Debt Recovery

Debt Recovery

Introduction

We can offer your business assistance in recovering both disputed and undisputed debts.

The following information is to give you an idea as to our costs in these matters.  However, if you would like more precise information, or to discuss how we can assist you, then please contact us.

What do Our Fees Include?

Our fee includes:

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

How Long will it take?

Matters usually take in the region of 12  weeks from receipt of instructions from you to receipt of payment from the other side, depending on whether or not it is necessary to issue a claim. This is on the basis that the other side pays promptly on receipt of Judgement in default. If enforcement action is needed, the matter will take longer to resolve.

Our Costs

These costs apply where your claim is in relation to an unpaid invoice which is not disputed, and enforcement action is not needed. If the other party disputes your claim at any point, we will discuss any further work required and provide you with revised advice about costs if necessary, which could be on a fixed fee (e.g. if a one-off letter is required), or an hourly rate if more extensive work is needed.

Debt value	Court Fee	Our Fee	VAT @20%	Total (incl VAT 20%)
Up to £5,000	Up to £180	Up to £400	Up to £80	Up to £660
£5,001 – £10,000	£410	Up to £600	Up to £120	Up to £1130
£10,001 – £50,000	4.5% value of the claim	Up to £1,000	Up to £200	£1650 to £3450

Please note that:

• The VAT element of our fee cannot be reclaimed from your debtor.
• Interest and compensation may take the debt into a higher banding, with a higher cost.
• The costs quoted above are not for matters where enforcement action, such as the bailiff, is needed to collect your debt.
• The Court fee is based on issuing a claim via MoneyClaims Online (MCOL). On some occasions MCOL is not suitable. In those circumstances we will advise you on the Court Fee which may be slightly higher than issuing a claim via MCOL.

Who will be carrying out the work?

The work will be undertaken by Naheem Anwar and Sahdia Hussain, both of whom are directors of Blakewater Solicitors Limited.

Naheem Anwar
Naheem began his legal career in Leeds in 1998, training as a solicitor with international law firm Hammonds. Naheem qualified in 2002.After a period working as a Banking and Finance lawyer Naheem decided to specialise in Dispute Resolution.

Naheem has worked in Leeds, London and Manchester with a number of key players in the market including Hammonds and Ralli Solicitors.

Naheem is a Partner in the Commercial Litigation department specialising in Corporate and Commercial Litigation. Naheem handles disputes and litigation for businesses of varying sizes across a diverse range of industry sectors but specialises in particular in Commercial Litigation, including disputes arising out of commercial agreements.

Naheem also has experience in managing and resolving property issues and disputes for commercial and residential property owners, investors and occupiers. He is an expert in landlord and tenant matters, litigation, arbitration and mediation procedures.

Naheem has significant experience in debt enforcement matters and can advise on the variety of methods that are available.

Sahdia Hussain

Sahdia began her legal career in Leeds in 2005 at the age of 18 in conveyancing. After a period of working as a legal assistant in a large conveyancing firm gaining valuable experience, Sahdia went on to study for her law degree and LPC.

After completed her studies Sahdia worked as a paralegal at Lyons Davidson in their insurance litigation department acting for major insurance companies with national reach.

In 2013 Sahdia joined Certus Solicitors working as a legal assistant. Sahdia obtained a training contract with Certus Solicitors in 2014 and qualified in 2016.  Sahdia is a director of Blakewater Solicitors Limited.

Sahdia decided to specialise in Debt Recovery and Landlord and Tenant Residential.

Sahdia handles disputes and litigation for individuals and businesses of varying sizes.

Sahdia also has experience in managing and resolving commercial property issues and insolvency.