Debt Recovery: Yorkshire

THE FIRM Working under the banner of Incasso, this exceptional debt recovery practice has a long-standing reputation for excellence in Yorkshire and remains at the forefront of the market. The 75-strong team has built up strong links with a number of different industries including education, local authorities, banking, construction and healthcare. Another successful year has seen a considerable increase in instructions and new client wins as the firm goes from strength to strength.

Sources Say: "The professional, friendly staff provide high-quality work with a very competitive pricing structure."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Webb is a contact.

THE FIRM The team has firmly established itself as one of the premier debt recovery practices in the region and sources are confident that further success lies ahead. The firm focuses on offering a high-volume product, with clients including names from the financial services industry and government agencies. The team ensures cases are dealt with at the right level.

Sources Say: "It has an excellent management team dedicated to providing an excellent service for its clients. It is one of the most respected firms in Yorkshire." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Rachael Charmbury is the main contact for the team.

THE FIRM Having relocated the hub of its operations from Manchester to Leeds, DWF is already making waves in the Yorkshire market. The growing practice has had some impressive new client wins, and boasts a particularly strong reputation for local authority work, with utilities being another standout niche. Notable clients include Anglian Water and Dent Steel Services.

Sources Say: "The lawyers are commercially aware; they are willing to develop their procedures to suit clients rather than offering a single, generic product."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ron Lack heads up the firm's Leeds operation.

THE FIRM With a strong focus on consumer debt, this team continues to impress market observers. The Leeds arm of Eversheds' debt collection practice is best known as a provider of high-volume recoveries as a complementary service to the office's insolvency department. The team acts primarily in recovering purchased debt on behalf of financial institutions and is well respected by peers.

Sources Say: "The firm has a high-quality product, an efficient set-up and an impressive niche client list."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The main contact for the group is Peter Wordsworth.

THE FIRM Ford & Warren continues to thrive in a competitive market. The team has historical ties to the transport industry and has also developed strong links with the media industry, the public sector and estate agents. Its list of long-standing clients speaks volumes for the quality of its service and success rate, as does its continued increase in instructions received.

Sources Say: "It is a well-respected team with a clear focus on quality over quantity."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nick Collins is the contact.

THE FIRM Formerly a division of DLA Piper, this new addition to the rankings has already made a huge impression in Yorkshire. The firm's low-cost high-volume service is thriving in the banking and finance sectors and promises to develop further over coming years.

Sources Say: "One to keep an eye on."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Steve Heighway heads the department.

THE FIRM This group sits within the firm's commercial dispute resolution department and enjoys an excellent standing in the Yorkshire market. It predominantly focuses on recovering commercial debt for financial services companies but also represents clients with a property, insolvency and vehicle finance background.

Sources Say: "It has an excellent team with oodles of experience."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Partner Richard Sandford oversees the team.