Terms of Business

1. Introduction

These Terms and Conditions govern the use of services provided by Paragon Credit Management (“we”, “us”, “our”). By instructing us, whether by website submission, email, telephone, portal, or any other electronic means, you (“the client”) agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

2. Services Provided

We provide commercial debt recovery services, including but not limited to:

• Pre-legal debt recovery
• Legal escalation and instruction of solicitors
• County Court Judgment (CCJ) support
• Enforcement instruction via authorised agents
• Commercial rent arrears recovery
• Lease forfeiture support
• Debtor tracing and asset reporting

All services are provided on a best-efforts basis. Recovery outcomes depend on the debtor’s financial circumstances, available assets, and legal position. No guarantee of recovery is provided.

3. Client Instructions

By submitting a case, the client confirms that:

• The debt is valid, due, and legally enforceable
• All supporting documentation (including invoices, contracts, and correspondence) is accurate, complete, and genuine
• They have the legal authority to instruct recovery action
• They have a lawful basis under applicable data protection legislation to provide debtor information to Paragon Credit Management

We reserve the right to decline, suspend, or cease instruction where documentation is insufficient, inaccurate, misleading, or where the debt is disputed.

4. Evidence Requirements

Clients must provide supporting evidence, including but not limited to:

• Invoices
• Contracts or agreements
• Correspondence relating to the debt
• Any other documentation reasonably requested by us

Evidence may be required prior to or during the recovery process.

5. Fees and Charges

Fees will be agreed prior to instruction unless otherwise stated. These may include:

• Fixed fees
• Percentage-based commission
• Legal or enforcement disbursements
• Tracing or investigation costs

Any third-party costs incurred will be payable by the client unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Invoices are payable within 14 days of issue unless alternative terms have been agreed in writing. We reserve the right to charge interest and reasonable recovery costs on overdue amounts in accordance with applicable legislation.

6. Legal Action

Where appropriate, we may recommend or facilitate the instruction of a panel solicitor to pursue legal action, including obtaining a County Court Judgment (CCJ).

Any solicitor instructed acts independently and is responsible for legal advice and conduct of legal proceedings. Paragon Credit Management does not provide legal advice unless expressly agreed in writing.

Legal proceedings are subject to court discretion and outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

7. Enforcement

Where a CCJ or other enforceable judgment is obtained, we may recommend escalation to High Court Enforcement Officers or other authorised enforcement agents.

Enforcement activity is subject to statutory regulations, debtor circumstances, and the discretion of the relevant enforcement authority.

8. Client Responsibilities

The client agrees to:

• Provide accurate, complete, and up-to-date information
• Respond promptly to requests for additional documentation
• Notify us immediately of any dispute, complaint, settlement, payment arrangement, or legal proceedings relating to the debt
• Notify us within 5 business days of any payment received directly from the debtor
• Cooperate fully throughout the recovery process

Where a payment is received directly by the client during the period of instruction, any agreed commission or fees shall remain payable where the recovery can reasonably be attributed to action taken by Paragon Credit Management.

9. Disputed Accounts

Where a debt becomes disputed, we reserve the right to suspend recovery activity pending receipt of further evidence, clarification, or instructions from the client.

We may decline to continue recovery action where a dispute cannot be satisfactorily resolved.

10. Account Withdrawal

The client may withdraw an instruction at any time by providing written notice.

Where an account is withdrawn after recovery activity has commenced, Paragon Credit Management reserves the right to charge for work undertaken, recover agreed fees, and invoice any third-party costs incurred.

Where recovery results directly or indirectly from work undertaken prior to withdrawal, any agreed commission may remain payable.

11. Debtor Tracing and Information Sources

Where tracing or investigative services are provided, information may be obtained from lawful third-party sources.

While reasonable efforts are made to verify information obtained, we cannot guarantee its completeness, accuracy, or continued validity.

12. Limitation of Liability

We are not liable for:

• Non-payment by debtors
• Court decisions, delays, or procedural outcomes
• Actions or omissions of independent solicitors, enforcement agents, or third parties
• Inaccurate information supplied by the client
• Indirect, consequential, or economic losses

To the fullest extent permitted by law, our total liability shall not exceed the fees paid by the client in relation to the relevant instruction.

13. Client Indemnity

The client shall indemnify and keep indemnified Paragon Credit Management, its employees, agents, and contractors against any claims, losses, damages, liabilities, costs, fines, penalties, or expenses arising from:

• Inaccurate, misleading, or incomplete information supplied by the client
• Lack of authority to instruct recovery action
• Breach of data protection legislation by the client
• Disputes regarding ownership, validity, or enforceability of the debt
• Any claim brought by a debtor or third party arising from information provided by the client

14. Confidentiality

All client information shall be treated as confidential and will only be disclosed where necessary for the provision of services or where required by law.

15. Data Protection

We process personal data in accordance with applicable UK data protection legislation, including the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Personal data will only be used for lawful purposes connected with debt recovery, account administration, legal proceedings, enforcement activity, tracing services, and related business operations.

16. Termination

We reserve the right to terminate services immediately where:

• Instructions are found to be inaccurate, misleading, or fraudulent
• The debt is deemed unsuitable or unrecoverable
• The client breaches these Terms and Conditions
• Continued action would expose us to legal, regulatory, or reputational risk

Termination shall not affect any fees, costs, commissions, or obligations accrued prior to termination.

17. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

Any dispute arising from or relating to these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.