Coltman Warner Cranston LLP

This West Midlands firm is an acknowledged leader in all aspects of debt recovery, notably business to business, with special expertise in litigation and insolvency including compulsory proceedings. Its client base ranges from blue-chip companies to small and medium-sized enterprises.

The firm: This dedicated practice was founded in Coventry in 2006 out of the debt recovery department of the US firm Reed Smith, which had previously acquired Warner Cranston. By focusing only on its niche areas of expertise, Coltman Warner Cranston is able to offer a superior service based on its comprehensive knowledge and understanding of its areas of practice. The diverse client base includes multinational and other large entities as well as smaller businesses active in a wide range of sectors, based in the region and nationwide.

The practice is committed to developing successful long-term relationships with clients and places particular emphasis on effective communications, ranging from free initial advice on debt collection problems to ongoing dialogue that can steer clients away from potentially difficult and costly situations and reveal new avenues for progress. The firm always encourages clients to discuss issues with it and consistently offers impartial and practical advice. Its approach is proactive and the firm is prepared to recommend changes to clients’ procedures and terms and conditions of business if needed. Larry Coltman is a fellow, council member and previously chairman of the Chartered Institute of Credit Management.

Darren Davoile, the firm’s debt recovery manager, is a fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives and a member of the Chartered Institute of Credit Management. The practice provides high-quality seminars for clients, both at its own and clients’ premises, to assist with training as part of its service.

Developments in the past year include creating an online payments system allowing 24/7 payment of debts owed, as well as introducing full voice recording for effective monitoring. The firm is developing a market-leading ‘Linetime’ case management system allowing enhanced bespoke reporting of progress to clients.

Types of work undertaken: The practice’s increasingly popular pre-legal collection service offers clients a ‘no success – no fee’ structure and is designed to collect outstanding debts without the use of legal proceedings. A highly experienced team of negotiators uses a combination of letter and telephone collection techniques to obtain early payment. Pre-agreed commission is payable on recoveries only, making this a cost-effective option for clients wishing to avoid legal proceedings.

In cases where legal action is subsequently needed, clients benefit from a seamless transition of the case to the legal proceedings phase. Cases are driven forward by skilled staff making use of fully computerised case management systems. Individual fee-earners are allocated to specific clients to tailor the specific action required to each client’s needs. The objective is to use the litigation process to maximise chances of being paid while preserving existing customer relations. From standard County Court claim forms via County Court Bulk Centre, which offer reduced court fees for proceedings, clients benefit from the full spectrum of litigation procedures.

Dispute resolution services include litigation, mediation, arbitration, settlement negotiation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution. Insolvency is a particular specialism.

Coltman Warner Cranston will further strengthen its existing highly competitive debt recovery and other services, including investing in staff to provide the best outcomes on price and quality.