of the Year (> £51m turnover).

Aon Trade Credit appoints Manchester branch director

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:42:09 +0100

Aon Trade Credit, the UK’s leading credit insurance broker, has appointed David Walmsley as branch director in Manchester.

Business payment performance improves significantly in September

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:06:41 +0100

September saw the biggest month-on-month improvement in business payment trends since December 2007, according to the latest Late Payment Index from Experian®, the global information services company.

Aktiv Kapital with stable performance in a challenging market

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:11:42 +0100

Aktiv Kapital reported a pre-tax cash flow per share of NOK 6.18 in the third quarter 2009, an increase of 12 percent compared to third quarter 2008. The NOK 1.75-1.85 billion collection target for 2009 is maintained. The Group experiences a significant increase in acquisition opportunities.

Two new appointments at the Marston Group

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:26:49 +0100

Marston Group has announced the recruitment of Jamie Mair, as Sales Director for its Commercial Services division and Charlotte Moir as the new Bid Manager.

The Civil Court Users Association appoints Marston Group's Amir Ali as new Vice Chair

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:14:33 +0100

Marston Group’s High Court Client Relationship Manager, Amir Ali, was recently been appointed to the position of Vice Chair for the Civil Court Users Association (CCUA).

Council tax enforcement in magistrates' courts

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:51:01 +0100

Bridget Prentice has made a statement concerning council tax enforcement in magistrates’ courts.

Lovetts focuses on growth

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:15:33 +0100

Leading debt recovery law firm, Lovetts plc has embarked on a recruitment drive following a number of major new contracts and expectations of continued growth over the coming months and years. Louise Ash has been appointed as Sales & Marketing Administrator and two new account executives have joined the Legal team.

Aspect Appoints Peter Nicol as Vice President of Sales, Northern Europe

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:53:10 +0100

Aspect, a unified communications (UC) solutions provider, today announced the appointment of Peter Nicol as vice president of sales, Northern Europe.

ALBANY SOFTWARE LAUNCHES Albany ePAYsmall business edition

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:17:58 +0100

Albany Software has today announced the availability of Albany ePAYsbe (small business edition). This intelligent multi-payment routing solution has been specifically developed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enabling between two and five users to manage multiple payment methods. Albany ePAYsbe has the capability to integrate, connect and deliver from any existing accounting infrastructure.

Begbies Traynor says the worst for insolvencies is yet to come

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:59:28 +0100

Begbies Traynor says the worst for insolvencies is yet to come as 134,000 companies show material signs of financial distress in Q3 2009.

UK welcomes Iceland loan agreement

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:27:09 +0100

Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Ian Pearson MP, welcomed an agreement today on repayment to the UK and Netherlands of payments made following the collapse of Landsbanki.

Moon Beever included in London Borough Legal Alliance

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:59:22 +0100

Moon Beever is delighted toannounce the successful inclusion in the London Borough Legal Alliance (LBLA) panel of suppliers for Insolvency and Debt Recovery work.

Paul Leckenby joins AIC

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:57:55 +0100

Paul Leckenby has joined AIC taking up the position of Client Relationship Director. Paul has extensive experience of business development and client relationship management gained over the last 26 years with 3 employers in the Banking and Debt Recovery Sectors.

Payments Council offers advice for managing payments during the postal strike

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:26:33 +0100

In response to yesterday’s announcement by the Communication Workers’ Union confirming the national postal strikes planned for Thursday 22nd October and Friday 23rd October, the Payments Council is advising all UK consumers to consider how the postal strike may affect their regular payment commitments.

CAT decision on Competition Commission inquiry into PPI

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:20:42 +0100

Responding to the instruction by the Competition Appeals Tribunal (CAT) to reconsider its ban on sales of PPI at the point of sale, Fiona Hoyle, head of consumer credit at the Finance & Leasing Association, said:

Small businesses prepare for the biggest 10 weeks of the year

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:32:10 +0100

With only 10 weeks left until Christmas, Bibby Financial Services is calling on business owners and managers to ensure they have the cash in place to make the most of the seasonal opportunity.

Property specialists introduce 'Fair Cost Receivership'

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:08:31 +0100

After working for clients under traditional models, movewithus, the UK’s leading property specialists, have developed a new approach to Law of Property Act (LPA) Receivership.

Apollo Launches TrueCollect

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:06:21 +0100

Apollo Enterprise Solutions, Inc., the leading provider of web-based payment, debt collection and debt recovery technologies, today announced the consolidation of its market-leading web collections solutions into one comprehensive offering, branded TrueCollect™.

Unenforceable credit agreements: credit rating threat 'not to be feared'

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:33:14 +0100

People taking action against banks and other lenders do not need to fear ‘black marks’ on their credit rating providing that they maintain regular payments until the debt has been successfully written off or legal proceedings concluded.

CSA launches City & Guilds-accredited Diploma Course 2010

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:17:03 +0100

The Credit Services Association (CSA) has announced details of the 2010 Diploma Course, held in partnership with City & Guilds, the UK’s leading awarding body.

CSA launches City & Guilds-accredited Diploma Course 2010

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:37:25 +0100

The Credit Services Association (CSA) has announced details of the 2010 Diploma Course, held in partnership with City & Guilds, the UK’s leading awarding body.

Launch of industry guidance for the Payment Services Regulations

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:19:47 +0100

The Payments Council is today pleased to publish industry guidance for the Payment Services Regulations 2009 (“PSRs”).

HML opening new 'green' head office in Skipton

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:06:50 +0100

HML, the financial outsourcing provider, is preparing to open its new 850 capacity head office on the outskirts of Skipton. The move will bring together the company’s four fragmented offices from within Skipton Town Centre into one centralised location.

Incasso walkers hit Â£600 target for BHF!

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:29:59 +0100

The latest money raising event for the British Heart Foundation kicked off last Sunday with the Incasso and Cobbetts team lined up to pummel 26 miles of canal path taking them from Leeds to Skipton.

New chairman announced at Mackenzie Hall

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:26:05 +0100

Mackenzie Hall are delighted to announce the appointment of Colin Brook as Chairman of Mackenzie Hall.

Instructions on the increase for Incasso

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:26:04 +0100

Incasso, one of the leading debt recovery firms in the UK, has today announced that instructions received from clients have increased by 23% in the last year alone.

Incasso to take on debt recovery contract for NEUPC

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:19:24 +0100

A new agreement has been awarded to Incasso LLP for debt collection services to the NEUPC (North Eastern Universities Purchasing Consortium); covering over twenty North East Universities, with an annual spend of over £1billion.

Council bankruptcy use criticised

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:22:12 +0100

A local authority has been criticised for the way it used bankruptcy proceedings against a resident to recover £1,071 in unpaid council tax.

Bailiff sentenced for Â£7,000 theft

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:19:29 +0100

A 52 year-old council bailiff has been given a suspended prison sentence after he admitted three charges of theft and five offenses of false accounting.

New director to spearhead growth for Optima:RM

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:06:17 +0100

A flourishing cash flow management specialist has recruited a new sales director to build on their recent growth.

Gateway appointed by the Co-operative Bank

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:58:55 +0100

The Co-operative Bank has appointed Gateway to its approved panel of valuers. The Bank, which is part of the Co-operative Financial Service Group and which has recently merged with the Britannia Building Society to form the UK’s first super mutual, is one of the country’s major mortgage lenders.

Experian launches new hosted collections service

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:56:30 +0100

Experian, the global information services company, today announced the launch of its Portfolio Management Package, a new hosted collections service. Experian’s latest innovation means that for the first time, creditors of all sizes in the UK can benefit from Experian’s sophisticated pre-delinquency and collections strategy tools, priced according to the size of their portfolio.

JBW launches Pocketbook produced by Bailiffs for Bailiffs

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:53:26 +0100

JBW Group Ltd, the ethical debt management company will be launching their Bailiff’s Pocketbook at the BPA Autumn Seminar. This Pocket book is the first book of its type having been produced by Bailiffs for Bailiffs. It will be an invaluable tool for enforcement practitioners and an essential point of reference in debt management for the legal sector.

Lovetts Get the Message

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:21:13 +0100

Lovetts is continuing to streamline the debt recovery process with the launch of a major new web messaging product within Case Manager, its innovative online client website.

Council bailiff stole Â£7,000

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:25:34 +0100

A Yorkshire council bailiff who stole £7,000 over four years has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Data Discoveries join the Credit Services Association

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:21:29 +0100

Data Discoveries the data management company, announce their membership to the Debt Buyers and Sellers Group of the Credit Services Association.

Bibby Financial Services slams lax late payments by UK's big businesses

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:07:50 +0100

Following banking industry body Bacs’ recent revelation that small and medium businesses are currently owed some £30bn in late payments, leading independent financier Bibby Financial Services has responded by branding the larger organisations responsible ‘negligent in their actions’.

Transcom appoints Debbie Nolan as business development director

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:04:44 +0100

Transcom, the global outsourced credit management, debt collection and customer management provider, today announces that it has appointed Debbie Nolan, former board member of UK market leader, Wescot Credit Services, as its Business Development Director for the UK.

FSA unveils tough measures to protect PPI consumers

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:32:19 +0100

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has today announced a package of tough measures to protect consumers in the Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) market and ensure they are better treated when buying PPI or complaining about it.

Payment protection insurance statement

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:42:10 +0100

The British Bankers' Association (BBA) said: "Payment protection insurance is a valuable product which provides customers with a safety net to meet their financial commitments.

HML wins European call centre award

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:32:05 +0100

HML, the financial outsourcing provider, has won the Corporate Responsibility Award at the European Call Centre Awards, held by Call Centre Focus in Birmingham. The award was collected on the night by Billy Hutchison, head of credit management at HML’s Derry office, and his team.

Payment performance improves in August among British businesses

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:52:47 +0100

August saw the biggest month-to-month improvement in the time it takes companies in the UK to settle bills since December 2007, according to the new monthly Late Payment Index from Experian®, the global information services company.

Atradius Collections Launches International Debt Collection Handbook

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:12:55 +0100

Atradius Collections, the global expert in domestic and cross-border debt collections, releases today its comprehensive resource bank on debt collections procedures and practices around the world.

Eversheds unsecured recoveries department sold to Fairfax Solicitors Limited in MBO

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:21:10 +0100

International law firm Eversheds today announced it is selling its well respected and successful unsecured recoveries business to Fairfax Solicitors Limited in an MBO.

Robinson Way Announcement

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 09:22:52 +0100

The management of Robinson Way, the debt collection and debt purchase business, are pleased to announce that they have acquired the business and assets of the Company. ...

The Cheque Guarantee Card Scheme announces closure date of 30 June 2010

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:19:55 +0100

Today the 24 bank and building society members of the UK Domestic Cheque Guarantee Card Scheme have announced that the Scheme will close on 30th June 2011, meaning that it will no longer be possible to guarantee a cheque under the Scheme after this date.

Alligator Storage selects ALBACS to enable customers to send secure payments

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:15:06 +0100

Alligator Self Storage, the self storage solution provider for Birmingham and the West Midlands, has selected ALBACS with the Direct Debit (DD) module from pioneering developer of electronic payment solutions, Albany Software, to offer customers an efficient and easy payment service. The automated e-payment platform will comprehensively manage Alligator Storage’s monthly transactions and increase staff productivity through further streamlining its back-office processes.

Changes at GPB

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 20:08:40 +0100

Geoffrey Parker Bourne Solicitors has announced that, from 1 October 2009, it will trade as Geoffrey Parker Bourne Limited (GPB); becoming one of a number of solicitors trading as a corporate entity. ...

Apex Credit Management Expand and Relocate

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:26:33 +0100

Leading Stratford upon Avon business Apex Credit Management is expanding, recruiting new team members and relocating to a new purpose designed office. Following a highly successful period of growth, the business, which is already the town’s third largest employer, is currently recruiting to fill an additional 60 full and part time team roles.

Collections officer conquers the Great North Run

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:28:47 +0100

Sandy Sutton, aged 47, a Collection Officer at IMFS in Leeds, took part in the Great North Run in Newcastle on Sunday 20th September and completed the 13.1 miles in 1 hour 37mins.

Apex Credit Management announce the appointment of new head of trace

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:12:40 +0100

Apex Credit Management are delighted to announce the appointment of Jamie McGrath (MICM) as Head of Trace at their newly created Apex Discovery Solutions business to be based in Maidstone.

Statute Barred Debt To collect or not to collect, that is the question

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:27:42 +0100

Lets set aside the issue of the proposed reduction to the limitation period for a moment and give a little focus on the actual collection of Statute Barred debt.

Nomination for the icm10 awards has opened

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:39:58 +0100

Nominations for the icm10 awards, the most prestigious accolades in the credit profession, are now open.

Bailiffs report rise in illegal sub-lets

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:25:12 +0100

Bailiff and private investigations firm National Enforcement Services is reporting a rise in the number of properties being unlawfully sub-let.

Tracesmart Celebrate Award Winning Marketing Campaign

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:22:27 +0100

Tracesmart are celebrating success following the presentation of the CSA Best PR/Advertising Campaign Award, at the CSA and DBSG Annual Conference in Brighton on 10th September. Tracesmart’s ‘Nobody Home’ marketing campaign triumphed against stiff competition to be the first ever winner of the award.

UK Payments Quarterly statistical release - Q2 2009

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:57:51 +0100

The latest payment statistical release covering the second quarter of 2009 has been issued by UK Payments, showing all the payments data over the last three months on plastic cards, credit card repayments, cash machine withdrawals, cheques, Faster Payments, CHAPS payments, Direct Debits and Bacs Direct Credits.

Access to alternative finance could turn around the late payment issue forSME's

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:12:16 +0100

Responding to the recent announcement by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) that some small firms are now waiting up to four months to receive payment from larger organistions, Edward Rimmer, UK chief executive at leading independent invoice financier Bibby Financial Services, said that as few large firms have signed up to the Government’s Prompt Payment Code, the solution for SMEs is for their larger clients to sign up to alternative finance funding such as invoice finance.

TouchStar CCS to Offer Enhanced Services from Noble Systems Acquisition

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:38:17 +0100

Manchester based reseller Telecom Applications, trading as TouchStar Call Centre Software, is poised to benefit from Noble Systems’ acquisition of certain assets from Denver based TouchStar Software Corporation.

Company expresses concerns over mis-tracing

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:58:36 +0100

Debt recovery specialist, Red2Black Collections Limited has expressed its concerns over a government review on data sharing and how the chances of mis-tracing debtors in the collections process will increase if recommendations in the review are given the go ahead.

BSA Comments on FSA Possession Figures

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:00:09 +0100

Commenting on the FSA possession figures showing that the number of properties taken into possession have fallen by 9% in the second quarter of the year, Paul Broadhead, Building Societies Association (BSA) Head of Mortgage Policy, said:-

JBW supporting disadvantaged children in Africa

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:09:44 +0100

JBW, the ethical debt management agency, is proud to support the extraordinary work of Stepping Stones Nigeria. Stepping Stones Nigeria is a non-government organisation that is working towards eradicating the stigmatisation, abandonment and killings of so called child witches and child trafficking in the Niger Delta.

MCR appointed Administrators of disbursement funding company, Ascot Legal Services Limited

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:57:23 +0100

MCR has announced that Ascot Legal Services Limited, a disbursement funding company that loans money to solicitors, as part of the LoanCheck SA group, was placed into administration on 4 September 2009. Paul Williams and Geoff Bouchier, partners at MCR, have been appointed as Joint Administrators.

Cross-border euro payments scheme failing: EU

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:16:56 +0100

Countries should order banks to kickstart a flagging scheme to allow people to make quick and cheap electronic payments across European borders, the EU warned on Thursday.

New campaign offers practical support for struggling homeowners

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:03:12 +0100

Housing Minister John Healey has launched a new national campaign to help struggling homeowners take control of their finances and make the most of the support available for them to avoid repossessions and stay in their homes.

Noble Systems Announces Acquisition of Assets from TouchStar

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 12:16:09 +0100

Noble Systems Corporation, a global leader in innovative contact centre technology solutions, has acquired assets from TouchStar Software Corporation.

Let's learn the lessons from 'Pre-packs' and get Company Voluntary Arrangements right - ABI

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 13:38:27 +0100

Responding to the Insolvency Service’s consultation on Company Voluntary Arrangements, Encouraging Company Rescue, Nick Starling, the ABI’s Director of General Insurance and Health, said:

SWIFTReady accreditation for Tieto's payment solution

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 13:32:07 +0100

Tieto has obtained the SWIFTReady Payments 2009 label for its Payment Suite. The accreditation is proof of Tieto's capability to provide SWIFT-compliant solutions. This SWIFTReady label awarded by SWIFT confirms Tieto's standing as a vendor with a long track record in supplying high quality payment products.

Late payment excuses causing cash flow upset for local SMEs

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:13:04 +0100

Customers continue to cause headaches for many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK by offering elaborate and far-fetched excuses for the non-payment of outstanding invoices – and it seems the reasons being given for the delay in payment are becoming increasingly creative.

Charity, Estate Agents Appeals and Consumer Credit Appeals tribunals abolished

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:21:24 +0100

Tuesday 1 September marked the end of the Charity Tribunal, Estate Agents Appeals Panel and the Consumer Credit Appeals Tribunal, as a new regime for dealing with these disputes kicked in.

Rent and mortgage arrears information goes online

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:17:23 +0100

People behind with payments on their home will have a new way of finding the best solution to their arrears problems, with the publication of new information and advice by the Ministry of Justice.

Brits dig deeper to foot funeral fees

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:38:32 +0100

Steep hikes in funeral fees mean bereaved families are being forced deeper into debt. Recession-battered Brits are struggling to pay undertaking costs, having to deal with debt collectors and even delaying burials until funds are available.

Fredrickson International Appoints Head of Recoveries

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:11:17 +0100

Surrey based debt collection agency, Fredrickson International, has promoted Mark Robertson to Head of Recoveries.

HML website enhancements launched

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 18:08:02 +0100

HML, the financial outsourcing provider, has launched an enhanced, content-rich version of its website www.hml.co.uk . In the last year, HML has undergone a brand overhaul which has seen the whole business rebranded and a new range of products introduced. The website has been redesigned to reflect the positive change and the more forward-thinking approach of the company.

Intrum Justitia adjusts operational capacity in UK CMS business

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:05:46 +0100

Intrum Justitia has completed a review of its operations in UK. The outcome of this review is that Intrum Justitia will increase its focus on the business area Purchased Debt in England.

Noble Systems Receives 2009 TMC Labs Innovation Award

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:22:58 +0100

Noble Systems, a global leader in innovative contact centre technology solutions, has received a “2009 TMC Labs Innovation Award” from Technology Marketing Corporation’s (TMC®) Customer Inter@ction Solutions® magazine for Noble® SIPhony. SIPhony is an evolutionary platform for unifying customer communications via a server-based telephony architecture. Customer Inter@ction Solutions has been the leading publication in the CRM, call centre and teleservices industri ...

Advantis bolsters operation with senior appointment

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:48:28 +0100

One of the UK’s fastest growing debt collection companies has strengthened its senior management team with the appointment of Karen Williams as its new Head of Operations.

Ain't No Mountain High Enough for CSA Staff

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:56:26 +0100

Working in the credit industry must feel like climbing one of the highest mountains in the world for some in the current climate, but not everyone actually achieves it and raises money for charity in the process.

BMW Financial Services to Partner with Chordiant Software

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:27:18 +0100

Chordiant Software, Inc. (Nasdaq: CHRD), the leading provider of Customer Experience (Cx™) software and services, today announced that BMW Financial Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of BMW AG, will partner with Chordiant’s Cx Decision Management solution and predictive modeling capability to improve its management and treatment of delinquent accounts. BMW Financial Services will leverage the Chordiant solution to drive better risk and behavioral based actions to resolve acco ...

The British pay late but reliably

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:16:28 +0100

Scarcely two-thirds of invoices in the United Kingdom are paid within an average payment period of 31 days. This is one result from the EOS Five Nations Survey 2009 ‘European Payment Practices’.

Lowell achieves Investors in People status

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:26:54 +0100

Lowell Group, the Leeds-based debt-purchasing specialist, has been awarded Investors in People status.

Noble Systems Introduces NobleR SIPhony

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 19:30:42 +0100

Noble Systems Corporation introduces Noble® SIPhony, an evolutionary platform for unifying customer communications via a server-based telephony architecture.

Response to mortgage repossession and arrears figures

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 07:36:20 +0100

Citizens Advice’s head of consumer policy, Sue Edwards said:"Today’s figures* show that some lenders are showing much more forbearance and doing a lot more to help people in arrears.

CSA Conference bigger and better than ever

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:00:46 +0100

With less than a month to go, preparations for the annual CSA and DBSG Conference continue apace. In some of the most challenging times the industry has ever faced, the CSA and DBSG have responded by designing the biggest, most informative conference yet, to equip both members and non-members alike with the tools they need to succeed.

50,000 is realistic repossession figure says AMG

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:42:06 +0100

The Asset Management Group (AMG) believes that the latest CML repossession figures coupled with their own data shows that repossessions in 2009 will reach 50,000. This is 25,000 less than forecasted at the beginning of the year.

Buy-to-let activity in second quarter of 2009

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:24:15 +0100

The buy-to-let market showed the first signs of stabilising in the second quarter as arrears improved significantly and the decline in new lending began to slow, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML).

IVA applicants' unsecured debt rises 7% to £54,000 each

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:09:35 +0100

TDX Group, the leading provider of analytics-based debt management products and services, reports a 7% rise in the amount of unsecured debt accumulated by IVA applicants in Q2 2009 compared to the same period last year. Its IVA Index, which analyses IVA applications in England and Wales, shows the average unsecured debt has increased to £54,586 compared to £50,734 in Q2 2008.

Aktiv Kapital - Second quarter report for 2009

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 09:07:20 +0100

Aktiv Kapital achieved operating revenue of NOK 300.5 million (NOK 377.1 million) in the 2nd quarter of 2009, and an operating revenue of NOK 649.1 million (NOK 747.6 million) in the 1st half of 2009.

Target Loans Boosts Collection Rates and Productivity with IVM from Qire

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:05:35 +0100

Target Loan Servicing has increased collections rates as a result of a combination of intelligent arrears management strategies and its use of Interactive Voice Messaging (IVM) technology from specialist Qire.

JBW reduces unemployment

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 12:50:32 +0100

JBW is running an ongoing recruitment drive for enforcement agents and have been inundated with CV’s and applications. As the economic downturn has seen many industries suffer, many have lost their jobs. In particular JBW have seen an influx of applications from those in the banking industry.

New charity-run debt helpline launches as personal insolvency soars

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 12:02:36 +0100

A charity has launched a new helpline and website to help recession hit consumers find a way out of their debt troubles, as the latest statistics reveal that personal insolvency has reached record levels in the UK.

Swinton ensures reliable direct debits

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 10:26:09 +0100

Swinton Insurance today announces the purchase and implementation of ALBANYverify (API) to validate all customer bank account details when setting up Direct Debit collections at the first point of data entry. ALBANYverify (API) will ensure that Swinton Insurance avoids penalty bank charges that can be incurred from inputting incorrect details, which will result in significant transaction cost savings.

CSA promotes Amanda Wright

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 10:24:22 +0100

Amanda Wright has been promoted to head-up Communications, Sales and Events at the Credit Services Association (CSA), as part of a move to boost the services offered by the Association to its members.

SEPA still a priority for 40 per cent of UK corporates

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:02:28 +0100

A recent survey by Experian, the global information services company, reveals that while the majority (67 per cent) of large UK-based organisations are primarily focused on enhancing business efficiency and reducing cost over the coming six months, payments regulation will also remain high on the corporate agenda.

Second quarter corporate insolvency statistics comment

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:54:57 +0100

Richard Fleming, UK head of restructuring, KPMG, said: “The predicted lull during the July holiday season just hasn’t materialised, as we’ve seen a swathe of insolvency appointments being made, across all sectors. We see this trend continuing well into August and probably for the second half of the year.

Personal insolvencies reach record high

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:39:47 +0100

Figures released today by the Government’s Insolvency Service revealed that levels of personal insolvency in the UK have increased for the fourth consecutive quarter as the recession continues to take its toll.

Insolvencies rise to record levels

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 11:20:01 +0100

Figures published today by the Insolvency Service show the number of personal insolvencies reached 33,073 in the second quarter of 2009 - an increase of 27.4% on the same period a year ago and a record figure for England and Wales.

Debt collections firm supports the Office of Fair Trading

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 11:16:53 +0100

Leading debt recovery specialist, Red2Black Collections Limited, has spoken out about the recent high profile loan shark convictions.

Unique approach to dealing with debtors woes

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:38:24 +0100

Leading debt collections firm, Red2Black Collections Limited, has shown an industry leading approach by completing the first ever training programme with the Samaritans to help deal more effectively with the growing numbers of people in debt.

New rights for tenants facing eviction when landlords are repossessed

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 10:35:24 +0100

Housing Minister John Healey has set out plans to give new legal protection to tenants vulnerable to being thrown out on the street with little or no notice if their private landlord is repossessed.

Margaret Doyle to open CSA conference

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 17:18:23 +0100

In challenging economic times, the forthcoming Annual CSA and DBSG Conference has been designed to deliver up-to-the minute advice and guidance from leading industry experts.

Unrivalled Protection for Bailiffs

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 17:15:08 +0100

ASEO has introduced a new, innovative, a knife and slash resistant piece of personal protective equipment that is like no other in the market.

Qire Launch Local Caller ID - getting debtors to pick up the phone

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 17:07:09 +0100

As part of their suite of debt collection offerings Qire have introduced Local Caller ID.

The Charlbury Group announces Eversheds as integration partner

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:08:49 +0100

International law firm Eversheds’ secured recoveries group has become an integration partner for arrears management specialist The Charlbury Group. Eversheds’ secured recoveries group acts more than half of the UK's lenders and, using bespoke information technology, provides a total mortgage recoveries solution, from pre-litigation through to litigation, sales in possession and shortfall recovery.

Decrees against Scottish businesses soar in Q2 2009

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:24:36 +0100

The number of decrees against Scottish businesses nearly doubled in Q2 2009, according to figures released today (July 31 2009) by Registry Trust Ltd, the non-profit company which maintains judgment and decree information in the British Isles and Ireland.

Value of judgments rises in Northern Ireland

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:23:16 +0100

The total value of judgments against businesses and consumers in Northern Ireland reached £5.9 million in the second quarter of 2009, according to figures released today (July 30 2009) by Registry Trust, the non-profit organisation that collects judgment information from Northern Ireland and other jurisdictions in the British Isles and Ireland.

MBO at Robinson, Way & Co

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:22:54 +0100

The Joint Administrators of London Scottish Bank plc (in Administration) are pleased to advise that they have agreed in principle a Management Buy Out (MBO) of Robinson, Way & Co Limited, a successful and profitable subsidiary of London Scottish Bank plc.

Value of judgments rises in Northern Ireland

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 17:04:05 +0100

Credit Account Management (CAM) launches online Client Reporting Suite

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:44:50 +0100

Panel and Asset Management Company, Credit Account Management (CAM) has launched its new, online client reporting suite.

Linmark Electronics Ltd enters into administration

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 09:58:02 +0100

Linmark Electronics Limited, a company incorporated in the UK and one of the largest suppliers of entertainment and consumer electronic products to major UK retailers, entered into administration on 28 July 2009.

MOJ launches their online Certificated Bailiff Register

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:40:59 +0100

The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has launched its online Certificated Bailiff Register.

HML outlines benefits of dealing with established mortgage servicers

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:10:21 +0100

HML, the financial outsourcing provider, says that lenders and mortgage asset owners should exercise extreme caution when outsourcing their mortgage administration and arrears management to inexperienced providers.

Money Advice Trust announces new trigger figures for the common financial statement

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:51:58 +0100

The updated CFS trigger figures will be available from the Money Advice Trust website, www.moneyadvicetrust.org , from August 1^st 2009.

Thomas Eggar LLP expands team with senior asset finance appointment

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 21:16:28 +0100

Thomas Eggar LLP can today announce the appointment of Martin Roderick as Partner and head of their Asset Finance Litigation Team. Martin will represent the asset finance arm of some of the UK's major banks and other independent finance companies.

Moriah Partners, LLC Completes Funding in Apollo Enterprise Solutions, Inc.

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 09:23:05 +0100

Moriah Growth Fund, L.P. is pleased to announce an aggregate investment of $7,650,000 in Series A Convertible Preferred Stock in Apollo Enterprise Solutions, Inc. (“Apollo”) of Irvine, California.

R3 supports MPs in launching Insolvency APPG to tackle growing debt concerns among constituents

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:47:25 +0100

The current recession has brought to the fore concerns about insolvency and the possible impact on individuals and businesses in financial trouble. MPs’ experiences in constituency surgeries has proved to be the catalyst in the setting up of a new All-Party Parliamentary Group on Insolvency whose aim is to facilitate MPs understanding of debt issues to support their work with constituents.

Exact Launches Intelligent Mortgage Servicing

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:47:25 +0100

Exact Mortgage Experts have launched its Intelligent Mortgage Servicing platform. The Exact platform uses predictive credit analysis to facilitate proactive mortgage account administration and collection strategies, delivering improved performance for lenders and borrowers. Exact clients can access 100% up to date management information on the performance of their book 24/7.

DRF responds to support OFT decision

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:38:36 +0100

The Debt Resolution Forum (DRF), welcomed the Office of Fair Trading’s recent decision not to grant a consumer credit license to a sole trader who wanted to enter the credit repair market: The OFT are insisting the trader must ‘undertake additional formal training on credit repair and debt management’ before a licence can be granted.

R3 welcomes further evidence that pre-packs work as a rescue tool

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:33:52 +0100

A report into the operation of guidelines for pre-packaged administrations (pre-packs) has been welcomed by R3, the trade body for Insolvency Practitioners.

Plenty of cash rich to rescue the needy

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:55:39 +0100

1 in 6 companies in the UK Debt Collection Agencies industry could change ownership as a result of the current economic climate, claims a new study by leading financial analysts Plimsoll. With a surprising number of “cash rich” competitors waiting in the wings, the market could be set for a prolonged period of consolidation.

Global Economy Do Coface Country Risk Conference delegates see recovery in sight?

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:23:00 +0100

Research conducted at the recent Country Risk Conference hosted by Coface, a leading provider of credit solutions for business in the UK and Ireland, found that delegates were relatively optimistic about the global economy, with 50% of respondents believing that it will begin to recover in 12 months and only 8% saying it will be 2 years.

movewithus launches LPA Light for lenders and defaulting buy-to-let borrowers

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:45:19 +0100

Property specialist movewithus has launched LPA “Light”, a receivership service that slashes the cost to lenders and ultimately their buy-to-let borrowers compared to traditional LPA Receivership*.

Callcredit launch unique verification tool for online retailers

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:54:32 +0100

Pioneering credit reference agency Callcredit today announce the launch of CallValidate, their unique and innovative online customer-not-present verification tool. The first electronic service in the UK to provide a single search that confirms the customer’s identity (name, address date of birth) linked to their bank account and debit or credit card details used for payment during a live transaction.

New board member for debt recovery and trace consultants

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 10:41:21 +0100

Mackenzie Hall has announced the appointment of Peter Fee as Finance Director and Board Member of Mackenzie Hall.

Adeptra supports governments White Paper to reduce consumer debt

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:52:12 +0100

Adeptra, the recognised leader in automated customer communications to companies engaged in consumer credit and risk management, today advised credit card issuers to review their customer contact strategies in line with recommendations in the government’s consumer whitepaper released last week, aimed at protecting consumers from excessive debt.

JVC UK, a division of JVC Europe Ltd., appoints Credit Manager

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:12:34 +0100

JVC are pleased to announce the appointment of Carole Morgan to the post of Credit Manager for JVC UK, a division of JVC Europe Limited. Currently the Credit Manager of the professional division of the company, Carole now also assumes responsibility for credit managing the JVC European operation, following the retirement of Dermot O’Rourke from this position earlier this month.

Defusing The Consumer Debt Timebomb Before It Explodes

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:12:29 +0100

Portrait Software, a leading provider of insight driven customer interaction software, has demonstrated a cost-effective solution - Pre-Delinquency Management (PDM) - that allows lenders to predict potential delinquency, help customers manage debt and reduce levels of impaired debt as a result.

Council advertises for bailiffs to clear Traveller's sites

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:22:32 +0100

Basildon council has published a notice seeking expressions of interest from bailiffs to potentially carry out the eviction of Travellers at Dale Farm and Hovefields Drive.

Bridge Business Recovery looks to capitalise on opportunities in London following key appointments

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 10:59:52 +0100

Corporate Recovery boutique Bridge Business Recovery is set to become an even bigger player in London and the South East following the appointment of two high-profile partners within its London office.

Consumer Credit Directive - CSA/DBSG

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:26:03 +0100

CSA News reports that yet another change to consumer credit legislation is due. The Consumer Credit Directive (CCD) consultation has just closed, the results of which will be released in November giving creditors only six months to update their systems to comply.

New appointment at Oriel

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:36:48 +0100

Oriel, the Cheltenham-based specialists in finance and business services for the recruitment sector and SMEs, has made a key new appointment.

Major IT company entered into FPBs Hall of Shame

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:35:05 +0100

A leading IT company has been named and shamed by a business support and lobby group after doubling the amount of time it takes to pay some suppliers.

Insolvency Webinar

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:23:04 +0100

Credit professionals will have the opportunity to get a full understanding of the law on insolvency and to learn some of the best practice techniques to employ if a customer becomes insolvent, at an innovative new webinar next month.

Small construction firms to suffer from change to payment terms

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:24:18 +0100

A FTSE-listed construction company that claims one of its ‘core values’ is to make its suppliers more profitable is doubling the time in which it pays them.

Capacity-driven process key to protocol success says legal recoveries specialist

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:16:07 +0100

Capacity-driven process is proving key to pre-action protocol success on mortgage repossessions, according to a legal recoveries specialist.

HML puts TCF at the heart of growing industry debate around arrears management practices

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:18:52 +0100

HML, the financial outsourcing provider and the leading third party mortgage administrator in the UK, has appealed to lenders and servicers to do all they can to help borrowers in difficulty in the current market. The firm has also endorsed the approach taken by the FSA in its recent thematic review of arrears management and repossessions.

Lowell Group buys the fixed assets of J2 Solutions

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:11:07 +0100

Lowell Group has bought the fixed assets of J2 Solutions Ltd from its owners, JZ International, the majority shareholder in Mackenzie Hall.

New protocol launched to improve council tax collection practices

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:36:12 +0100

A protocol to ensure better council tax arrears collection practices will be launched today by Citizens Advice and the Local Government Association (LGA) at the LGA conference in Harrogate.

Manchester MD scoops 40 under 40 award

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:27:29 +0100

Stuart Parkin, founder and Managing Director of Manchester-based debt management company Kensington Financial Management Consultants, has been honoured for his success in business and named one of the top 40 business people in Manchester.

Collections team takes a lesson in listening from the best!

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:38:27 +0100

Leading debt recovery specialist Red2Black Collections Limited is partnering with the nation’s best listeners, the Samaritans, to develop its workforce into the industry’s most effective communicators.

DBSG launches new diploma plus

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:36:25 +0100

The Debt Buyers and Sellers Group (DBSG), has launched a new City and Guilds accredited advanced training course, offering an expert introduction to debt purchase practices and principles.

ICM appoints new chief executive

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:10:49 +0100

Philip King has been appointed Chief Executive of the Institute of Credit Management (ICM) as part of a move to streamline the management structure of the organisation and make it fit for purpose for the 21st Century.

Citizens Advice issues warning about overzealous use of charging orders

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:26:37 +0100

Lenders are increasingly threatening customers with charging orders as a tactic to intimidate debtors into paying unaffordable amounts says a new report out today from national charity Citizens Advice.

Powell to head up Incasso Operations

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:39:10 +0100

Incasso LLP, a leading debt recovery provider in the UK, today announced that it has appointed Richard Powell as Operations Manager.

ICM expresses dismay at court fees rise

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:10:03 +0100

A leading Institute has expressed alarm at plans to increase court fees, describing the current system as ‘appalling’.

Payments Council sets a time frame for withdrawing the guarantee scheme for cheques

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:04:54 +0100

The Payments Council has today announced that following a full stakeholder review and detailed research, it believes that use of the Cheque Guarantee Card Scheme is in terminal decline and that this needs to be managed to provide clarity and certainty for users and acceptors.

JBW's high ethical standards confirmed with Good Governance audit

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:48:58 +0100

Leading quality auditors QMS International plc, recently carried out a Good Governance audit for ethical debt management and enforcement provider JBW Group with the results validating the organisation’s meticulous ethical framework and high quality standards.

A statement on the future of Robinson Way

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:45:28 +0100

Management are working with the Administrators of London Scottish Bank on a proposal which secures the independence and future of the Robinson Way business in serving collection clients, outsource clients and debt sale partners.

Businesses fail to use legislation to tackle late payment

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:57:26 +0100

With only glimmers of a recovery on the horizon, Lovetts, one of the UK’s leading debt recovery law firms, is urging businesses to exploit their right to charge interest and claim compensation on late payment. Just 37% of all claims issued by the company on behalf of its customers currently have late payment interest and/or compensation applied.

Portakabin signs up DWF for debt recovery work

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:05:11 +0100

The Portakabin Group has appointed law firm DWF to provide debt recovery services.

If arrears don't fit in a box, servicers and lenders 'put customers into litigation as default'

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:29:44 +0100

Garry Stran, chief executive of Clarity Credit Management, comments on today’s warning from the FSA that lenders are still not meeting their expectations in respect of treating customers fairly:

Necessity proves the mother of invention

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:21:39 +0100

A new study by industry analysts Plimsoll Publishing looking into the financial state of the UK Debt Collection Agencies industry has, despite the UK recession, awarded 165 of UK’s top 383 Debt Collection Agencies companies a strong financial rating for their outstanding financial performance.

First Data Wins Award for Best Merger and Acquisition

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:12:54 +0100

First Data, a global leader in electronic commerce and payment processing services, has won an award for Best Merger and Acquisition, in recognition of Trionis, the interbank processing business jointly owned by First Data and 15 former EUFISERV shareholders. The award was presented to First Data at the Cards and Payments Europe 2009 gala dinner, which took place in Prague last Thursday.

Servicers Need To Up Their Game

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:08:53 +0100

Referring to the latest review from the Financial Services Authority (FSA) regarding continued weaknesses in the way specialist lending firms and third party administrators are handling mortgage arrears and repossessions, Alan Cleary, managing director of Exact mortgage experts, said:

JaywingDMG first to market with cost-saving Digital Collections

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:02:02 +0100

JaywingDMG, the credit risk, fraud and marketing specialist, is launching Digital Collections, a unique proposition which will improve the efficiency of pre-delinquency and collections activities within financial services.

IMLA Responds to Todays FSA Statement on Specialist Lenders

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:16:46 +0100

Today’s FSA release on the second phase of its work on arrears and possessions and the role of service providers and currently inactive specialist lenders has identified some continuing weaknesses in the sector - albeit drawn from a small sample of firms.

FSA refers firms to enforcement in clampdown on poor mortgage arrears handling

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:15:09 +0100

The latest review from the Financial Services Authority (FSA) has found continued weaknesses in the way specialist lending firms and third party administrators are handling mortgage arrears and repossessions.

CCUA - 21 years of talking but still the message does not get through

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:11:53 +0100

The Civil Court Users Association (CCUA) expressed their disappointment at the increases in court fees announced on Thursday.

whitehot property launches roadshows to support lenders repossession sales

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:45:43 +0100

whitehotproperty.co.uk, the UK’s only website that exclusively sells chain-free properties from corporate vendors (repossessions, probate, etc), is launching a series of roadshows in July in Nottingham to help promote their benefits to consumers and help lenders sell more stock.

Baines and Ernst become members of the Debt Managers Standards Association (DEMSA).

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:42:13 +0100

Baines and Ernst Limited, part of the Paymex Group, have recently become members of the Debt Managers Standards Association (DEMSA), the only debt management trade association which has accreditation under the Office of Fair Trading Consumer Codes Approval Scheme (CCAS).

Genesys UC Connect to integrate with IBM, Microsoft and Alcatel-Lucent

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:32:44 +0100

Genesys, an Alcatel-Lucent company (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU), has taken a major step in bringing unified communication (UC) to the contact centre environment through the launch of UC Connect – a product initiative designed to foster integration and interoperability between the Genesys Customer Interaction Management (CIM) software platform and UC solutions from many of the major providers in the industry.

Numbers Seeking Free Debt Advice Soars

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:37:32 +0100

ClearStart is expecting an increase in the number of people seeking fee free debt advice after letting debts spiral out of control. This follows data released from the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), from April 2008-March 2009 the Citizens Advice service saw 1.93 million new debt problems advised on, an 11% increase on 2007/8.

Insolvency regime reform: CVA extension welcomed but rights of secured creditors flagged

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:05:17 +0100

Commenting on last night's announcement by the Insolvency Service that it has opened up consultation on proposed reforms to the insolvency regime, Richard Heis, restructuring partner at KPMG, said:

Website marketing most important factor for lenders when selling repossessions

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:32:18 +0100

Research from the whitehotproperty.co.uk, the UK’s only website that exclusively sells properties from corporate vendors, has revealed that ‘website marketing’ is the most important factor for lenders when choosing an asset manager to sell repossessed properties.

New ownership for Drydens

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:42:47 +0100

Drydens, the specialist debt litigation law firm, has been purchased by lawyer and licensed insolvency practitioner Philip Holden for an undisclosed figure after reporting its sixth consecutive year of growth.

