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Business Debt Recovery Solicitors.
A Commercial Debt Recovery Solicitor is an experienced legal professional who specialises in helping, advising and taking action to recover money for businesses.
If your business is being affected by clients or customers not paying what they owe you, then talk to our specialist Commercial Debt Recovery Lawyers.
We’ve built a reputation for fast, efficient business debt recovery for clients locally in Shropshire, Herefordshire, Mid Wales, North Wales and throughout England and Wales.
For expert legal advice in relation to any form of business debt recovery call us now for an initial consultation or leave your details using the enquiry form on the page and we’ll call you back.
We provide clear, practical advice for your business, whether your issues are with cash flow, payments to staff or creditors, or the impact on your reputation that can result from these problems.
Our pragmatic approach ensures brand and reputation protection.
To talk to one of our experienced Debt Recovery Solicitors, please either call the number at the top of this page or leave your details in the enquiry form and we’ll call you back.
The Debtsolve Recovery Team
If you run a business, making sure your customers pay their bills on time is essential to your livelihood. So, when people fail to pay their debts, it’s important to get advice from experienced Business Debt Recovery Solicitors.
The DebtSolve team here at Lanyon Bowdler are used to dealing with those customers who are difficult to get hold of, or seem to be on a permanent holiday, saving you time and allowing you to get on with running your business instead of chasing bad debts.
The team is made up of experienced Business Debt Recovery Lawyers who have the resources and skills required to ensure court proceedings are successful. We use the latest computer systems from one of the leaders in the field to provide a cost-effective and efficient court preparation service for our clients.
If your debtor files a defence, our specialist dispute resolution department will step in and your case will be handled by a lawyer experienced in dealing with disputed debts.
Our Business Debt Recovery Expertise
At Lanyon Bowdler, we have years of experience in Business Debt Recovery. Get in touch and we would be more than happy to help.
How can we help you recover commercial debt?
The approach most likely to yield results will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. We’ll draw on years of experience to determine a personalised strategy that takes into account the entire context.
You’ll be relieved to know that often the only step required is for us to contact your debtor on your behalf and request payment of the debt.
In many cases, the involvement of a law firm is enough of an escalation to make the debtor realise the significance of the situation and ensure full payment.
We will also be able to advise you on your rights to interest and compensation under your contract with your debtor or Late Payment Legislation, which you may be able to claim in addition to your original debt.
What is the Debt Recovery process?
There are a series of steps we can take to recover the money you are owed. Each step is designed to achieve the desired results whilst minimising costs and conflict. Please see below for a brief overview.
Issuing a letter of claim
If the debt to your business is not paid after our initial contact, we can begin formal legal action by issuing a Letter of Claim. This will explain to the debtor that court proceedings will follow if the debt, interest and compensation (where applicable) are not paid by a specified deadline.
Often, the debt will be recovered successfully at this stage or at very least contact is received and we are able to successfully agree a repayment plan with your debtor should that prove necessary.
If the debt is not paid in the specified time however, we can commence court proceedings.
Going to court
Once we have made your claim to the courts, the debtor will have 14 days to either admit the claim and put forward an offer of repayment, lodge a defence or file an acknowledgement of service which will allow them a further 14 days to respond. Should they fail to do so, we will request judgment.
If your debt is still not repaid at this point, we will recommend the appropriate action to enforce the judgment.
Some possible strategies include:
Attachment of earnings
Your debtor’s employer is required to make deductions from your debtor’s salary to pay off your debt.
Charging orders
Your debt is secured against a property owned by your debtor (usually their home). This provides you with additional security should the debt not be paid in full.
Statutory demand
Your debtor will have 21 days from receipt of the statutory demand to either pay the money they owe you or reach an agreement to pay it. If they fail to do so, the next step would be to issue a winding up order or bankruptcy proceedings.
Warrant of execution
This is a County Court order to a County Court bailiff to take control of, and sell, as much of the debtor’s property as is required to settle your debt.
Writ of control
A Writ of Control commands a High Court enforcement officer to take control of, and sell, enough of a debtor’s property to obtain the funds required to settle the debt.
There will be additional costs for searches, registrations, court hearings and third-party process servers. These will all be discussed with you transparently at the appropriate time.
There may be other options to explore too, such as third-party debtor orders, arbitration or an action under insolvency legislation and we will be with you at every stage to advise on what is most appropriate for your situation.
Your Business Debt Recovery questions answered
How much does it cost to recover commercial debt?
We are keen to ensure that legal costs do not prohibit you from seeking advice and support.
