top of page
TH Logo_TH Main Logo_edited.png
Female staff member working on business debt collection and recovery

BUSINESS DEBT
COLLECTION & RECOVERY

WHAT WE DO

Under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, as amended, businesses can claim back the full cost of issuing county court proceedings when recovering a commercial debt. With Thomas Higgins, you can recoup your recovery costs and fees on a successful claim, helping protect your cash flow without paying commission on the amount recovered.

​

Available to businesses across England and Wales, with related commercial debt recovery services available across the UK.

See how free debt collection works

Even if an invoice has been paid in full, you may still be entitled to compensation and additional interest if payment arrived after the due date. Thomas Higgins can check whether your business is owed money you did not know you could still claim.

Find out if you're owed compensation

Track your debt recovery in real time through our secure online portal. Issue instructions, check case status, and see updates the moment they are logged, with no calls, emails or waiting required.

Access your free online account

Commercial Debt
Recovery Services

Thomas Higgins is a UK commercial debt recovery law firm focused exclusively on helping businesses recover unpaid invoices and business-to-business debts quickly, professionally and cost-effectively.

​

With decades of experience in commercial litigation and debt enforcement, we combine legal expertise with a streamlined, technology-driven process, so you can instruct us and monitor your case online in real time.

​

Our services include:

+ Pre-legal recovery resolving debts before court action is needed

+ Debtor tracing locating debtors who are avoiding payment

+ Issuing court proceedings formal legal action through the County Court when required

+ Obtaining County Court Judgments (CCJs) securing a legal ruling in your favour

+ Enforcement action recovering what you're owed once judgment is granted

​

Fixed-fee promise

We work on transparent, fixed fees rather than commission, so you always know exactly what you are paying. Our approach is direct and professional, built to protect your cash flow while preserving commercial relationships wherever possible.

Explore our debt recovery process
Reception Area in Thomas Higgins Solicitors
Letters before action with pen

Our Debt
Collection Process

There are three main stages to our standard debt collection process:

1. Letter Before Action (LBA)

We send the debtor formal written notice stating the value of the outstanding debt and reserving the right to proceed to court action. Many debts are settled at this stage without the need to take matters further.

2. Court Proceedings

If payment still is not made, we issue a claim form with the Court to begin formal legal proceedings.

3. Judgment and Enforcement

If the debt remains unpaid once the time allowed by the Court has passed, we obtain a County Court Judgment (CCJ) and apply for enforcement action via the County Court Bailiff or High Court Enforcement Officer to recover what you're owed.

Start your debt recovery today

Debt Recovery News & Legal Insights

Practical, up-to-date guidance on commercial debt recovery, late payment law and credit control for UK businesses, written and reviewed by experienced debt recovery specialists.

​

Recent topics include

+ Pre-action protocols what they are and how they affect your claim

+ How to serve a County Court Judgment (CCJ) the correct legal process, step by step

+ Late payment charges what you're entitled to claim and when

+ Recovering multiple outstanding debts strategies for managing several debtors at once

Browse all articles
Person using Thomas Higgins App to collect their debt

Debt Collection Costs
& Fees

Since 1980, Thomas Higgins has helped businesses across the UK protect margins, cash flow and long-term profitability through transparent business-to-business debt collection.

​

Fixed fees, no commission

With decades of experience in commercial debt recovery, we have built our reputation on a transparent, fixed-price approach: no hidden extras, no commission and no unnecessary complications. Our Letter Before Action service costs from just £25 plus VAT and achieves a 90% plus average success rate.

​

Cost clarity

Unlike many debt recovery solicitors and collection agencies that charge on commission, our fixed-fee model gives you clarity and control over costs at every stage of the recovery process.

FAQs

  • Free debt collection means that, where legally recoverable and successful, the court costs and fixed legal costs can be claimed from the debtor rather than being left as your business expense.

    ​

  • Yes, if a qualifying business invoice was paid late, you may still be able to claim statutory compensation and interest after payment has been received.

    ​

  • The usual stages are Letter Before Action, court proceedings, County Court Judgment and enforcement.

    ​

  • A Letter Before Action can usually be issued quickly once the debtor details and amount owed have been provided.

    ​

  • A standard Letter Before Action starts from £25.00 plus VAT.

    ​

  • In qualifying commercial debt claims using a Late Payment Demand, certain legal costs, compensation and interest may be recoverable from the debtor.

    ​

Staff member in a meeting
AdobeStock_548613258.png

Thomas Higgins provide a highly professional and effective debt recovery service. Their communication is clear, the process is straightforward, and they deliver results efficiently. I would not hesitate to recommend them to any business needing reliable support with outstanding debts.

AdobeStock_548613258.png

Highly recommend Thomas Higgins Solicitors, they have helped in recovering debt owed to my business. Very easy and simple process via their own app. Thank you!

AdobeStock_548613258.png

Extremely impressed with the service offered. Easy to set up an account and submit details via for the recovery of a batch of unpaid invoices. All late fees are calculated for you, along with legal fees. Payment has finally been received 2 days following the letter being issued. Would highly reccomend.

bottom of page