Lewis Debt Services (LDS)
LDS is one of the UK's foremost debt collection agencies, supplying tailor-made solutions to maximise cash recovery whilst adhering to Service Level Agreements.
With over 35 years experience, LDS deals with all debt types, both consumer and commercial, harnessing the very latest technology and supported by a highly experienced management team. LDS employs a range of services and techniques to meet client's requirements including:
Letter and telephone collection
Utilises a portfolio of collection strategies designed to get results quickly and efficiently. We champion challenge various collection techniques and activities to ensure optimum results. All collectors are highly trained in negotiation skills and in adopting the most effective collection approach for each debt type. We house a large library of letters, tested for their effectiveness and collection managers have the ability to swiftly introduce new letters, as required.
Pro-active telephone calls are generally made with the use of our power dialler for optimum contact efficiency. Should no contact be made, the account will be returned to the next stage of the automated process, either a further letter or onto the next phase of collection, namely litigation or doorstep recovery.
Litigation and enforcement
Active members of the Civil Court Users Association, we have a team of experienced litigation clerks responsible for all aspects of legal proceedings. Utilising a highly selective process supported by flexible enforcement options and continued pro-active collection activities, we obtain optimum results from minimum outlay.
We are believed to be the largest litigators within the debt recovery sector, issuing in excess of 100,000 claims per annum, and have automated bulk issue arrangements with the CCBC in Northampton. This ensures issue of claim within 48 hours for all England and Wales cases. We also have well established arrangements to litigate in Scotland.
Doorstep collections
Our nationwide Doorstep Collection operation is a growth area within the organisation, consisting of circa 1,500 part-time, self-employed collectors.
Where our in-house letter and telephone collection activities have failed, and legal action is not permitted or not deemed effective, we believe that cases should be transferred for doorstep collection, which will ensure they are given every opportunity to repay their debt. Lack of telephone data for debtors would make this option appear very attractive and impact favourably upon collection performance.
Our doorstep collectors are local people and are highly trained in all aspects of face-to-face debt collection, particularly negotiation skills. They are all smartly dressed and carry official identification, with photograph, at all times. They abide by the strictest of Codes of Conduct and sign a formal agreement to that effect. All collectors are tightly monitored and controlled and subject to regular audits of their workload.
Overseas Collections
LDS can also collect debt from overseas with many supporting third party agency relationships throughout the world. We have established business links with a worldwide network of organisations, which has enabled us to provide an international recovery service from one central point of contact, assisting clients who are pursuing debtors abroad.
The Lewis Group is a member of ACA International, The Association of Credit and Collection Professionals.