In some cases, we charge a percentage of money recovered so if we are unsuccessful you don’t have to pay anything unless court proceedings are issued. We can also offer a small fixed fee in certain cases.
If court proceedings need to be issued, we charge fixed fees so you know at the outset how much it will cost – and most of these fees can be passed on to the debtor.
We pride ourselves on being a friendly and approachable law firm and provide a flexible and bespoke solution for every client. The DebtSolve team judges every case on its merits and prepares a method of recovering the debt which is appropriate for you.
What is the pre-action protocol?
From October 2017 a new pre-action protocol was introduced which applies to businesses claiming debts from any individual, sole trader or business, apart from limited companies or PLCs.
The purpose of this is to encourage parties to communicate and exchange information about a debt at an earlier stage in the hope court proceedings can be avoided, and also to encourage everyone involved to act in a reasonable and proportionate manner.
The big change was that debtors have 30 days rather than the previous 14 days to respond to a letter of claim.
Whilst this could see delays in settling claims, there are some potential advantages. For instance, agreeing a repayment plan at an earlier stage will save on legal costs and court fees, plus debtors may now involve a solicitor earlier in the process which will actually lead to a speedier resolution overall.
Testimonials
What our clients say.
From the first contact, the team at Lanyon Bowdler gave a fast & efficient service. They were very friendly & gave me the confidence that I had found the right solicitors. The advice given & the fast responses were beyond my expectations. The matter was resolved in no time at all.
Martyn
via ReviewSolicitors
Since dealing with Lanyon Bowdler they have been diligent, efficient and at all times very helpful along with being structured in dealing with matters, fees and clarity on all levels. Thank you.
Michael
via ReviewSolicitors
I was clearly informed of progress step by step. The service you provided was very good.
Peter Weston
Shrewsbury
All work carried out effectively and efficiently.
Hubert Jones
via ReviewSolicitors
An excellent service with solicitors that you can talk to and who give you a clear understanding of all necessary legal implications and interpretations.
Eric
via ReviewSolicitors
From start to finish we had excellent service. Friendly, approachable and professional.
Carl Gittins
via ReviewSolicitors
Very clear, concise advice and guidance, easy to understand.
Ian Jamieson
Telford
Good service provided throughout with clear communication throughout with all options explored.
Lee
I can thoroughly recommend the highly professional and supportive service received over the last few months.
Heather
via ReviewSolicitors
Responsive, supportive, approachable, clear and empathetic.
Lisa Thacker
Professional and prompt communication. Supportive and client focused.
Lisa Thacker
Jennifer M Whittall Ltd
Whenever I have had need to contact Lanyon Bowdler I have always received a fast, concise and friendly response.
Lee Mortimer
UK Case Management
Definitely would use Lanyon Bowdler again if I need the use of a solicitor.
Mark Bowkett
via ReviewSolicitors
Smooth and efficient service from very professional firm.
Tim
via ReviewSolicitors
We were particularly impressed with the quality of work, the speed and excellent communication.
Allenby Douglas Ltd
Oswestry
Very friendly and approachable. Very good advice
Ivor Brown
via ReviewSolicitors
Great Service; Lanyon Bowdler were excellent from the outset. Straightforward and easy process. I just sat back and waited.
Paul Rowe
via ReviewSolicitors
Everything has been professional, efficient and courteous throughout and we are very pleased, both with the service and with the eventual outcome of our case. Everything was first class and exceeded our expectations. Thank you again for providing such splendid service. It is really appreciated.
Mr N J & Dr S J Browne
Llanfyllin
Legal 500 Recommendation
Lanyon Bowdler’s Debt Recovery Team is recognised in the 2025 edition of the Legal 500, which states, ‘Lanyon Bowdler leverages its regional ties to support firms across the Shropshire and wider West Midlands area. The firm advises on enforcement applications, charging orders and bankruptcy proceedings’.
Testimonials include: ‘The team are aware of their departments capabilities and the need to collaborate with their other colleagues’.
Contact our Debt Recovery Solicitors
Lanyon Bowdler have established offices with expert teams of Commercial Debt Recovery Solicitors in Bromyard, Hereford, Ludlow, Oswestry, Shropshire, Telford, and Conwy in North Wales.
We have one of the most well recognised teams of business lawyers in Shropshire, Herefordshire, Mid and North Wales, Birmingham and the Midlands. We offer a wide range of pricing options including fixed fees and service level guarantees.
As a leading law firm, we regularly act for clients on business debt recovery issues. We can represent you wherever you live in England or Wales.
For more information about how we can advise you on all areas of commercial law, speak to our experts today.
Please contact us by phone or use the online enquiry form and a member of the team will get back to you.
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