Kensington Financial - 'One of the Best Places To Work in Manchester'

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:57:08 +0100

It’s official – Kensington Financial Management Consultants is one of the Best Places To Work in Manchester. The leading debt management company was presented with the award this week in a high profile ceremony hosted by Crain’s Manchester business newspaper, attended by some of the leading business figures in the region.

ICM plans schedule of regional events for 2010 in place of annual event

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:51:37 +0100

The Institute of Credit Management (ICM) has announced that instead of its 2010 credit management conference and exhibition, it is planning a series of regional events to reach out to its members over the course of next year.

Credit managers urge Sir Alan to act promptly on late payment

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:39:37 +0100

The Institute of Credit Management (ICM) is urging Sir Alan Sugar to join its campaign in improving the payment culture within big businesses and their treatment of smaller suppliers.

Res-Q Contact Services Best Practices Award for Contact Centre Technology from Noble Systems

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:57:29 +0100

Noble Systems Corporation, a global leader in contact centre technology solutions, recently presented the ‘Best Practices Award’ to Res-Q Contact Centre Services.

Griffins Licensed Insolvency Practitioners launches its Dubai Operation

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:39:31 +0100

Following an agreement between Griffins Licensed Insolvency Practitioners of London and Sajjad Haider Chartered Accountants LLP of Dubai, Griffins has now established itself in Dubai with offices at both the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC) and on the Dubai mainland.

Lowell directors prepare to tackle Three Peaks Challenge

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:33:52 +0100

Lowell Group’s CEO James Cornell and director of IT John Stewart are looking to raise money for the charity WaterAid by completing the 24 hour Three Peaks Challenge.

Pauline Quirke Academy streamlines business payment processes with Albany software

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:52:17 +0100

The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA), the weekend drama school that runs sessions up and down the country, has selected ALBACS from market leading e-transaction software author, Albany Software.

Loss of income becomes number one reason for asking for Debt management help

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:30:49 +0100

Leading debt management provider, EuroDebt Financial Services, has published its report of the reasons for clients signing up to a Debt Management Plan (DMP) for the period December 2008 to May 2009.

CML Scotland response to Repossessions Working Group report

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:15:09 +0100

The Council of Mortgage Lenders Scotland was pleased to be a part of the Repossessions Working Group and looks forward to playing an active role as the Scottish government takes the group’s recommendations further.

Chronic Capacity Shortfall In The Debt Advice Sector

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:24:15 +0100

Difficulty in obtaining debt advice could see more Brits losing their homes and falling further into serious debt warns ClearStart.

Logbook Loans Appoints New Chief Executive

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:50:48 +0100

Logbook Loans, the UK’s first, and most successful, logbook loans company, has announced the appointment of Matthew Heap as new chief executive. Matthew takes over from Barry Pilgrim who will take on the role of non-executive chairman.

Credit Resource Solutions gets bigger

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:19:00 +0100

As part of their continued growth Credit Resource Solutions Limited (CRS) have moved to larger premises near Halifax.

Bank of England Maintains Bank Rate at 0. ...

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:19:12 +0100

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee today voted to maintain the official Bank Rate paid on commercial bank reserves at 0.5%. The Committee also voted to continue with its programme of asset purchases totalling £125 billion financed by the issuance of central bank reserves.

Competition Commission requires Capita to sell part of acquired software business

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:09:19 +0100

Capita Group plc (Capita) is being required to sell part of the IBS OPENSystems plc (IBS) software business it acquired last year after an investigation by the Competition Commission (CC).

New debt guides to help consumers

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 10:26:48 +0100

A second wave of consumer advice guides explaining the workings
of the debt collection industry is to be published by The Credit Services
Association (CSA) this week.

Aktiv Kapital has renegotiated the multi-currency credit facility

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 20:24:25 +0100

Aktiv Kapital ASA has successfully amended the loan agreement with the existing banking syndicate.

Qire Launches Business Debt Recovery Service to Improve Collection Rates from Companies in Arrears

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:30:21 +0100

Interactive Voice Messaging specialist Qire has launched a business debt recovery solution to help creditors improve collection rates on unpaid bills and arrears.

HML Appoints Eversheds to its Special Servicing Panel

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 10:30:14 +0100

HML, the financial outsourcing provider, has confirmed Eversheds as its legal partner for litigation work on its recently launched Special Servicing proposition.

The Payments Council produces best practice guidelines on the format of account numbers

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:59:09 +0100

The Payments Council has honoured its commitment, made in the National Payments Plan, to evaluate the problems linked to using non-standard format account numbers. Best practice guidelines have been designed to encourage adoption of standard account numbers as well as assist those financial institutions that still use non-standard account numbers.

Auto-resolution technology best solution for promptly responding to suspected credit and debit card

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:27:01 +0100

Adeptra, the recognised leader in automated contact and resolution services to companies engaged in consumer credit and risk management, today announced that in the battle to combat credit and debit card fraud, its Auto-resolution technology has been used globally to handle more than 15 million account queries, in the year to April 2009.

CSA & DBSG announce details of September Conference

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:25:21 +0100

The Credit Services Association (CSA), together with the Debt Buyers and Sellers Group (DBSG), has announced details of its annual conference, to help ensure that members and non-members alike are equipped to deal with some of the most challenging times the industry has faced.

84% of Lenders say Public Notices should be published online

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:05:31 +0100

84% of lenders questioned at the BSA conference believed Public Notices, often referred to as Seven Day notices, need to be published online to attain maximum value, according to a survey carried out by whitehotproperty.co.uk.

Nottingham's TDX group named among UK's best workplaces

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:03:25 +0100

Nottingham based TDX Group, a market-leader in the debt industry, has once again been named one of the top fifty in the Great Place to Work® Institute’s annual rankings, as published in the Financial Times and the Guardian. The company featured in the list for the second year running, which was topped this year by Danone.

HML Appoints Field Counsellors to its Special Servicing Panel

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:26:49 +0100

HML, the financial outsourcing provider, has announced the appointment of Property Service Partnership and Debt Management Services as its field counselling partners for its Special Servicing proposition.

Late payment remains the big problem but turnover expectations improve

Fri, 29 May 2009 13:31:30 +0100

The latest British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Monthly Business Survey published today, reveals the extent of the problem businesses face with late payment and confirms their recruitment intentions over the summer months.

NCO Group Acquires Complete Credit Management Limited

Fri, 29 May 2009 09:40:54 +0100

NCO Group, Inc, a leading provider of business process outsourcing services, announced today that its pan European subsidiary, NCO Europe Limited, completed the acquisition of Complete Credit Management Limited (CCM) from Severn Trent Services Group.

One million people insolvent in the UK

Thu, 28 May 2009 16:25:08 +0100

Around 700,000 people are currently left off the official British insolvency figures, even though they are technically insolvent. Added to the official figures, this means the total of insolvent individuals in the UK is now approaching 1 million.

Lovetts appoints client relationship manager

Thu, 28 May 2009 15:35:29 +0100

Lovetts, one of the UK’s leading law firms specialising in the recovery of overdue debts and commercial litigation resulting from debtor or creditor agreements, has appointed Chris Hunter to the newly created role of Client Relationship Manager.

NCO Group Acquires Complete Credit Management Limited

Thu, 28 May 2009 15:28:42 +0100

NCO Group, Inc. (“NCO” or the “Company”), a leading provider of business process outsourcing services, announced today that its pan European subsidiary, NCO Europe Limited, completed the acquisition of Complete Credit Management Limited (“CCM”) from Severn Trent Services Group.

Albany Software launches Albany eCOLLECTsmall business edition

Wed, 27 May 2009 15:21:13 +0100

Albany Software, the UK’s leading e-transactions software author, has today announced the launch of Albany eCOLLECTsmall business edition.

Regus selects Moreton Smith's Collections Software and Collection Services

Wed, 27 May 2009 15:03:08 +0100

Moreton Smith have announced today that Regus have selected 'The Credit Management Solutions Organisation - Moreton Smith' to provide Collections Software initially to its UK operation. As well as the technology, Moreton Smith will also provide 'Resource Support' for 1st party and 3rd Party collection activity.

Faster Payments celebrates first birthday

Tue, 26 May 2009 17:26:50 +0100

Today the Faster Payments Service, launched one year ago on 27th May 2008 celebrates its first birthday.

OFT warns debt management businesses over cold calling

Tue, 26 May 2009 13:18:14 +0100

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has told six debt management businesses and four cold-calling companies to stop using unsolicited and misleading calls to advertise their services or face formal enforcement action.

Gap yawns between the sick and the healthy in UK Debt Collection Agencies market

Fri, 22 May 2009 10:08:16 +0100

The first snapshot of how the debt collection agencies market is changing as a result of the UK economic slowdown has just been released by industry analysts Plimsoll Publishing.

Face time with borrowers is crucial to keep arrears down, says Clarity Credit Management

Mon, 18 May 2009 18:19:37 +0100

Following the latest arrears and possessions stats from the CML, Mike Perry, group sales and marketing director at Clarity Credit Management, said:

Experian Payments comment on the migration to the Single Euro Payments Area

Mon, 18 May 2009 18:12:28 +0100

Comment on the development on the migration to SEPA from Jonathan Williams, Director of Strategic Development at Experian Payments.

Credit control experts offer support through Prince's Trust initiative

Mon, 18 May 2009 17:57:45 +0100

An award-winning firm that has won critical acclaim from companies across Merseyside with their innovative credit control online toolkit is offering young people setting up in business access to the package as part of an unique Prince’s Trust initiative.

The Co-operative Bank bucks the trend in responsible lending with 50% fall in repossessions

Mon, 18 May 2009 17:14:35 +0100

The Council of Mortgage Lenders has painted a negative short term picture in the number of repossessions for 2009; The Co-operative Bank can reveal it has cut repossession by half in the past 12 months.

OFT warns debt sector about tracing tactics

Mon, 18 May 2009 16:37:12 +0100

The OFT is warning the debt collection and tracing sector that using neighbours to pass on messages to trace subjects is an unacceptable practice and should be ceased immediately.

Prompt payment - ICM welcomes the pledge from big business

Fri, 15 May 2009 08:59:45 +0100

The Institute of Credit Management (ICM) has welcomed the pledge from big businesses to live up to their word to pay on time and sign the BERR backed Prompt Payment Code.

Level Of Business Debt Being Chased Increases By 58%

Thu, 14 May 2009 11:34:07 +0100

As the first signs of economic recovery are being viewed with caution, Lovetts, one of the UK’s leading debt recovery law firms has revealed an unprecedented rise in volumes of bad debt being pursued for payment.

Customers Pay 90% More When Put in Control of Their Debt

Thu, 14 May 2009 09:03:44 +0100

Indebted customers repay nearly twice as much to creditors if they decide how much to pay themselves, according to Clarity Credit Management Solutions - the debt collection agency of the year. Customers using Clarity’s “self-service” customer-facing debt payment website, www.payclarity.com paid 90% more to their creditors in April than customers being managed through the traditional letter/telephony process. The average repayment made by indebted customers in April ...

Big businesses pledges to pay fair and sign up to prompt payment

Wed, 13 May 2009 17:25:26 +0100

Business Minister, Shriti Vadera, today met with leaders from big business and urged them to "pay fair" and sign up to the Government's Prompt Payment Code.

Customers Pay 90% More When Put in Control of Their Debt

Wed, 13 May 2009 16:23:36 +0100

Indebted customers repay nearly twice as much to creditors if they decide how much to pay themselves, according to Clarity Credit Management Solutions - the debt collection agency of the year.

Getting Britain's unemployed back to work

Tue, 12 May 2009 16:26:27 +0100

The latest employment figures published by the UK Statistics Authority, show another rise in unemployment though almost 300,000 people left the claimant count last month.

Philip Evans the prominent industry expert joins JBW

Tue, 12 May 2009 16:01:34 +0100

Philip Evans, a pro-active and well-known figure in the civil enforcement sector for over 15 years has joined JBW, the ethical debt management, recovery and enforcement service.

LexisNexis to Automate Debt Recovery Processes at Arrow Global

Tue, 12 May 2009 12:15:50 +0100

LexisNexis, a leading provider of Practice & Productivity Management solutions, announces that Arrow Global, one of the largest consumer debt buyers in the UK, is deploying Visualfiles, its case management system, to create an in-house, centralised debt recovery system.

MEGA to present public sector event on Enterprise Architecture

Mon, 11 May 2009 17:38:26 +0100

MEGA, the international company that provides enterprise architecture (EA), business process analysis (BPA) , and integrated governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) software solutions, will be presenting a conference on supporting change, achieving efficiency, and ultimately adding value in the public sector.

European governments can provide 65bn stimulus to economies by paying on time

Mon, 11 May 2009 17:11:45 +0100

Research to be released tomorrow in Brussels by leading credit management services company Intrum Justitia is set to show that European governments could provide a €65bn stimulus to their home economies by simply paying invoices owed to suppliers in full and on time.

whitehotproperty.co.uk launches new product to help Lenders with TCF

Fri, 08 May 2009 15:50:02 +0100

A new product, designed to help lenders to adhere to the 'Treat Customers Fairly' (TCF) principle of attaining best price for property, is being launched by whitehotproperty.co.uk at the Building Societies Association (BSA) conference in Harrogate.

CSA launches new breakfast training seminars

Fri, 08 May 2009 15:26:28 +0100

The Credit Services Association (CSA) has launched its first breakfast training seminars, offering bite size sessions to deliver proven success strategies to busy credit professionals, all before elevenses.

Noble Systems Introduces Outbound WFM

Wed, 06 May 2009 15:00:10 +0100

Noble Systems, a global leader in innovative contact centre technology solutions, introduces its innovative Outbound WFM module for Noble® Workforce Management, a powerful and complete workforce management system. Noble Outbound WFM fills a void left by many WFM products which focus only on inbound communications.

Kurt Obermaier to retire from CSA

Wed, 06 May 2009 14:38:47 +0100

Kurt Obermaier is to retire as executive director of the Credit Services Association (CSA) next year.

