Q1 2021

135 | Q1 2021 Jan21502 Exceeding Expectations Founded in 2009, BW Legal has grown in to the UK’s largest independent debt recovery law firm thanks to its specialist industry knowledge. Following its well-deserved success in the Business Elite Awards 2021, we got in touch with Brian Gibson to find out more about one of the best debt recovery firms in the industry today. Based in Leeds, BW Legal is a one stop shop for debt collection and litigation, focused on delivering market leading recovery solutions in an ethical and fair manner. Going into further detail, Brian provides us with a brief overview of the firm and offers us more of an insight into its clientele. “As a firm of solicitors, we combine our experience with a fully bespoke platform to make us the obvious choice for organisations with debt issues. We are non-sector specific because we understand debt across all sectors. We carry the capabilities of a volume debt collection agency (“DCA”) but with the additional ability to proceed with legal services which provides an unequalled service to clients. We differ from most firms in that we will take time to understand the business needs of our clients and implement procedures, technology and bespoke pricing structures to best facilitate our client’s requirements. “Since inception, we have won multiple awards by demonstrating our results and advancements with technologies and putting our clients first. Moreover, being dual regulated provides assurances to our clients that the services we offer are carried out in line with the principles set by both the Solicitors Regulation Authority (“SRA”) and the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) within our debt administration and debt- collecting permissions.” Working in the debt recovery sector brings plenty of competition to the table for BW Legal, however as Brian goes on to explain, its client approach and team of experts has allowed the firm to distance itself from the crowd. “As an agile practice, we focus on exceeding client expectations by handling high volumes of instructions. With a rapid turnaround this is accompanied by the highest standards of quality. “Having worked on some of the largest scale debt recovery projects in the past, our industry experts are able to guide clients and make the necessary recommendations for the most effective means of recovery in both B2C and B2B recoveries at pre-legal, legal and enforcement stages. By offering clients access to our secure BW Legal Client Gateway, they are able to see results, extract reports, edit and sign witness statements, track hearings, report on costs, agree or reject admissions, submit their own offers and withdraw from hearings all in an online convenient portal.” With 73% of its management team previously earning a promotion through the business, internal progression plays a major part in the firm’s internal culture. “Having built a culture which is friendly, engaging, and supportive, this enables all our colleagues to thrive as part of the BW community” Brian highlights. “By creating a workplace that inspires collaboration and innovation, we aim to build a sense of belonging for everyone who works here whilst rewarding their commitment. To further support our colleagues, we offer bespoke eLearning courses which range from regulatory requirements to soft skills such as leadership, mindfulness, and SRA principles.” Despite the outbreak of COVID-19, BW Legal has managed to adapt to these difficult and uncertain times by putting in place a number of safety measures, as Brian points out. “With the pandemic impacting every person and business, we embraced how we could adapt to the challenging period and have our site fitted with some of the latest antimicrobial coatings and blue light technologies. Additionally, we reduced our employee working week without any financial impact, which has become a permanent benefit for the majority. Thanks to our large premises, we were and have been able to maintain socially distanced working practices throughout the whole period. Keeping colleagues safe, productive, engaged, and most importantly employed has been our key focus during this time.” Looking ahead to what the future holds for the firm, Brian signs off by revealing some of the exciting plans which lie in the pipeline for BW Legal in the years to come. “Moving forward, we will be focusing on high colleague engagement with an emphasis on upskilling our staff to the highest possible standard. Alongside our progressive approach to business, this will ensure the company continues to blaze a trail both internally and externally.” Company: BW Legal Services Limited Contact: Brian Gibson Website: www.bwlegal.co.uk