It shouldn't be this hard to get a company that owes a £22,000 debt to pay-up
Integrated Dispute Resolution claims to be a company that can help put anyone needing specialist legal advice in touch with the most suitable lawyer.
“We are now the UK’s largest introducer for finding the right legal expert for you, through developing a nationwide network of expert solicitors, barristers, investigation specialists, and insolvency practitioners, all with a wide range of specialist skills and experience to help you on your legal journey,” it boasts.
How horribly ironic then that one of its own clients has had to seek legal advice to chase the £22,230 that the company owes him.
A public relations expert called Mark - he prefers not to be fully identified - carried out a number of successful projects for Integrated Dispute Resolution but the company and its director Fraser Wright have refused to pay him.
Mark sought legal advice and was told by a solicitor: “In terms of merits, there is absolutely no doubt whatsoever that you have carried out work for the company and that the money is owed to you.
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“The company has not raised any criticisms of your work or any other matter which would justify them not paying your fees or partially paying your fees.
“The sticking point in all claims against limited companies is the age-old question: Will the company be in a financial position to pay the money owed plus legal costs?
“In your case, even if we were to commence proceedings and win, it would be a hollow victory as there is no sign that the company has the working capital or other resources to pay the debt.”
I suspect that the legal advice that it is not worth suing is correct, judging by the fact that the company already has six unpaid County Court Judgments to its name, in sums of £1,581, £3,618, £755, £742, £2,430 and £4,259.
The accounts that it should have filed to Companies House by 31 July are overdue and if not filed at all then it will be struck off the register of companies.
That would leave Fraser Wright, 41, able to walk away from any debts that his business owes and set up another company.
“It is extremely frustrating to be chasing a debt for professional services to promote this firm in the best possible light,” says Mark.
“The irony of this injustice is that the firm boasts of finding the best ways to resolve disputes, but clearly is doing nothing to address one of its own making.”
Fraser Wright has not replied to my letter or email. The address given on his firm's website at 27 Old Gloucester Street, London, is a mail forwarding service. Its website integrated-dr.com has been suspended.
You can contact me here: [email protected]
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