Repossessions predictions worse than 1990s recession

Tue, 05 May 2009 08:02:29 +0100

Leading repossessions expert, Moore Blatch, warns that the predictions for repossessions orders and distressed sales could be far worse than in the 1990’s.

Irwin Mitchell launches new debt collection agency

Tue, 05 May 2009 07:48:53 +0100

Leading national law firm Irwin Mitchell LLP has announced a further expansion of its group with the launch of a separate business, Ascent Collections Ltd, a full service DCA (debt collection agency).

Creditaction Debt Facts and Figures - Compiled 1st May 2009

Fri, 01 May 2009 15:25:42 +0100

Total UK personal debt at the end of March 2009 stood at £1,459bn. This has slowed further to 2.2% in the last 12 months which equates to an increase of ~ £28bn (the increase was ~£116bn in January 2008).

Record numbers of personal insolvencies points to a grim year ahead

Fri, 01 May 2009 15:05:41 +0100

Today’s announcement of 29,774 personal insolvencies (comprising 19,062 bankruptcies and 10,713 Individual Voluntary Arrangements) is a shock rise of 19% on the same quarter a year ago.

Statistics release: insolvencies in the first quarter 2009

Fri, 01 May 2009 12:13:07 +0100

Statistics showing insolvencies in the first quarter of 2009 are published today (1 May) by the Insolvency Service.

Aktiv Kapital UK New Leadership Appointment

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:22:53 +0100

Aktiv Kapital UK has confirmed the appointment of Chris Hague as Strategy Director.

Red2Black backs new approach to mortgage arrears

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:07:15 +0100

Debt recovery specialist Red2Black Collections is backing Government calls for a more sympathetic approach to homeowners with mortgage arrears.

KPMG wins two MCA Management Awards for APACS work

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:01:37 +0100

KPMG has won two awards for Overall Best Private Sector Project and Change Management (Private Sector) for work done with APACS, the UK payments trade association, on the UK’s Faster Payments initiative to deliver same-day payments to consumers.

Firstsource reports Q4 fiscal 2009 revenues of USD 101.6 million

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:05:48 +0100

Firstsource Solutions Limited (NSE:FSL, BSE:532809), a global provider of business process outsourcing (BPO) services, announced today its consolidated financial results for the quarter and financial year ended March 2009 according to Indian GAAP.

Leading Developer joins Incasso LLP

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:39:44 +0100

Incasso LLP, a leading debt recovery provider in the UK, today announced that it has appointed Mark Downs, to take on a new role of Support Services Executive from the end of April.

EOS Group opens new company in Croatia

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:25:04 +0100

As of 1 March 2009, the EOS Group, an Otto Group company, entered the Croatian market. The new local company EOS Matrix d.o.o. offers debt collection, debt purchase as well as collection training and consulting to clients in Croatia.

Road to recovery is long and winding for UK hotels

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:47:58 +0100

Early indicators show UK hotels, of all shapes and sizes are in for a rough ride over 2009, with nearly 200 per cent more hotel companies becoming insolvent in Q1 2009 than in the same quarter last year.

30 Days Grace A Welcomed Move From Kensington Financial Management Consultants

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:33:16 +0100

Following the recent news that collections agencies have agreed not to chase debts for 30 days when debtors seek advice from accredited debt advisers, Kensington Financial Management Consultants comments:

99% JJB creditors vote through CVA proposal

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:26:27 +0100

Richard Fleming, UK Head of Restructuring at KPMG and ‘Supervisor’ of the CVA, commented:

Peter Sargent becomes the next president of R3

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:36:47 +0100

Peter Sargent, Partner at Begbies Traynor in Halifax, has started his year tenure as R3’s new president today. Peter is well placed as a spokesperson for R3, the insolvency trade body, with over 25 years experience working on both corporate and personal insolvency cases.

Fraud trends and recession go hand in hand

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:39:19 +0100

The analysis of fraud trends during the first quarter of 2009 by CIFAS - The UK's Fraud Prevention Service - reveals some particularly alarming patterns. Of particular note are:

Red2Black Collections is celebrating record growth this year over 300%!

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:42:18 +0100

The debt recovery specialist has attracted on average three new clients per month since its re-brand in early 2008, and believes the secret to the company’s success is the investment in quality processes, quality people and industry-leading practices.

Mackenzie Hall Welcomes OFT Findings & Renewal of Consumer Credit Licens

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:59:32 +0100

Mackenzie Hall Ltd has welcomed the findings of the recent audit undertaken by the Office of Fair Trading and the successful renewal of Mackenzie Hall’s Consumer Credit License.

Ratio Money welcomes SRA warning about debt claim

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:52:41 +0100

Ratio Money welcomes the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) warning that lawyers should not accept business from claims management companies that mislead people about the prospect of getting their loans written off.

Kingslegal integrates with The Charlbury Group

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:59:05 +0100

Specialist law firm Kingslegal has become an integration partner for Oxfordshire-based system provider The Charlbury Group.

OFT imposes requirements on Mackenzie Hall to improve handling of disputed debts

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:50:29 +0100

The Office of Fair Trading has taken action against Mackenzie Hall Ltd, a
debt collection company, requiring it to improve its practices.

Credit Account Management (CAM) Promotion Christian Jacob,

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:22:21 +0100

Panel and Asset Management Company, Credit Account Management (CAM) has promoted Christian Jacob to Operations Director.

Lakeside Lodge fully automates membership payments

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:52:00 +0100

Lakeside Lodge, a leisure complex located in the heart of Cambridgeshire, has selected ALBACS from e-transaction software author Albany Software to update and streamline its payment processes.

Debt collector fined over £6,000

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:56:30 +0100

The director of a debt recovery company has been successfully prosecuted by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for bombarding individuals and businesses with unwanted faxes. The action follows over 500 complaints from individuals and businesses to the ICO and the Fax Preference Service (FPS).

Information at your fingertips

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 09:35:07 +0100

Incasso LLP, who are a leading debt recovery provider in the UK, have announced the launch of their new and improved online extranet facility – Incasso Connect, which supports their open and transparent approach to partnerships.

Intrum Justitia; statement on outlook for operations in United Kingdom and Ireland

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:15:44 +0100

In connection with the Year End Report 2008 Intrum Justitia stated that the
Group's operations in the region were subject to a number of strategic
measures to improve profitability and that in the long run the UK and
Ireland losses are unacceptable.

LG advises on 'pre-pack' administration for law firm

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:42:04 +0100

Business law firm LG advises restructuring experts Begbies Traynor, who were appointed administrators of Hextalls LLP at the High Court today, on one of the first pre-pack administrations to be implemented for a law firm.

Appointment of Chief Executive Officer for HCEOA

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:03:27 +0100

The High Court Enforcement Officers Association (HCEOA) has announced the appointment of Vernon Phillips as its Chief Executive Officer. Mr Phillips will be joining from the Enforcement Services Association where he is currently its Executive Director.

TouchStar Call Centre Software in software development partnership with VOICE Marketing

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:27:45 +0100

TouchStar Call Centre Software has today announced a strategic technology partnership with leading outsourced service provider VOICE Marketing .

Lehman Brothers International (Europe) in administration 6 month update

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 17:38:50 +0100

The joint administrators of Lehman Brothers International (Europe) (“LBIE”) have updated the creditor community today with the issue of their progress report for the last six months.

New debt write off role for Coronation Street star

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:37:10 +0100

Coronation Street actor Michael Le Vell, who plays Kevin Webster in the TV soap, is to become a consumer champion by helping people who have been ripped off by banks and lenders.

Moon Beever still an 'Invester in People'

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 12:08:37 +0100

In 2002, Moon Beever was first recognised as an Investor in People. The firm was very proud back then and still is as it is seen as a great achievement.

New director announced for GPB Solicitors

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 09:25:54 +0100

Geoffrey Parker Bourne Solicitors have announced the appointment of Martin Sheppard as a director of the firm.

Paymex lead the way as DRO goes live

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 18:24:52 +0100

Baines & Ernst Limited, part of the Paymex Group, has been approved by The Secretary of State as a competent authority approved to authorise intermediaries acting in Debt Relief Order (DRO) applications.

Despite assurances cuts hit front line services - CCUA

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 18:05:53 +0100

The Civil Court Users Association (CCUA) is growing increasingly concerned over delays being reported by members in County Courts.

Juliet Fake appointed CEO of TALKINGtech

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:55:56 +0100

Juliet Fake has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of TALKINGtech, the interactive voice messaging provider. Founded in 1986, TALKINGtech services a wide range of major mobile, telecommunications, financial services and utility companies across the globe, with offices in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, North America and South Africa.

New sales and marketing director - SRJ Debt Recoveries

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 17:02:37 +0100

Surrey based consumer debt collection agency, SRJ Debt Recoveries Limited, have announced the appointment of Michael Court as Sales and Marketing Director.

Intrum Justitia announces UK expansion plans

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:45:47 +0100

Europe’s leading debt collection company, Intrum Justitia, is increasing its UK workforce by almost 50% to meet the demand of businesses being hit by the late payment of bills.

Personal insolvency numbers to skyrocket with new statutory debt solution

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:41:39 +0100

The new low-cost, out of court insolvency vehicle the Debt Relief Order (DRO) has so far generally been welcomed with open arms, but R3, the insolvency trade body questions whether the true impact has been underestimated. The introduction of the procedure today will open the gates to an unknown number of individuals with low incomes, and very limited assets who have found themselves unable to pay back their debt.

New 30-day rule to help households take control of their finances

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:21:06 +0100

Debt collectors have agreed with Government to give 30 days' breathing space to borrowers struggling to repay debts.

Up to 50,000 people could turn to Debt Relief Orders in their first year say KPMG

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:14:06 +0100

Monday 6 April 2009 sees the introduction of Debt Relief Orders (‘DROs’), which will allow consumers with debts of less than £15,000, and minimal assets or surplus income, to write off their debts without entering into a full blown bankruptcy.

CSA Meets with Key Ministers

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:15:57 +0100

Leading figures from across the UK met with a number of key ministers and MPs to discuss the issues facing the credit industry.

Industry leaders gather to discuss crucial role of identity in business

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:57:59 +0100

How can organisations use identity information responsibly to grow the business AND combat fraud? Business leaders will gather in London on 20-21 May to discuss the increasing value of identity information in enterprise.

CML response to campaign to protect private tenants from repossession

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 10:50:15 +0100

When looking at the potential problem of repossession for private tenants, the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) believes it is important to distinguish between different groups of occupiers.

Albany software expands sales team by appointing two new sales consultants

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:25:43 +0100

Albany Software, the UK’s leading e-transactions software author, has expanded its sales team with the appointment of two new members. Mike Brooke and Matt Tully will both join as Sales Consultants in order to manage growing client demand and strong year-on-year growth.

Graeme Linaker and Emmaline King join dlc

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 13:37:04 +0100

dlc the Northampton based debt purchaser and DCA have extended their Sales team by the appointment of two Business Development Managers.

eie MACM: a new partnership

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 09:23:41 +0100

The Malta Association of Credit Management (MACM) has recently been appointed official MBA Corporate Partner of the European Institute of Education (eie) within the IUKB MBA programme.

Law firm DWF wins Anglian Water debt recovery services work

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 10:00:00 +0100

Anglian Water, one of the leading providers of water and waste water services in the UK, has appointed law firm DWF to provide debt recovery services.

Opportunities shine amid the gloom in UK Debt Collection Agencies industry

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:36:39 +0100

On the face of it, news in the UK Debt Collection Agencies industry is grim: with a record number of companies losing money, and overall business values plummeting to the extent that almost half are now worth less than half their value of 12 months ago, it’s difficult to find much good news.

Government 10 day payment pledge to SMEs not being met

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 11:32:32 +0100

New research from commercial credit reference agency Graydon UK, reveals today that last autumn’s Government pledge to ease the cashflow problems faced by small firms through the payment by Government departments of trade invoices in 10 rather than the usual 30 days, is taking longer than expected to take effect.

2008 fraud figures announced by APACS

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 11:16:32 +0100

Fraud loss figures released today (19 March 2009) by APACS, the UK payments association, show that card fraud losses totalled £609.9m in 2008. The two main areas of fraud were on transactions not protected by chip and PIN: specifically internet, phone and mail order fraud; and fraud abroad - committed by criminals using stolen UK card details in countries yet to upgrade to chip and PIN - which has nearly doubled in two years.

Backbone in place as Manchester growth continues

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:38:45 +0100

Shoosmiths is to make three significant new appointments at its recently-opened Manchester office. Paul McDowell, Peter Hamer and Nigel Burrows complete the ‘backbone’ of the national law firm’s mortgage shortfall recoveries operation, as its North West operation continues to expand.

Tighter regulations for bailiffs announced

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 17:28:00 +0100

Plans for a new code regulating the activities of bailiffs were announced by Justice Minister Bridget Prentice today. To provide clarity for debtors and certainty for creditors, the following measures will be implemented in advance of full independent regulation:

Strategic Partnership To Bring Mobile Payments To Millions

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:09:04 +0100

Orange and Barclaycard today announced a long term strategic partnership to develop a range of mobile, financial and payment services that will change the way we pay.

TouchStar Call Centre Software Expand Customer Support Operation

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 15:23:01 +0100

TouchStar CCS, a supplier of call centre software has today announced the expansion of their customer support operation. The Manchester based company has rapidly expanded over the past three years and are moving to new premises at The Works Business Centre in the Ardwick area of the city.

Improving performance & reducing cost in collections activity

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:34:21 +0100

It is already well-documented that consumers are feeling the financial squeeze with redundancies, loss of income and a huge reduction in the availability of credit.

The Freds.com Group enable payments by Mobile Phone Recycling

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:30:22 +0100

In an industry first, the Freds.com Group have partnered with leading mobile phone recycler, ShP Limited, to offer debtors the ability to credit their accounts by recycling their unwanted mobile phones.

Long Distance, Low Carbon selling the Linetime way!!

