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How we work
A disciplined process, from first review to signed settlement.
Five clear stages, agreed with you in writing, aimed at a documented commercial settlement before court.
In short
Prepared properly. Negotiated firmly. Closed in writing.
Most commercial disputes end in a settlement. Our process is designed to reach it faster, and on better terms, by doing the preparation a counterparty cannot easily argue with.
You keep control throughout: we act only within the scope you approve, report every offer to you, and agree nothing without your consent. Where court or arbitration genuinely becomes necessary, independent solicitors are engaged with your approval, and the file we have built goes with them.
The five stages
What happens, and when.
Timings are indicative. Urgent matters, such as an approaching time bar or cargo held at port, are prioritised from the first message.
- 01
Day 1–2
Free initial review
Send us the contract, invoices and key correspondence. We assess the merits, the amount genuinely due, time limits and whether the counterparty can pay, and give you a frank view of whether the matter is worth pursuing or defending.
You receive- A written view on merits and quantum
- Time bars and deadlines identified
- Recommended route and fee proposal
- 02
Within days
Engagement and strategy
If you decide to proceed, we confirm the scope, the strategy and the fee in a written engagement letter. Nothing is charged and no step is taken in your name until you have approved it.
You receive- Engagement letter with the agreed fee
- Your settlement authority and red lines
- NDA on request
- 03
Typically 1–3 weeks
Preparation
We build the claim, or the response, the way a counterparty’s finance team, insurer or arbitrator will read it: complete documents, transparent calculations, interest where it applies, and a clear account of the facts.
You receive- Claim file or line-by-line response
- Calculations, interest and set-offs
- Counterparty and solvency checks
- 04
Weeks, not years
Negotiation
We present the claim to the people who actually authorise payment, and negotiate on a without prejudice basis so that offers do not weaken your formal position. You approve every proposal before it is made or accepted.
You receive- Formal demand or response
- Without prejudice negotiation
- Offers reported to you promptly
- 05
On agreement
Settlement and payment
Agreed terms are recorded in a clear written settlement, with payment security, instalments or guarantees where appropriate. Recovered funds are paid directly to you unless agreed otherwise in writing.
You receive- Written settlement agreement
- Security or instalment structure
- Payment monitoring until closed
Your file
What to send us for a fast review.
You do not need everything to start. Send what you have; we will tell you what is missing.
The contract
Contract, charter party and recap, purchase order, terms and conditions.
The numbers
Invoices, statements, laytime calculations, payment records.
The correspondence
Key emails, notices, demands and any replies or admissions.
The evidence
Delivery records, surveys, fuel test results, inspection reports.
Clear boundaries
What we do, and what we don’t.
We are a commercial claims and recovery consultancy, not a law firm. That clarity protects you, and it is why we work alongside independent solicitors rather than in place of them.
- We do: review claims, calculate quantum and interest, prepare claim files and responses, negotiate settlements, coordinate surveyors, local agents and solicitors.
- We don’t: conduct litigation, appear in court or give regulated legal advice. Where these are needed, independent qualified lawyers are engaged with your approval.
- We never: mislead, harass or threaten action we are not instructed or entitled to take.
- We only act for businesses: no consumer debts.
FAQ
About the process.
General information only. Each matter is governed by its own engagement letter.
How long does a typical matter take?
Straightforward debts are often resolved within weeks of the formal demand. Complex maritime or trade disputes can take a few months, particularly where survey evidence or several parties are involved. We give you a realistic estimate after the initial review.
Do you contact the counterparty without our approval?
No. We act only within the scope you approve in writing, and we never agree a settlement on your behalf without your prior approval.
What happens if negotiation fails?
We give you a clear recommendation. That may be a final offer, or escalation through independent solicitors to court, arbitration or insolvency proceedings, with the costs agreed by you in advance. We prepare the file so that nothing is wasted if escalation is needed.
Will we keep a relationship with the counterparty?
Often, yes. A firm but professional negotiation is far less damaging to a trading relationship than litigation. Where the relationship matters, we build that into the strategy.
Free case review
Have a claim, or a claim against you?
Send us the key documents for a free, confidential review. For anything urgent, message us on WhatsApp at any hour.