This directory lists UK debt-collection firms with a guide for each — who they are, how they get your details, what they can and cannot legally do, and the routes out if the debt is genuinely yours. Almost every consumer-credit, telecoms, council-tax or utility debt that’s gone unpaid eventually passes through one of these firms; the rules they all operate under are the same.
What every UK debt collector must follow#
Whichever firm has contacted you, three rule books apply:
- FCA Consumer Credit Sourcebook (CONC) — including the duty to consider what you can genuinely afford after essentials, and to stop calls if you ask in writing for contact by post only.
- Consumer Credit Act 1974 — including your right to request the original signed credit agreement (sections 77/78) for a £1 fee. Until the firm produces it, the debt is unenforceable in court.
- Limitation Act 1980 — many consumer debts in England and Wales have a six-year limitation period if there has been no payment, written acknowledgement, or court action. Scotland uses different prescription rules.
If the firm is a bailiff or sheriff officer, the framework is different — Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013 in England & Wales, or Debtors (Scotland) Act 1987 in Scotland. The seven-day Notice of Enforcement (or 14-day Charge for Payment in Scotland) is your most useful protection. We cover the bailiff-specific rules in each enforcement-firm profile.
Featured profiles#
Below is the alphabetical directory. Twenty firms have full rewritten guides covering ownership, tactics and worked-out next steps:
- Debt purchasers: Lowell Financial, Cabot Financial, PRA Group, Hoist Finance UK, Arrow Global, Cap Quest, Aktiv Kapital
- Contingent collectors: Moorcroft Debt Recovery, Wescot Credit Services, Robinson Way, PDCS / Past Due Credit Solutions, Phoenix Recoveries, Ruthbridge, Resolvecall
- Solicitors / litigation: BW Legal, Drydens Solicitors, Bryan Carter Solicitors
- Bailiffs / enforcement: Equita, Newlyn, Stirling Park (Scotland)
Sources