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 18:22:22 +0100

The Kelvin Chia Partnership, one of the Far East’s leading commercial law firms, has selected Liberate debt recovery and case management systems from Linetime Limited. The firm is highly-regarded throughout the region and offers a wide range of services to corporate clients via a network of nine offices.

J2 Solutions sign with Tracesmart

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 17:52:51 +0100

Leading suppliers of debtor tracing and data cleansing services, Tracesmart welcome the award winning J2 Solutions to their continually expanding list of tracing agency clients. J2 Solutions will be utilising the company’s online people tracing system with a view to improving their already high levels of trace success.

New service - Book on for bought debt

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 17:42:19 +0100

Callcredit announced today a new service to assist its Debt Purchase clients. At the recent Credit Services Association (CSA) bi-annual conference a number of members expressed concern about recent adverse publicity that the Debt Purchase industry has attracted. Much of this centred about the registering of defaults by debt buyers.

Record judgments against businesses in 2008

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:27:41 +0100

The number of commercial county court judgments in England and Wales reached 192,100 in 2008, a record high since 2000, according to figures just released by Registry Trust Limited.

Countdown to Payment Services Directive

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 17:25:50 +0100

There are only eight months remaining for payment service providers[1] to prepare for the Payment Services Directive (PSD), a new European law that will impact UK payments, particularly those made into and out of current accounts.

Actimize positioned in Leaders Quadrant of Magic Quadrant for Web Fraud Detection

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 07:54:50 +0100

Actimize, a leading provider of transactional risk management software for the financial services industry and a NICE Systems (NASDAQ:NICE) company, has announced it has been positioned by Gartner, Inc. in the leaders quadrant in Gartner’s first Magic Quadrant for Web Fraud Detection report.

Best practice rewarded in enforcement industry

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 17:06:54 +0100

Often remaining uncelebrated, the Civil Enforcement sector will be recognised at the 2009 Civil Enforcement Awards, for which entries are now sought.

£1bn is processed in a single day through the Faster Payments Service

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:57:42 +0100

The Faster Payments Service has beaten its previous daily record, announced in December 2008, of processing nearly four million payments, to a value of nearly £730 million, Chaps Co confirms today (6 March 2009).

Aktiv Kapital - Lindorff kickstarts collections in Spain

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 09:30:55 +0100

Lindorff has kickstarted its greenfield operations in Spain as of March 3rd, 2009 where a former Aktiv Kapital collections centre in Barcelona with 38 employees has been transferred to Lindorff.

JBW appoints Business Development Manager

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 12:06:29 +0100

Debt management and enforcement organisation JBW Group has appointed Carole Kenney as Business Development Manager representing the Group across England and Wales.

Dispute resolution lawyer to head debt recovery at Else

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:08:09 +0100

A Stoke-on-Trent lawyer specialising in dispute resolution has joined Else Commercial Solicitors as head of its fast-growing debt recovery division.

National Payments Plan, a progress update

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:56:38 +0100

The Payments Council has published a progress update on their National Payments Plan, which, launched in May 2008, set the framework for payments over the next decade.

Companies suffer as payments slow

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:53:00 +0100

New research published today by Creditsafe, the business information experts, reveals that 46% of UK businesses recorded a dramatic slowdown in the speed at which they received payment for their goods and services in the last three months of 2008.

P&A Receivables appoint new business development executive

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:46:38 +0100

The Directors of P&A Receivables Services plc are delighted to announce the appointment of Chris Thornton-Dees as Business Development Executive.

P&A Receivables appoint new divisional director

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:43:47 +0100

The Directors of P&A Receivables Services plc are pleased to announce the appointment of Adam Simpson as Divisional Director of the Banking and Financial division of P&A Lender Services, with responsibility of supporting the Groups activities in the ABL and Banking market.

P&A Receivables appoint new head of operations

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:41:02 +0100

The Directors of P&A Receivables Services plc are delighted to announce the appointment of Charles Bliss as Head of Operations. Charles has held senior positions in major PLC’s and SME’s in the credit management industry for over 25 years.

Experian appoints debt management expert to lead collections business

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 13:18:29 +0100

Experian®, the global information services company, today announced the appointment of Simon Waller as its Head of Collections, UK and Ireland.

Diamonds and Pearls Limited (in administration)

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 12:07:06 +0100

Myles Halley and Richard Philpott have been appointed Administrator to Diamonds and Pearls Limited, a high street fashion jewellery retailer.

Thinking differently about Incasso LLP

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 01:01:00 +0100

Leading debt recovery provider Incasso LLP, unveils its new brand image this month, which is more focused and centred around the brands’ ethos ‘thinking differently about debt’, reinforcing its proposition of a full credit management service.

Credit insurance still a genuine option for UK firms despite criticism

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 13:27:24 +0100

Less than one in ten UK businesses that use credit insurance have stopped using the service as a means of safeguarding their cashflow amidst the economic downturn, despite an increase of up to 40 per cent in premiums during the last twelve months, according to new research from commercial credit agency, Graydon UK.

OFT imposes requirements on 1st Credit over debt collection practices

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 11:56:20 +0100

The OFT has taken action against 1st Credit Ltd requiring the company to improve its debt collection practices.

Aktiv Kapital staff cuts, offices close, profits down, collections strong

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 07:57:31 +0100

Leading debt buyer Aktiv Kapital announced its Q4 2008 results and end-year figures earlier this morning in Oslo.

Law firms takes over debt collector AP Law Associates

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:33:36 +0100

Following last month’s news of its move to establish a North East office by acquiring Peter Maughan & Co, Simpson Millar LLP has purchased debt recovery firm AP Law Associates LLP in Newcastle.

Target Loan Servicing wins new loan servicing contract

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:30:11 +0100

Target Loan Servicing has won a significant contract to service loans for Park Motor Finance, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Credit Suisse. The loan portfolio contains approximately £80 million of motor loans for 20,000 customers. This new service contract will secure up to 50 jobs in Newport, South Wales.

Contact Validation Technology Can Improve UK Call Centre Efficiency by 100%

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:28:18 +0100

Leading Voice CRM specialist, Qire, has announced the results of research carried out in December 08 and January 09 which shows that UK outbound call centres could be over 100% more efficient than they are today, through better use of systems and contact validation.

Aktiv Kapital - Presentation of financial results

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 10:39:52 +0100

Aktiv Kapital ASA will present the financial results for the fourth quarter 2008 on Thursday 26 February at 08.15. The presentation will be held by CEO Erik Øyno and CFO Scott Danielsen at Hotel Continental in Oslo. Breakfast will be served from 08:00.

The International Union of judicial Officers.

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 18:23:54 +0100

Conceived by French Sheriffs in 1949 the International Union of Judicial Officers (UIHJ) held its first congress in Paris in 1952. The seven founding members were Belgium, France, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands and Switzerland.

Cabot strengthens team with three key appointments

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 18:11:00 +0100

Cabot Financial, market leader in debt purchase, today announces three new key appointments to its West Malling based head office. Bennedetta Peto as HR Director; David Vant as Debt Purchase Manager and James Welling as Collections Manager.

Intrum Justitia recruit award-winning telecoms sector expert

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 17:41:42 +0100

Credit management experts Intrum Justitia have strengthened their push into the telecommunications and information technology markets.

Mortgage arrears admin charges 'should be waived'

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 17:15:38 +0100

The Paymex Group, one the UK’s largest commercial providers of financial solutions products, has seen a dramatic increase in the number of new customers who have mortgage arrears.

Claims management businesses warned about misleading marketing claims

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 11:11:54 +0100

Businesses that mislead the public by claiming they can arrange for unpaid loans, credit card debts or other consumer debts to be written off have been told to stop or face action Justice Minister Bridget Prentice said today, as new guidance was issued by the Ministry of Justice.

Council of Europe appoints Marston Groups Chairman to new working group on civil enforcement

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 09:29:18 +0100

Marston Group’s Chairman, John Marston OBE, has recently been appointed as the UK’s National Expert on civil enforcement. As part of his new role, John Marston was also invited to join a working group for the European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice (CEPEJ).

Celebrations for 350th anniversary of cheque payments marred by plans to kill them off

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 17:12:51 +0100

On Monday, 16 February 2009, the Forum of Private Business (FPB) attended a meeting at the Bank of England Museum, 350 years to the day since the first cheque was signed.

North West debt expert invited to help shape personal insolvency industry

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 11:31:45 +0100

Award-winning, Manchester-based insolvency practitioner, Beverley Budsworth, has been invited to join the Personal Insolvency Committee (PIC).

Ed Fontaine Joins Dial Connection as Senior VP of Contact Solutions

Sat, 14 Feb 2009 19:28:26 +0100

Dial Connection, LLC, a global leader in contact center technology solutions, have announced that Ed Fontaine has joined the company as Senior Vice President of Contact Solutions.

Consultation begins on the Tribunals Service General Regulatory Chamber

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:51:53 +0100

The Tribunal Procedure Committee has today commenced consultation on draft procedure rules for the proposed General Regulatory Chamber (GRC) of the First-tier Tribunal.

Credit health check or Else!

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:45:45 +0100

One of the region’s leading firms specialising in debt recovery has offered to provide a free credit health check to any business looking to review their credit control policy and procedures.

People seeking debt solutions and personal insolvency set for dramatic rise in 2009

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:36:45 +0100

TDX Group, the leading provider of analytics-based debt management, warns of a 50% increase in people seeking formal debt solutions in 2009.

XIT2 Launches Arrears Management Portal

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:42:54 +0100

Xit2, the property and mortgage outsourcing specialist, is launching a new arrears management product. The Xit2 Arrears Management Portal helps mortgage lenders and debt counsellors carry out detailed and verified assessments of borrowers’ current financial situations. Lenders can also manage panels of counsellors using leading edge online software.

Lowell Group triumphs in national league table of private equity-backed stars

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:27:39 +0100

Leeds-based debt purchasing specialist Lowell Group has been placed second in a league table of Britain's 100 private equity-backed companies with the fastest growing profits.

Debt collectors use their skills for fundraising

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:18:13 +0100

dlc are one of the UK’s largest debt collection agencies, and have been chosen as one of the call centres to support this years Comic Relief 2009. Over 150 of our staff have kindly volunteered their time on the evening of the 13th March to process donations from the public.

Debt collection staff experiencing increased levels of abuse

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 16:56:16 +0100

Debt collection staff are experiencing increased levels of abuse from debtors during routine collection calls, according to research carried out by the representative body, the Credit Services Association (CSA).

New legislation on payment services to deliver benefits for consumers and businesses

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 16:28:15 +0100

The Government yesterday laid before Parliament regulations to implement the EU Payment Services Directive (PSD) into UK legislation. These regulations are due to enter into force on 2 March 2009, and the PSD regulatory regime will be in place on 1 November 2009.

Reaction to latest Insolvency Service figures

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 15:10:10 +0100

The official statistics released by the Insolvency Service, #2: Personal insolvency, brought the total number of individuals being made insolvent in the whole of the UK to 128,046 for 2008, a 5% rise on the preceding year.

Joint administrators appointed for Great Northern Hotel in Peterborough

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:49:35 +0100

As a result of the current economic crisis, respected Peterborough businessman and Freeman of the City, Peter Boizot MBE, has had to place the Great Northern Hotel in Peterborough into Administration. Joint Administrators, Tim Dolder and Colin Wilson, of Tenon recovery, were appointed on 4 February 2009.

Credit Cards - Lifeline or Luxury?

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 13:25:13 +0100

Traditionally, credit cards were viewed by many as a luxury - a way to spread the cost of a treat. But as the credit crunch continues to tighten its grip, credit cards have emerged as an important and essential lifeline bringing to light some new and unexpected trends in customer behaviour.

Insolvencies 'to exceed 100,000'

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 13:03:13 +0100

Growthwire, the global entrepreneurial investment newswire wishes to comment on recent insolvency figures. Growthwire CEO David Rose comments: "Recent figures showing that bankruptcies are now at their highest quarterly level since comparable records began in 1960 are only the tip of the iceberg.

Fredrickson Collects the Benefits of Unified Contact Centre Operations

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 12:57:01 +0100

Financial services provider, Fredrickson Holdings Limited (Freds.com), has centralised its three disparate contact centres, introducing innovative technology to create a standardised and flexible customer service operation that is fully integrated with its underlying network infrastructure.

Bankruptcy still seen as quick fix, warns The Debt Advisor

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 12:20:42 +0100

Figures published today by the Insolvency Service show the number of personal insolvencies reached 29,444 in the fourth quarter of 2008 - an increase of 8.2% on the previous quarter and 18.5% on the same period a year ago.

Company insolvencies hit highest since 1994

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 12:15:07 +0100

More companies went bust in England and Wales last year than in any year since 1994 after Britain plunged into recession. Some 15,535 businesses hit the wall in 2008, 24 percent more than last year and the biggest jump since the start of the last recession in 1991, government figures showed on Friday.

Homeowners face IVAs as house prices plummet

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 12:30:44 +0100

There has been an increase in the proportion of homeowners applying for Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs), of all the IVA applications, 69.3% came from homeowners in the second half of 2008, compared to 57.8% in the first half of 2008.

Letter from Administrators for shoe companies 'in administration'

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 12:11:58 +0100

To: all creditors of Comfort Shoes Limited, Barratts Shoes Properties Limited, Stylo Barratt Shoes Limited, Priceless Shoes Properties Limited and Stylo Barratt Properties Limited (all in administration) (the 'Companies')

New Country Manager in Aktiv Kapital UK

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 10:17:51 +0100

Aktiv Kapital UK has announced that David Sheridan has been appointed and has accepted the role as country manager. Aktiv Kapital UK is based in Bromley outside London and in Chester.

60% could not survive financially if unable to work

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:46:42 +0100

New research from Nationwide Building Society reveals how homeowners believe they would cope financially if put out of work for a long period of time through illness or injury.

New study to benchmark mortgage arrears

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:59:40 +0100

Vertex, in association with Frank Eve Consulting Limited is calling for lenders to participate in its new Arrears Benchmarking Study as it establishes a measurable industry baseline against which lenders can measure their own collections performance.

