Bristow & Sutor is one of the UK’s leading players specialising in debt recovery and has over 42 years’ experience in the collection of local council tax, non-domestic rates and unpaid Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs). The company has a strong track record of supporting clients in the North West of England and recently expanded their portfolio in the region, securing new contracts with both Manchester City Council and Warrington Borough Council.
After a formal tender process, Manchester City Council has appointed a place to Bristow & Sutor on their framework for the provision of Enforcement Agent (EA) services including Council Tax and Non-Domestic Rates (NDR) as well as Parking and Bus Lane Enforcement. Bristow & Sutor will be on the framework of suppliers for at least the next 2 years. For Warrington Borough Council, Bristow & Sutor have been chosen to undertake Enforcement Agent services for the collection of unpaid PCNs.
Last month, Salford City Council (SCC) also renewed its relationship with Bristow & Sutor for the provision of enforcement services until at least September 2023, targeting the acquisition of Council Tax and National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR) and for the first-time, outstanding parking debts (PCNs). The business was awarded a three-year contract by Liverpool City Council last year, in addition to Cheshire East Council who has been supported since 2011, Cheshire West since their formation in 2009 and their previous district authorities since 1995. Bristow & Sutor has also worked with Preston City Council since 2013, collected Council Tax in Bury since 2006 and provided NDR, PCN and Council Tax solutions to Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council since 2011.
Bristow & Sutor has also been awarded various new contracts across the rest of the UK this year, including a new project with Transport for London (TfL), who has tasked the business with collecting unpaid PCNs for road charging schemes and traffic enforcement contraventions.
Economic, social and environmental well-being is a key focus for local authorities and this is an area where Bristow & Sutor has continued to invest their time and resources into developing. Part of the recent success the company has seen can be attributed to the enhanced services devised and implemented throughout the coronavirus pandemic. This includes the introduction of webchat for debtors, increasing outbound calls, implementing text reminders for cases in payment arrangements, offering more payment methods and prioritising the most successful contact techniques.
Despite visits being placed on hold for five months, the company managed to secure £8million pounds of revenue for local authority clients throughout the first COVID-19 lockdown. During this timeframe, when no visits were permitted, the company received no complaints from customers or the public.
Since enforcement activity resumed at the end of August, every Bristow & Sutor enforcement agent (EA) has been in possession of PPE equipment such as masks, hand sanitisers, antibacterial wipes, disinfectant sprays and gloves as standard. All members of staff have been trained on the use of PPE and must pass an industry approved course before being allowed to conduct visits. They are not permitted to enter properties currently, so any resolution found is made in a socially distanced manner from the doorstep.
Andy Rose, CEO at Bristow & Sutor, says,
“Bristow & Sutor is delighted to have been selected by Manchester City Council and Warrington Borough Council for the provision of enforcement activity, further solidifying our ongoing support to the North West of England. The reality of Government suspending enforcement action during the coronavirus lockdown has left local authorities across the UK requiring fast, efficient and accountable recovery action as soon as possible. Through ongoing training, a pragmatic approach and continuous technological investment, we have ensured we are prepared to provide exactly that.”
Bristow & Sutor prides itself on delivering an ethical, compliant and high-quality service to the public and private sectors. Agents regularly assist debtors with completing questionnaires, setting up payment arrangements and directing them towards support and advice where appropriate. They are trained to the highest standard and use modern technology and data to achieve market-leading performance, whilst protecting the most vulnerable in society and the reputations of clients.