19 October 2026
Lesley Curtis is an Associate in our Dispute Resolution Department, specialising in business-to-business debt recovery for clients across the UK and a wide range of business sectors.
Our clients range from sole traders, partnerships and family-run businesses to large blue-chip organisations. Lesley works alongside businesses and their credit control teams to recover outstanding debts as quickly and efficiently as possible, tailoring her approach to each client’s individual needs.
With 26 years of experience in debt recovery, alongside previous experience in our Family Department, Lesley brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. She is known for her tenacity and fair but firm approach, aiming to achieve swift, cost-effective recoveries while preserving relationships between businesses and their customers wherever possible.
In this blog, Lesley shares an insight into a typical working day, highlighting the varied and rewarding work involved in helping businesses across the UK recover money they are owed.
A typical day in debt recovery
9.00am – Checking emails
I arrive at work and check the emails received overnight and since close of business the previous day. It is not uncommon to receive payment proposals from debtors at 2am!
9.45am – Catching up with the team
Before responding to emails and reviewing my calendar for important court deadlines and reminders, I put the kettle on and enjoy a cup of tea with the Dispute Resolution Team.
I then spend the next hour or so responding to client emails, reviewing information and documents provided to progress cases, and checking whether any payments have been received into our bank account.
11.00am – A successful enforcement action
I receive a call from the High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEOs) I have instructed to recover a debt from a business in the north of England. They explain that the debtor is refusing to pay and need further information from me to help them pursue the matter.
A short while later, I receive another call confirming that the debt has been recovered in full. I can then contact my client with the good news, explaining that the funds will be paid over to us and then to them once the applicable holding period has passed. Our client is delighted with the outcome.
11.30am – Reviewing the post
The post arrives, and I check whether the court has sent any orders or applications. Most correspondence now comes by email, allowing us to receive and respond to information more quickly than when relying on traditional post.
I then respond to further emails and update clients on developments in their cases.
12.00pm – Internal credit control
Alongside recovering debts for our clients, I also help manage the firm's internal credit control processes. I review aged debtor reports and make diary entries to ensure matters are followed up later in the week.
12.30pm – Reviewing recovery options
I telephone a client to explain that, despite issuing third-party debt order proceedings to freeze their debtor’s bank account, the bank has confirmed that no funds are available.
We review any further information or documentation the client holds about the debtor and discuss the options available. On this occasion, we conclude that the likelihood of recovery is low, and the client decides to write off the debt.
Although not every debt can be recovered, this client has enjoyed numerous successful recoveries with us in the past and understands that, occasionally, a debt will prove irrecoverable. They have been impressed by the results we have achieved on their behalf.
1.00pm–2.00pm – Lunchtime
Whenever possible, I like to get outside for a walk along the clifftop near our Bournemouth office. In the summer, it is a lovely place to catch some sunshine during the working day. The only downside is having to come back inside afterwards!
2.00pm – Preparing a charging order application
I prepare an application for a charging order relating to a director’s residential property, where the director has provided my client with a personal guarantee in respect of their company’s debt.
3.00pm – Speaking to a potential new client
Time for another cup of tea before I call a prospective client who has several outstanding debts they would like us to recover.
We discuss their payment terms, the nature of their business and any disputes they are aware of. I also review their terms and conditions, paying particular attention to whether they can claim statutory late payment interest or whether contractual interest provisions apply.
4.00pm – Issuing court proceedings
I draft a claim form and particulars of claim before logging on to the court portal to issue proceedings in one matter and take the necessary steps to obtain a County Court Judgment (CCJ) in another.
4.45pm–5.00pm – Final email checks
I check my emails again for any developments during the afternoon. I also make a note to obtain an undertaking from solicitors the following day to help protect my client’s position while a property is being sold.
5.15pm – Time to head home
I leave work thinking about what to cook for dinner, catching up with family and friends, and making plans for the weekend.
More than just recovering money
Working as an Associate specialising in debt recovery involves much more than legal processes and recovering money. I enjoy speaking with both clients and debtors, understanding their individual circumstances and working towards solutions that, wherever possible, preserve business relationships.
Every case is different, and finding the right approach for each client is an important part of what makes the work so rewarding.
How we can help with debt recovery
If your business is owed money, our experienced Dispute Resolution Team can advise on debt recovery, credit control, court proceedings, County Court Judgments, enforcement action and insolvency matters.
We understand the importance of recovering outstanding debts while managing costs and maintaining valuable business relationships wherever possible.
Contact us today to discuss your debt recovery requirements and find out how we can help. Call us on 01202 294411, email Lesley.Curtis@absolicitors.com, or contact us online to arrange a confidential consultation.