Fraud nears record levels in 2008, with 'worse to come'.

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:01:52 +0100

More than £1.1bn of fraud came to UK courts in 2008 according to KPMG Forensic’s Fraud Barometer – the highest level recorded since 1995 and the second highest in the twenty-one year history of the survey.

City insolvency lawyers clean up on back of recession misery

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:07:42 +0100

Insolvency lawyer fees go through the roof as economic crisis deepens, with £900 per hour for top dog partners condemned as ‘obscene’. Magic Circle partners are pocketing huge fees on the back of high profile company collapses, warns Virtual Law, the online legal advice service.

Software beyond expectations - Committed to Customer Service

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:49:29 +0100

Kenneth Bush Solicitors have been servicing the East Anglian community for over 70 years, delivering a wide range of legal services (Civil & Criminal Litigation, Wills, Trust & Probate, Property) from four offices throughout the region.

PPI unemployment claims soar by 118%

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:26:53 +0100

New data from the ABI shows that unemployment claims on Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) rose to 19,105 in November 2008, up from 8,772 in November 2007 – an increase of 118%.

Birmingham becomes focal point for credit industry

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 19:03:59 +0100

Birmingham’s choice as the venue for the credit management industry’s major annual convention next month (FEB) underlines the city’s economic and geographical importance, says a Midland specialist in the field.

Barratt Shoes and Priceless in administration

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:06:52 +0100

Retailers Barratt Shoes and Priceless Shoes became the latest in a long line of stores to go into administration on Monday as the global economic crisis continued its path of destruction on the high street.

Exact Hits £2.5bn Milestone

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 13:07:16 +0100

Exact today announced it has carried out due diligence on over 20,000 borrowers and £2.5billion worth of mortgage assets since the launch of their Asset Quality Assessment service (AQA), in April 2008. AQA has been popular with owners of and investors in mortgage assets because there is so little trust in traditional ratings.

Court fees plan 'tax on debtors'

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 13:02:27 +0100

The Conservatives have criticised a proposal to increase court fee for debt proceedings by up to 233%. They say the new fees will be added to the person's existing liabilities, and have labelled the proposals as a "stealth tax".

Else expands debt recovery team

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 12:53:51 +0100

Else Commercial Solicitors is expanding its debt recovery team as the recession leads to a dramatically increased workload.

Dealing with debt in Northern Ireland

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 13:18:44 +0100

Two recent reports published by Citizens Advice Northern Ireland provide an insight into the scale of demand currently facing money advice services in Northern Ireland.

Cabot launches Morgan Solicitors as its in-house litigation department

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:54:20 +0100

Cabot Financial Group, market leader in debt purchase, today announced the launch of Morgan Solicitors as its in-house litigation department. Morgan Solicitors will undertake all litigation work on behalf of the Cabot Group from their new premises in Rugby. The office is due to open on Monday 26th January. Piers Morgan and Dean Spencer will head up the new 15-strong team.

Bankruptcy debtors' choice for 2009 with rock bottom equity levels

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:51:31 +0100

Bankruptcies are predicted to go through the roof in the coming months as rock bottom equity levels in debtors’ homes means they are of little or no value to creditors, according to debt solution website IVA.com.

The latest report into the UK Debt Collection Agencies market

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 13:15:45 +0100

The latest report into the UK Debt Collection Agencies market from industry analysts Plimsoll rates 93 of the UK’s leading 387 Debt Collection Agencies companies as being in financial Danger.

Leicester City Football Club has selected ALBACSip

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 13:04:37 +0100

Leicester City Football Club has selected ALBACSip with the Direct Debit module from e-transaction software specialists, Albany Software, to manage electronic payments and create easier payment options for its season ticket holders.

Neural Technologies and DirecTV fraud project wins award

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 12:31:12 +0100

Risk management software solution provider, Neural Technologies, has been presented with an Organisational Excellence Award from the British Computer Society (BCS) for the work it carried out with DirecTV, the US’s leading digital TV entertainment provider.

How to minimise the effects of unemployment

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

On the day the Office for National Statistics announces UK unemployment has risen to its highest level since September 19971, Nationwide research reveals that a third (34%) of people are now more concerned about job security than they were 12 months ago.

New Director of Parking Services at Philips

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:30:53 +0100

Keith Banbury, one of the most respected individuals within the UK parking industry, is joining Philips Collections Services as Director of Parking Services.

Aktiv Kapital will reduce annual cost with more than NOK 100m

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:22:55 +0100

Aktiv Kapital is committed to reduce the cost base with more than 10 percent to improve profitability and prepare the Company for more financially challenging times.

European business forced to brink by billion unpaid bills

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:10:16 +0100

European businesses claim their attempts to battle the credit crunch are being hamstrung by a billion unpaid bills. A survey by Europe’s leading credit management specialists, Intrum Justitia, has reported that businesses are having to shed jobs because clients are taking up to three months to settle their accounts.

Bank of America obtains U.S. aid for Merrill deal

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 13:07:58 +0100

Bank of America Corp will receive $20 billion (13 billion pounds) in fresh government investments and a federal backstop against $118 billion of bad assets it holds to help it absorb Merrill Lynch & Co, U.S. officials said on Friday.

VPIs Activ! Voice call recording and quality monitoring solution

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 12:21:25 +0100

Mitel-Approved Test integration delivers unprecedented levels of scalability, high security, and ease of implementation in centralized or distributed environments.

Insolvency pre-packs save jobs says leading academic

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 16:32:26 +0100

A leading academic who has been evaluating the strategies of insolvency practitioners in ‘pre-pack’ deals says her research indicates strongly that they are the best vehicle for saving jobs.

Transcom appoints new president and CEO

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 12:27:40 +0100

Transcom WorldWide S.A., the global outsourced services company, today announces that Keith Russell, President and Chief Executive Officer, will leave the Company and will be replaced by Pablo Sanchez-Lozano as the next President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

New insolvency rules do not go far enough

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 10:07:05 +0100

Four in five UK suppliers may have to write off unpaid debt due to ineffectual new rules for pre-pack insolvency arrangements; where a buyer is lined up before an insolvency technically occurs and without creditor agreement.

Welsh local authorities accept Council Tax by Credit Card

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:41:53 +0100

Welsh local authorities have accepted more than £1.6 million of rent payments on credit cards from their tenants in the past five years, according to new research.

Leading debtor tracing company joins DBSG

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 12:25:32 +0100

Cardiff based Tracesmart, renowned supplier of debtor tracing services, has announced it has become a member of the Debt Buyers and Sellers Group(DBSG).

Programme announced for CSA half yearly conference

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 12:31:38 +0100

The Credit Services Association (CSA) has announced the programme for its Half-Yearly meeting to be held on February 10th and 11th at the Leicester Marriott Hotel. Day one of the conference focuses on compliance, with discussions on industry news, CSA actions and a series of presentations from bodies including the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).

Perry joins Clarity as Sales and Marketing director

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 12:35:59 +0100

Mike Perry has joined Northampton-based Clarity Credit Management Solutions (Clarity) as sales and marketing director, with a brief of strengthening Clarity’s presence in the mortgage market as the leading provider of debt management and collections services to lenders.

Hayley looks at legal life across the pond

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:29:05 +0100

A Midland solicitor has returned from America after a month seeing how the legal system works across the Atlantic. Hayley Goodwin, aged 27, who works for Else Commercial Solicitors, travelled to Oklahoma and Kansas to meet up with fellow lawyers.

SME credit insurance service launched

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 11:40:35 +0100

With insolvencies set to increase in 2009, some 20% more of SMEs have turned to credit insurance this year to protect their balance sheet than in 2007. In response, the UK’s leading credit insurance broker Aon Trade Credit has launched Aon Tradeability.

Advisers still have a role to play in 'helping to bridge the protection gap'

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 14:39:59 +0100

New research shows advisers still have a role to play in helping to bridge the protection gap (trade press), only a third of Brits (33%) would consider cutting back on monthly expenditure to fund protection plans, affordability remaining the key concern for consumers.

KPMG predicts record year for personal insolvencies in 2009

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 14:04:31 +0100

2009 is likely to see personal insolvencies reach record levels, with more than 150,000 people entering into an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (‘IVA’), being declared bankrupt or entering into a Debt Relief Order which will be introduced in April, according to data analysed by professional services firm KPMG.

Faster Payments Service volumes reach new peak

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 23:58:17 +0100

Six months after go-live date nearly four million internet, phone and standing order payments processed in a single day. APACS, the UK payments association, has today (30 December 2008) provided an update on the new Faster Payments Service. Introduced at the end of May this year, the new system processed 3,907,719 payments on its latest peak day, on 1 December 2008.

Marston Group takes great steps with communications

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 17:38:40 +0100

Communication is a vital tool for any company and Marston Group has taken proactive steps to improve its communications both internally, externally and across the industry by the appointment of Desiree Weston, the new Communications & PR Executive.

Marston Groups Business Development moves up a gear

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 17:34:26 +0100

Alan Wood joins Marston Group as Business Development Manager from NCP Services where he recently successfully introduced civil parking enforcement in Eastbourne. With previous experience as an Enforcement Agent in the recovery of unpaid council tax, business rates and parking fines, Alan is ideally placed to work closely with local authorities to develop their recovery services across the board.

Over one million ''faster payments' made every day

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:19:42 +0100

On 27 May 2008, the payments industry introduced the first newpayments system for over 20 years - Faster Payments. This new service for phone, internet and standing order payments allows customers to make and receive internet and phone payments within a couple of hours, all day, every day, making 24-hour remote banking a reality, even over the Christmas holidays.

Top Collection Professionals Honoured at Collection Advisors Conference

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:28:36 +0100

Collection Advisor magazine recognized the Top 50 Collection Professional’s of the year during the Collection Advisor Tech ’08 conference in Orlando at the Readers Choice reception on Nov. 11th. This is the fourth year Collection Advisor Magazine has presented the awards.

JBW upscales data security

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:40:24 +0100

Debt management and enforcement organisation JBW Group has introduced a raft of new measures to ensure client, customer and employee data security is super-enhanced. The company has already achieved ISO 27001 - the information security management - standard - and the new measures will ensure even more robust levels of security across the board.

Law changes spell problems for commercial rent recovery

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 10:17:08 +0100

Changes in the way commercial rent arrears can be recovered could mean distressing times ahead for some landlords, a leading property litigation lawyer has warned.

The CIFAS Protective Registration Service has a new telephone number

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 09:28:04 +0100

Protective Registration the service offered by CIFAS, the UKs Fraud Prevention Service, to help protect those whose identity is at risk due to crime or loss of data has new contact details.

Lewis group directors lend a hand to local community centre

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:45:45 +0100

A team of 14 senior managers and directors from Cleckheaton-based The Lewis Group has been praised by a local community leader for their practical help, and support in renovating a healthy-living centre in the nearby town of Allerton near Bradford.

Consumers hardest hit by government plans to help

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 14:53:16 +0100

Consumers qualifying for the governments two-year mortgage holiday will run up massive debt, leaving them financially worse off, according to a new report published by Exact mortgage experts. The report raises the question of how customers unable to pay now, will pay off debts on their mortgage as house prices continue to slide.

No hiding place in Europe for debtor companies

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 14:32:49 +0100

Debtor companies are set to be pursued across Europe following a shake-up in EU regulations. And the move, including small claims procedures, has been welcomed by Simon Trees, a partner and head of commercial dispute resolution at law firm Else Solicitors, which has offices in Birmingham and Burton on Trent.

New external collections manager appointed at Equidebt

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 09:54:41 +0100

Equidebt is delighted to announce the appointment of Natasha Rajoo as External Collections Manager. Natasha brings 10 years of experience in the industry to the business, the majority of this gained whilst at Capital One.

CSA strengthens Board with key appointments

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 10:55:49 +0100

The Credit Services Association (CSA), voice of the UK debt collection industry, has further strengthened its Board with the appointment of two senior members of the debt collection community: compliance specialist Sara de Tute, and tracing specialist Gary Jones.

Bank of England Reduces Bank Rate by 1.0 Percentage Points to 2.0%

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:58:07 +0100

The Bank of Englands Monetary Policy Committee today voted to reduce the official Bank Rate paid on commercial bank reserves by 1.0 percentage points to 2.0%. In the United Kingdom, business surveys have weakened further and suggest that the downturn has gathered pace.

First Step take the next step with Liberate

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:39:33 +0100

First Step Legal, the North West's fastest growing debt management plan provider, has selected the Liberate Legal Accounts system from Linetime to handle their internal accounting requirements and client/creditor payments.

Lowell Group appoints new Project Manager

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:37:50 +0100

Leeds-based debt purchasing specialist Lowell Group has appointed Neil Kendall as Project Manager.

New Ethical Code for Insolvency profession

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:37:09 +0100

All the bodies that authorise and regulate insolvency practitioners have agreed a new ethical code for their practitioners which will come into force in January 2009.

British banks pay up on time says payment league

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:28:47 +0100

While UK PLC continues to delay payment of debts well past 90 days Britains much maligned banks have emerged as being among the most responsible creditors in the UK.

Debt management and enforcement organisation introduce new customer care initiative

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:16:32 +0100

Debt management and enforcement organisation JBW Group has introduced a new customer care initiative to ensure that debtors benefit from an experience thats as positive, fair and supportive as possible.

New Chief Operating Officer, COO Aktiv Kapital Group

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:15:39 +0100

We are pleased to announce that Tiku Patel is appointed to and has accepted the role as Chief Operating Officer in the Aktiv Kapital Group.

HMRC to review collections options

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:14:47 +0100

HMRC has improved how it manages debts owed to it by taxpayers, according to a report by the National Audit Office. The amount of money owed has reduced from 4.3 per cent of tax collected in 2005-06 to 3.8 per cent in 2007-08. The age of the direct tax debt has also reduced. Over the past year the level and age of debt has increased on some taxes, however, and the total number of debts has risen by 22 per cent.

Debt collection team wins top award.

