What types of commercial debt can Hollingworth Collections help with?

We review enquiries relating to unpaid invoices, overdue B2B accounts, contractor debts, supplier invoice disputes and other commercial debts over £3,000. We work with tradespeople, SMEs, limited companies, contractors and suppliers across the UK.

Is Hollingworth Collections a bailiff or solicitor firm?

No. Hollingworth Collections is not a bailiff firm, solicitor firm or regulated debt advice provider. We are a commercial debt recovery lead generation and referral service. We introduce suitable enquiries to independent recovery specialists such as Athena Collections.

How do I submit a commercial debt recovery enquiry?

Complete our free online enquiry form at hollingworthcollections.co.uk/how-it-works. Our team will review your case and, where suitable, introduce you to an experienced commercial debt recovery specialist. The process takes less than 3 minutes and is completely confidential.

Do you cover the whole of the UK?

Yes. We review enquiries from businesses across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We cover all major UK cities including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield, Bristol, Newcastle, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Is there a minimum debt amount?

We typically review commercial debts of £3,000 and above. Not every debt is suitable for recovery — some debts may be disputed, too old, poorly evidenced or linked to insolvency. Any recovery action is subject to eligibility, evidence and partner acceptance.

What is a Warrant of Control?

A Warrant of Control is issued by the County Court and instructs enforcement agents to attend the debtor's premises and seize goods to the value of the debt. It is used to enforce a County Court Judgement (CCJ).

Do I need a CCJ first?

Yes. A Warrant of Control can only be issued after a County Court Judgement has been obtained. If you do not have a CCJ, you will need to obtain one first.

What goods can be seized?

Enforcement agents can seize most goods owned by the debtor, including vehicles, equipment and stock. Certain items are exempt, including tools of trade up to £1,350 in value and basic household items.

What if the debtor has no goods?

If the debtor has no goods that can be seized, a Warrant of Control may not be effective. In this case, other enforcement methods such as a Charging Order or Attachment of Earnings may be more appropriate.

What is a Statutory Demand?

A Statutory Demand is a formal written demand for payment of a debt. It is served on the debtor and gives them 21 days to pay, settle or dispute the debt. Failure to comply can lead to bankruptcy or winding-up proceedings.

Do I need a CCJ to serve a Statutory Demand?

No. A Statutory Demand can be served without a CCJ. It is often used as a pre-legal step before court proceedings are issued.

What if the debtor disputes the debt?

If the debtor disputes the debt, they can apply to court to set aside the Statutory Demand. Statutory Demands are most effective for clear, undisputed debts.

Can a Statutory Demand be used against a company?

Yes. A Statutory Demand can be served on a company for debts over £750. Failure to comply can lead to a winding-up petition.

Insolvency Pressure

Statutory Demands — Serious Pressure to Pay

A formal demand that can lead to bankruptcy or winding-up proceedings.

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Overview

What is Statutory Demands?

A Statutory Demand is a formal written demand for payment of a debt. It is a serious legal document that puts the debtor on notice that failure to pay may result in bankruptcy (for individuals) or winding-up proceedings (for companies).

Statutory Demands are a powerful pre-legal tool — many debtors pay promptly when served with a Statutory Demand to avoid the threat of insolvency proceedings.

Important: Hollingworth Collections is not a bailiff service, solicitor firm or regulated debt advice provider. We do not provide legal advice or carry out enforcement directly. Suitable enquiries may be introduced to independent recovery specialists and professional partners where appropriate.

The Process

How Statutory Demands Works

Statutory Demand Prepared

A formal Statutory Demand is prepared in the correct legal format, setting out the debt and demanding payment.

Served on the Debtor

The Statutory Demand is formally served on the debtor — personal service is required in most cases.

21-Day Response Period

The debtor has 21 days to pay the debt, reach a settlement or apply to court to set aside the demand.

Insolvency Proceedings

If the debtor fails to respond, the creditor can apply to wind up the company or make the individual bankrupt.

Eligibility Requirements

Debt must be over £750 for companies
Debt must be over £5,000 for individuals
The debt must be undisputed (or substantially undisputed)
A CCJ is not required before serving a Statutory Demand

Limitations & Considerations

Not suitable for disputed debts
The debtor can apply to set aside the demand if the debt is disputed
Insolvency proceedings are a serious step and should not be used as a threat
Hollingworth Collections does not serve Statutory Demands — we introduce to specialists

Need help with Statutory Demands?

Submit a free enquiry — we'll review your case and advise on next steps.

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FAQ

All Enforcement & Legal Guides

Warrant of Control Writ of Control Charging Orders Attachment of Earnings Third Party Debt Orders Statutory Demands Winding Up Petitions Bankruptcy Proceedings

Need Help Recovering a Commercial Debt?

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