Collections

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

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.

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

Target announces major jobs boost and achievement of Investors in People accreditation

Optima Legal chooses Money Advice Trust as charitable partner

Software provider advocates automating payment processes to boost efficiency and reduce costs

ICM Launches Credit Services Directory

DRF welcomes Northern Rock announcement on interest freeze

The P&A Group of Companies launches Scottish office

UK consumers keeping lenders in the dark about their financial woes

Credit Action Debt Statistics (September 2010)

Free advice for UK businesses on debt recovery in foreign countries

Wright Hassall adds to collections team

Police forces failing small businesses on prompt payment

Vendor and distributor credit managers will focus on future challenges and opportunities

Direct Corporate Access Service one year on

Half of self employed debtors unable to repay debts as people cut back on luxury services

Commercial landlords should act early on rent arrears to produce a fair resolution

CallataÃ¿ & Wouters launches guide on payment standardisation

Growing performance gap in the UK Debt Collection Agencies industry

Repossessed property sells at fastest ever rate

Rise in bereaved seeking help from debt charity

Payments Council Welcomes Handelsbanken

Equifax puts more intelligence into recoveries activity

New 'calculator' tots up trouble in store for small business cashflow

Money Advice Trust announces new 2010 trigger figures for the Common Financial Statement

Fairfax Solicitors appoints chief operating officer

ISO 9001 certification for LRC

Lowell staff complete three peaks charity challenge

LDL named as a finalist at the IRRV Awards

OFT refuses to licence debt advice firm

The South West Finance Directors Forum

Atlantic Financial Management suggests debt solutions to help the Duchess of York

Bibby Financial Services comments on insolvency figures

Comment from Fairpoint Group on Q210 insolvency stats

Businesses see rise in debt from overseas customers

Debt levels could be âtip of the icebergâ, warns The Debt Advisor

MIL Collections expands

New management appointments in Sales and Collections at Lowell Group

Real estate and construction had the toughest journey through the recession

New CCCS Chairman announced

New Safe website goes live

CCUA Enforcement meeting to be continued at Conference

Noble Systems Sponsors South West Contact Centre Customer Service Award

DBSG to host networking event for sellers

LPC Law join CML

Solution for call recording & PCI DSS

CSA Diploma winners celebrate at awards day

Lender enquiries for new systems up 75%

CABOT Financial wins West Kent Stop Smoking Service Award

CSA Diploma winners celebrate at awards day

Debt judgments still at historic high in Northern Ireland

The Debt Advisor to help HM Forces

Hays and ICM partner to deliver enhanced recruitment services

Public sector spending cutbacks expected to trigger a surge in business insolvencies

Insolvency Service launches consultation on proposals for a restructuring moratorium

Direct Debit Limited launches Bacs-approved HSM for unattended payments submissions

Could a debt management plan help landlords to tackle rent arears?

Faster Payments is frontrunner to replace cheques, according to Experian survey

One in ten deals involve distressed businesses

Firm simplifies collecting overseas payments for hauliers

LG wins role advising Hill Dickinson on Halliwells administration

Survey reveals high human cost of debt problems

Spending Cuts Herald Fresh Problems for Debt Collectors

Crown Mortgage Management comments on plans to cut the Mortgage Rescue Scheme

Debt charity comments on Insolvency Serviceâs plan to reduce expenditure

Prompt Payment to be duplicated by âfair paymentâ?

Experian report outlines recommendations for optimising collections in utilities

Dukes Bailiffs contract with Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council extended

Money Advice Trust responds to helping over indebted consumers report

Royal Mail is still not delivering two years on, says FSB

Redstone Mortgages Limited fined Â£630,000 for unfair treatment of some customers in arrears

Ten-day public sector payment not being passed along supply chain

Moreton Smith to provide e-Collect365 debt Management Software to Misys plc

Late Payment Demands Rise But Recessionary Pressures Show Sign Of Easing

Bacs and ICM partnership set to highlight late payments issue

New management team at Dukes

Retired struggle with debts

Lowell effort is âoarsome!â

Court advocates LPC becomes regulated

Money Advice Charity chief says homeowners in need of more support than ever

More than Â£ 7500 raised in The Innovation Software Credit Controllersâ Charity ...

Debt levels could be âtip of the icebergâ, warns The Debt Advisor

Debt charity comments on Insolvency Serviceâs plan to reduce expenditure

Prompt Payment to be duplicated by âfair paymentâ?

Lowell effort is âoarsome!â

More than Â£ 7500 raised in The Innovation Software Credit Controllersâ Charity ...

New menace to the UK Debt Collection Agencies industry â Zombie companies

âRepossessions down but still an issueâ

R3 comments on todayâs unemployment figures

European written off debt reaches â¬300 billion â equivalent to the national debt of Greece