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:11:06 +0100

Liverpool Direct Limited's Corporate Debt Team won the Team of the Year Award at the Civil Enforcement Awards - the Oscars of the debt collection world.

Waiting times increase as British consumers lose confidence in call centres

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 01:00:00 +0100

British consumers remain frustrated by call centres as businesses continue to use overseas operators,according to new research.

Credit card debt is increasingly starting to affect the most vulnerable

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 01:00:00 +0100

In 2008, credit card debt has risen steadily, increasing by £912m since the beginning of the year, according to a debt charity.

Credit industry football tournament announced

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Credit Collections & Risk (CCR) and debt collection agency Experto Credite are set to hold a five-a-side football tournament for the credit industry in 2009 in aid of a major new industry charity.

Negative equity a possibility for 1.2m households

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 01:00:00 +0100

About 1.2m households could fall into negative equity if the housing slump continues during the global economic downturn according to the Bank of England.

Banks under fire over charges appeal

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Lenders have come under fire from consumer groups for "stringing out" an appeal to cut the level of charges that they are allowed to make.

Mortgage arrears guidance published

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 01:00:00 +0100

The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has published new industry guidance on mortgage arrears and possessions. This will help lenders ensure that their arrears management policies fulfil the objective of making repossession a last resort.

Woolworth's administration - banks make move

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 01:00:00 +0100

A major accountant's corporate restructuring arm has been called in by two of the troubled high-street group Woolworths' biggest lenders ahead of discussion about the company's business plan and budget for next year.

New industry guidance on mortgage arrears and possessions published

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 01:00:00 +0100

A mortgage trade body has published new industry guidance on mortgage arrears and possessions. The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has published new industry guidance on mortgage arrears and possessions, designed to help lenders ensure that their arrears management policies fulfil the objective of making repossession a last resort. The CML has taken into account feedback from advice agencies to ensure that it balances the interests of consumers and lenders.

Landlords condemn collections abuses

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 01:00:00 +0100

The National Landlords Association (NLA) and the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) which represent over 23,500 landlords and letting agent offices, have joined together to roundly condemn any practices which ridicule and humiliate tenants.

Council probes bailiffs threat when collecting council tax arrears

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 01:00:00 +0100

An investigation has been launched into allegations that a heavy-handed bailiff was called in to collect council tax arrears. A resident in Birmingham claims she reached agreement with council debt collection agency Equita and was paying £10 per month to clear £88 arrears. According to The Birmingham Mail, despite this arrangement, the bill was passed to a bailiff who added almost £200 costs and threatened to show up unless the bill was cleared within 48 hours.

Nationalised lender accused of aggression over repossessions

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 01:00:00 +0100

A debt charity has accused a nationalised bank of not being flexible enough with customers who default on their mortgage repayments. The charity Credit Action said that Northern Rock is aggressively pursuing homeowners who are struggling to meet their mortgage repayments for the money they owe and is seeking to repossess homes too quickly.

Debt Collection Agencies sector set for accelerated acquisition activity

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 01:00:00 +0100

A new report has suggested that a wave of acquisitions is set to sweep across the UK Debt Collection Agencies market. The report, by industry analysts Plimsoll Publishing, has suggested that as the effects of the wider economy reaches the UK debt collection agencies market, a series of takeovers and sell offs will sweep the market.

Lowell reveals results

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Debt purchaser Lowell Group has reported an increase in profit and turnover over the last 12 months. In the financial year ended August 31, the group exceeded its financial targets with earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of £20.6m, up 53.7% from £13.4m the previous year.

More than one fifth of GB households now struggling to keep up with their bills

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 01:00:00 +0100

A new 'debt tracker' poll has revealed 5 million households are struggling with their bills. The debt tracker, conducted by YouGov, asked how GB households are coping with the credit crunch. It revealed 5 million people, 21% of households, are now finding keeping up with bills a constant struggle or have fallen behind with their commitments.

Bailiffs forced to wear bullet-proof vests after attacks

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Two east coast bailiffs are so worried about being attacked, they wear bullet-proof vests. The two self-employed bailiffs, Jon Burton and Dan McCubbin, work for local councils and have the power to seize people's possessions and cars for unpaid parking tickets in Southend and the surrounding areas.

Philip Lunn steps down from Aktiv

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 01:00:00 +0100

After almost 10 years of running the UK business of Aktiv Kapital, Philip Lunn has decided to step down from the role of UK chief executive officer, with effect from 26 September, in order to adopt a different work/life balance.

Transcom buys DCA Newman & Company

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Transcom WorldWide S.A., the global outsourced services company, has announced that it has acquired 100% of Newman & Company Limited.

Pensioner guilty of assault on bailiff

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 01:00:00 +0100

A pensioner who cut off a wheel clamp from his car has been found guilty of assaulting a bailiff.

Norwegian equity firm buys into new financial services arm

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Herkules Private Equity Fund has bought the administrative and financial services (AFS) arm of Gothia Financial Group.

Advice for troubled debtors

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Household finances have been badly stretched in the past year as the cost of energy has increased by 17% and the cost of food by 12% and the credit crunch means that the cost of new mortgages has increased, there are fewer mortgages available to choose from, and they are more difficult to obtain.

Repayment to income ratios rise

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 01:00:00 +0100

The proportion of people spending over 30% of their monthly income on unsecured debt repayments has doubled over the past year to 14% according to independent research.

Bailiffs attempting to evict eco-warriors

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Burrowing protestors, dubbed "human moles" have set up a protest at the site of a proposed opencast coal mine at Smalley, Derbyshire.

Banks act to support customers in home loan difficulty

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Banks are acting to support mortgage customers who are finding it difficult to meet their monthly repayments,
according to the UK banking association.

Home repossessions increase by 41% in the first six months of 2008

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:00:00 +0100

The number of properties repossessed by mortgage lenders in the UK rose by 41% in the first half of 2008.

Sale and rent back code revealed

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Trade body the National Landlords Association (NLA has asked interested parties to submit their views on its draft code of practice for landlords involved in the sale and rent back market.

IVA good news in doubt

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Last week's figures from the Insolvency Service measure an 8% drop in the number of people declared insolvent should not necessarily be viewed as a positive and may be explained by the exclusion of a key group of personal debtors, according to analysts.

Record numbers of enquiries for business debt advice expected

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Business Debtline is expecting record numbers of enquiries for debt advice from small businesses and the self-
employed who face the prospect of trading through a recession for the first time.

Automotive insolvencies soar

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 01:00:00 +0100

An information services company has seen the largest increase in automotive insolvencies since 2001.

1st Credit sale on hold - reports

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 01:00:00 +0100

The sale of 1st Credit, the debt collection company, has been put on hold after its private equity owner Bridgepoint decided takeover bids were too low and it could keep expanding the company instead via acquisitions, according to media reports.

Councils attacked for bailiff "hypocrisy"

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 01:00:00 +0100

A major local council has been labelled as "hypocritical" for allowing its own bailiffs to break parking rules.

Landlords warned of tenant late payment risks

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 01:00:00 +0100

A major industry trade association is warning landlords of the real risk of rental arrears if they fail to carry out appropriate checks on prospective tenants or face increasingly slow payments.

CCA unveils information project

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:03:11 +0100

The Consumer Credit Association (CCA) will work with Experian to support a UK initiative encouraging the use of common information across the home credit industry.

Government "should set payment example"

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:02:11 +0100

A trade body is calling on government agencies to pay smaller firms promptly in order to set an example for large businesses, which it accuses of delaying payments to maintain cashflow in the global economic downturn.

Southern fraud hotspots revealed

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:01:39 +0100

Research by CIFAS has found that London and the South-East are the key hotspots for fraudulent applications across all product sectors.

Creditors warned of SME tax failures

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Creditors have been warned that mounting taxes are leaving many of the UK's smallest firms with an uphill struggle to survive, according to a major business trade body.

Insolvency plans under fire

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 01:00:00 +0100

The UKs trade association for insolvency practitioners has hit back at claims made by Conservative leader David Cameron that the insolvency system needs a total overhaul.

Insolvency plans under fire

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 01:00:00 +0100

David Cameron has come under fire for proposals aimed at protecting companies from insolvency as a result of the credit crunch.

In a speech to the CBI, Mr Cameron promised to consult on having a British version of the US Chapter 11 system, which enables a company in financial difficulties to continue trading and keep people in work while it comes up with a rescue package.

Brits say they would be unable to cope with future energy price hikes

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 19:37:00 +0100

Amid speculation of high price increases, two in five Brits are already struggling to pay their energy bills.

Construction and Retail sectors suffer most as UK business failures rise

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:32:00 +0100

The latest Business Failures Report by Equifax, shows that the Construction and Retail industries are the early victims of the economic slowdown.

Credit crunch yet to bite, says consumer debt industry

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:46:00 +0100

Recent research has indicated that the credit crunch has not yet had a major impact on the consumer debt management industry.

Collections

Statistical press release: Fuel poverty, England and the UK 2010

Graduates Credited with Success - The positive route to growth

HML announces deal with Arrow Global

Ruthbridge signs up to TouchStar Dialler

SFP appointed administrators to Reece Environmental Limited

Fredrickson International 20th Anniversary

Statement of Insolvency Practice 16 (SIP 16) - latest report issued today

Insolvency Practitioners Association Announces New President

Hampshire businessman reveals late payment shock with bill outstanding after three years

SFP appointed administrators to Ultimate Steel Fabrications Limited

TDX launches HeliX

Frank Hammerton joins Teleperformance Collections in Leeds as Business Development Director

The lewis group does things differently for charity

Bailiff reforms may be based on a false premise, Institute warns

Second charge repossessions remain low

CML reports repossessions stable, arrears falling

AIK: 1st quarter 2012 results

Bankruptcy rise reflects fewer people repaying debt

Money Advice Trust Comments On Insolvency Figures

Business Debtline comments on insolvency figures

Insolvencies relatively flat but real levels âhiddenâ

SMEs advised to tread with caution as corporate insolvencies escalate

Fredrickson International achieves ISO27001 certification

Debt purchase market study concludes 2012 levels will reach Â£900m

Mackenzie Hall Group gains Investors in People accreditation

CapQuest announces appointment of Chief Financial Officer

Tessera pass CIP audit with flying colours

CGI upgrades DIRECTV to version 8.2 of CACSÂ® Enterprise

Dukes go back to university

Winterhill Largo boosts receivables division with new appointment

Double dip recession causing concern for private schools

The IPA Annual Conference - Public Confidence in the Insolvency Profession

Noble Systems reports record-breaking revenue growth in Europe

Unpaid debts revealed in new industry figures

Largest debt recovery law firm joins CSA

ICM and BIS monthly cashflow âtipâ to small businesses

UK public has suffered recession for years

âMoney Skills and Billsâ helps educate local primary school children about financial ...

Late payment problems call for Government intervention to help prompt business payment

Pre-pack deal safeguards 98 jobs in Bradford

Lindsays have become the first solicitors to gain affiliate membership to the CSA

1st Credit returns to profit as it steps up debt purchase activity

BCW Group invests in new e-learning tool to enhance service to customers with mental health issues

Daniels Silverman urge SMEs to undertake a full credit overhaul to ensure success in 2012/13

L&E Receivables has joined forces with London House Services

Â£93k collected by Dukes bailiffs

Payments Council publishes independent governance review

New member of UK Investment team at Aktiv Kapital UK

CapQuest announces appointment of Group General Counsel

CHL Mortgages enhanced mortgage book by boarding portfolio

Atradius Collections launches the International Debt Collections Handbook in a renewed 2012 edition

Cabot Credit Management invests over Â£2m in SAS technology

Euler Hermes launches new service to help SMEs mind their Ts & Cs!

TDX wins Anglian Water debt recovery contract

Payment guides aimed at SMEs soar in popularity

Noble Systems Hosts First Select Noble Users Group EMEA Conference

Dukes Bailiffs get thumbs-up from customers

Cabot Credit Management invests over Â£2m in SAS technology

SMEs adopt a back to basics approach to beat late payment

See you in court! Value of business debts chased through court system up 39%

KPMG hires senior Debt Advisory partner

Atradius Collections increases customer satisfaction for third year in a row

Law firms complete merger

Arrow Globalâs Madden hits the mark to gain national award

SFP Group wins Business Moneyfacts Award

Netsend wins HSBC Business Growth Grant

Position on executive board as legal and compliance director for CSA president

Sara De Tute to join Lowell Groupâs executive board

Mobile Industry Lost over $58 billion in Revenue in 2011 due to Inadequate Billing Systems

The Credit Services Association (CSA) is moving office.

BIS Committee report on debt management: DEMSA launches implementation study of recommendations ...

Duff and Phelps Rescues Egertons

Consultations on proposed office closures

Euler Hermes launches DIY collections kit for SMEs

ICM launches CollÂ£ctwho portal to help businesses get paid

Comment from the CSA in response to the publication of revised Debt Management Guidance

Lowell Group places Â£200 million high yield bond to refinance existing debt

Rent quarter day looms for struggling businesses

CSA Comment on Debt Management Guidance from the OFT

Insolvencies relatively flat but real levels âhiddenâ

ICM and BIS monthly cashflow âtipâ to small businesses

âMoney Skills and Billsâ helps educate local primary school children about financial ...

Arrow Globalâs Madden hits the mark to gain national award

Sara De Tute to join Lowell Groupâs executive board

Credit Managersâ Index suggests economy is contracting

Credit where creditâs due

RimiliaËs Alloc8 wins best innovation in the Midlands Excellence Specialist Category Awards 2012

Cabot Credit Management Extends Noble Systemsâ Speech Analytics Solution throughout ...

UK businesses "need to do more to improve their credit departmentsâ succession ...

Aspect to integrate Nexidia Evaluate into Aspectâs workforce optimisation platform.

ICM and BIS monthly cashflow âtipâ to small businesses

BCW goes for ethical collections with Arumâs EQ training

Citizens Advice responds to MOJâs Compliance Review on Bailiffs

Marlin leaps up The Sunday Times âBuyout Track 100â league table