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FOCUS on Business Development

Meet Michael Whitaker

Tell us about yourself and your career journey?

I’ve been married for sever years and am a father of three. I have lived in Nottingham all my life and I’m a lifelong (mainly suffering in the last 20 years) supporter of Nottingham Forest.

At 16 I started on a Youth Training Scheme at a law firm as an office ‘errand boy’ in the late 80s (making tea, delivering documents by hand, photocopying, etc) and, in a way ‘fell’ into the debt recovery team. I ended up staying at the firm for 19 years and from there progressed up the ladder to successfully manage Debt Recovery teams at two other law firms.

In my early 40s, I decided I wanted a change from the ‘fee earning’ role so took a Business Development Manager position at Legal Recoveries & Collections (LRC), a client of ours – of course! I really enjoyed the role and knew I’d found my true vocation. From there I haven’t looked back.

How did you end up at Court Enforcement Services?

It was a bit by chance. I was sat with the Court Enforcement Services Team at an industry awards event and it was mentioned they might be looking for someone to assist on the business development side. I wasn’t being directly asked if I was interested, but more if I knew anyone. I thought about it and after some consideration decided to put myself forward. I thought that the role would suit me very well, which I think surprised the team here as they knew I was happy at LRC.

The move was handled very well with LRC and I left on perfect terms. I was happy at LRC and it was still a difficult decision to leave. However, it felt right on all fronts, and importantly I wasn’t going to a competitor of theirs. I already knew Court Enforcement Services, so it was too exciting an opportunity to turn down.

What is your role in the business?

I am Director of Business Development and my role is to nurture and develop new business for the company from a wide range of repeat business companies. These can be law firms and any company with an in-house litigation department. I then look after and manage any clients I’ve onboarded going forward. I feel this is important as the client has ‘bought into’ the person who sold the service – and the relationship is built on trust and an understanding of the client’s needs.

What benefits does your role bring to the client and customer journey?

Going back to why I wanted the job, I sold it to myself on two main points. Firstly, because I have experience in handling the debt recovery process for creditors from the pre-legal stage, through to the legal recovery process and judgment.

Secondly, I understand the client’s perspective, particularly law firm clients, having been the instructing solicitor and knowing what’s important in a High Court enforcement provider. The clients know I’ve been on their side of the industry and I feel this is a crucial aspect.

What is different about Court Enforcement Services?

I always viewed Court Enforcement Services as a dynamic company and liked everything from its fresh branding to the warmth and personable approach of the founding directors. So, when the chance came to join and work with the team here, I jumped at it, especially with already knowing them well. I also knew their pedigree, expertise and results were second to none, and when all is said and done, this is what’s most important to the clients.

We’re a relationship-driven company and we always go above and beyond for our clients. We have immense strength in depth and have added to that recently with some key appointments – adding more experience and expertise on top of what we already had.

Why do you like working at Court Enforcement Services?

Again, it’s the people I work with. There is a togetherness that I haven’t experienced elsewhere – a common goal to provide the very best service levels and performance for clients, and everyone pulls in that direction.

I’ve mentioned the strength in depth but that also extends throughout the company to all management levels. Everyone is extremely knowledgeable and dedicated to the cause.

What do you hope the future holds for Court Enforcement Services?

This is an exciting time as we have recruited and strengthened the team during the pandemic, which means that we are extremely well placed for when normality returns.

We are a progressive company and never standstill. We have broken the mould since forming in 2014 and will continue to develop new strategies and add value as the market expands. Our ambition is to remain as the leading High Court enforcement company.

Why would you recommend Court Enforcement Services?

We are the full package and offer the perfect blend of the unrivalled experience and expertise, the highest client care and service levels, and most of all the most effective and compliant company in the High Court enforcement sector. When I was an ‘instructing solicitor’ client, having used all the other companies, there was no comparison when I started using Court Enforcement Services. They simply got the best results and offered real added value.

How can people contact you or instruct Court Enforcement Services?

Please do not hesitate to contact me for assistance: