Is court really the best route?

Tabitha Mitchell-Greaves, McVicar Debt Collection

When a customer refuses to pay, many businesses see court as the only way forward. It feels official, a stamp of authority.

But in practice, it’s often far from the ‘winning strategy’ people imagine.

The average civil court claim can take six to nine months to resolve, and even then, a County Court Judgment (CCJ) doesn’t guarantee payment.

In fact, around 40 per cent of CCJs remain unpaid, leaving businesses back at square one… only now with added costs and wasted time.

That’s where many turn to debt collectors for help. But imagine if that step came first, not last.

Working with a professional agency before heading to court can save months of frustration and thousands in legal fees.

Early intervention often leads to faster settlements, better communication, and preserved business relationships. It’s not about being heavy-handed, it’s about being strategic.

At McVicar Debt Collection, we specialise in that smarter approach. Our process focuses on communication, compliance, and clarity, giving clients full transparency at every stage.

We achieve results through professionalism and persistence, not pressure.

Our clients know where things stand at all times: no hidden costs, no confusion, just a clear path to resolution.

Before you take legal action, consider whether there’s a faster and more efficient way to get your money back. With McVicar, recovery isn’t just possible – it’s probable.

Enjoyed this? Read more from Tabitha Mitchell-Greaves

Latest news

1

Business and education leaders recognised in New Year's Honours List Mo Isap CEO of IN4 Group

Business and education leaders recognised in New Year's Honours List

30 Dec 2025

2

Preston Tram bridge scheduled to open in the Spring Preston tram bridge

Preston Tram bridge scheduled to open in the Spring

22 Dec 2025

3

MHA to acquire Moore Stephens firms in UAE Rakesh Shaunak MHA

MHA to acquire Moore Stephens firms in UAE

22 Dec 2025

4

Planning application for new industrial and logistics Frontier Park Preston Plans have been submitted for the land in Preston

Planning application for new industrial and logistics Frontier Park Preston

18 Dec 2025

5

Burnley College gets share of £88.5m funding to revolutionise engineering and computing education Burnley College interim principal Kate Wallace, curriculum manager for Engineering David Coar, head of projects and partnerships Rosie Fearne, assistant principal – BCUC Nina Parkin and director of Skills and Innovation Neil Burrows

Burnley College gets share of £88.5m funding to revolutionise engineering and computing education

18 Dec 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
January / February 2026 Magazine networking event
Porsche Preston1200x630
Networking
22 Jan 2026

January / February 2026 Magazine networking event

Porsche Preston, Preston, PR2 1QJ

08:30 - 10:30

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 09 Jan 2026

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre

The Small Business Academy, Blackpool, FY4 5JX

09:30 - 15:30

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

St Catherine's Christmas Tree-Cycling
Tree Cycling.png.png
LBV Hub Fundraisers
25 Nov 2025 - 10 Jan 2026

St Catherine's Christmas Tree-Cycling

Several locations, Preston, PR5 5XU

10:00 - 13:07

Chamber Breakfast Networking – January
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
08 Jan 2026 - 08 Jan 2026

Chamber Breakfast Networking – January

3-1-5 Health Club, Lancaster, LA1 3PE

08:00 - 10:00

Lancashire County Council – Meet the Buyer - January 2026 Webinar Event
LBV Hub Webinar
13 Jan 2026

Lancashire County Council – Meet the Buyer - January 2026 Webinar Event

10:00 - 12:00

Society1 Open Coworking Day
Open Day Square.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
15 Jan 2026 - 15 Jan 2026

Society1 Open Coworking Day

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

09:00 - 17:00

The Business Network Central and East Lancashire
LBV Header (28).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
15 Jan 2026 - 15 Jan 2026

The Business Network Central and East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

Preston Tech Connection: Tech For Better Humans
PTC January 26 banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
15 Jan 2026 - 15 Jan 2026

Preston Tech Connection: Tech For Better Humans

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Lancashire County Council – Meet the Buyer Drop in Event
Meet the Buyer event new
LBV Hub Networking
20 Jan 2026

Lancashire County Council – Meet the Buyer Drop in Event

County Hall, Pitt Street, Preston , PR1 8XJ

10:00 - 15:00

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: January
January Freelancer Meet-Up Square .png.png
LBV Hub Networking
20 Jan 2026 - 20 Jan 2026

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: January

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 12:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin