Lovetts Solicitors recently attended the 2019 Women in Business Expo – an annual gathering described as “a clarion call to all women looking for business and back to work opportunities.” The event was extremely well attended, and included presentations from a programme of leading UK female speakers.

Held at the Farnborough International Conference and Exhibition centre, the event provided a local perspective on the current issues associated with increasing the number of women involved in UK business, particularly in senior positions.

Amongst the speakers, Baroness Karren Brady spoke candidly about the setbacks professional women can face when progressing in their career, telling the room: “We [need] to raise women’s aspirations and present real opportunities”. She also emphasised that that childcare concerns, including costs, remain a major setback to advancing women.

Taking part in local – as well as national – women in business events is something that the firm feels particularly strongly about. This time last year, Cassandra McCarthy spoke at a Business Women in Surrey (BWiS) event focused on flexible working in modern business.

You can find out more about the Women in Business Expo here.

Debt collection and recovery specialist law firm, Lovetts Solicitors, recently joined a Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) roundtable hosted by National Chairman, Mike Cherry OBE and attended by, amongst others, Managing Director for UK Connect, Pj Farr.

In addition to supporting the Prompt Payment Code over many years, the firm has previously collaborated with the Federation of Small Businesses to promote the importance of prompt invoice payment for SMEs (Small-to-Medium sized enterprises) and offer advice on how small businesses can optimise their credit management procedures. The recent event provided an opportunity to update the group on best practices within the wider context of how the FSB can successfully support small businesses going forward.

Despite advancements in late payment law and credit management software, many UK entities remain reluctant to chase both domestic and international debts, fearing a long, drawn-out procedure.

However, Lovetts research shows that the firm’s Letter Before Action (LBA) is successful within 86% of UK cases, and with a No Win, No Fee service in place internationally, the process of chasing overseas debts is now also risk free.

“We work with companies of all size and sector, from FTSE 100 organisations down to independent businesses with less than ten employees.” says Charles Wilson FCICM, Chairman of Lovetts. “Despite progress in recent years in legislation and the debt recovery sector, and the relentless mission of organisations like CICM and FSB, we still find that not all businesses are clear about the debt recovery process. It’s a shame. Educating themselves on the current regulations and best practice processes is particularly important for smaller businesses, where cashflow is their operational lifeblood. As always, we were delighted to sit down with the FSB and provide input in this area.”

Lovetts CaseManager software is a free tool that provides clients with a complete solution to manage the legal aspects of their collections online. It’s just one initiative that the firm has implemented to help make the credit management and debt recovery processes more transparent, more hassle-free, and more direct for businesses of all shapes and sizes.

Photo by Richard Dunford

In September, Lovetts once again passed its annual Lexcel accreditation assessment, the Law Society’s legal practice quality mark for the highest standards in legal practice management and client care.

2019 marks the first year that the firm was assessed on the new 6.1 version of the accreditation criteria, which places strong emphasis on new regulation changes and Data Protection. It’s the eight consecutive year that the firm has received the quality mark for the Law Society’s highest standards in the legal sector, and is testament to all of the hard work and dedication that our staff continue to apply on behalf of our clients on a daily basis.

Lovetts assessor, Roger Newman, said: “This Annual Maintenance Visit has shown continued progress against high standards of policy and procedure implementation, and the requirements of Lexcel 6.1 have been adopted professionally and efficiently. The firm was very well prepared for the Lexcel.”

You can find out more about the Law Society Lexcel excellence in practice management and client care accreditation here.

Earlier this month, Lovetts Solicitors took part in a special archery event aimed at raising the profile of – and fundraising for – local mental health charity, Oakleaf. The Guildford-based organisation provides vocational training for people with mental health needs, delivering work experience in upholstery, horticulture and IT as well as social inclusion activities such as literacy and numeracy sessions, guitar lessons, and meal nights.

Hosted at Guildford Archery Club and administered by FdK Design, the midweek archery evening was extremely well attended, raising more than £1,000 for the Oakleaf Enterprise charity. Professionals were on-hand to teach the basic skills required to hit the targets, and a huge amount of encouragement was provided along the way.

In total, twelve Lovetts staff members attended the event, creating three teams of four archers, between which the proceedings became extremely competitive! 

As a law firm operating in a sector in which we witness first-hand the psychological anguish that debt can cause to both creditor and debtor alike, Lovetts understands the severity of the growing mental health challenge currently being faced within the UK and around the world. Our new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme places a high emphasis on investing in projects in this area, and we look forward to supporting Oakleaf again in the future.

Beyond the great work that was done by all who hosted and attended the event, the archery evening provided a highly entertaining opportunity for the firm to let its hair down collectively as a team, and you can see a range of photos from the day here.

Kimberley Bonham began working at Lovetts Solicitors in July, as a Digital Marketing & Client Services Executive. In this account, she recalls her first few weeks at the company, and what it has been like to start work in her first full-time, post-graduate position.  

Kimberley’s account
The prospect of starting my first full-time job was both daunting and exhilarating. After spending a total of twenty consecutive years in education, with six of those years being split between part-time and seasonal jobs, I decided I needed a palette cleanser. One that I suspected had the potential to develop into a full three course experience.

Why have I Chosen Lovetts
Since spending around three months – no time at all compared to some post-graduates – looking for a job I was well suited to, I was feeling somewhat hopeless. My University career had been busied not only with studies and social gatherings, but with plenty of experience both in and out of office. Yet, I was not quite having the immediate success I had hoped my dedication would provide. I would attend various interviews; answer a list of questions with both thought and dedication and wait patiently for the rejection email to come. It always did. 

When I first saw the Digital Marketing and Client Services Executive role featured on the Lovetts website, I was hesitant. The role itself was a perfect match to everything I desired for a career start. As a product of ‘Generation Z’,  I was familiar with the growing popularity of digital media and had used it both professionally and for my own interests. This was similarly so for Client Services; I was and remain comfortable interacting with the public and gather a great sense of accomplishment from resolving problems and queries independently.

In all, Lovetts was a prospect I was exceedingly passionate about. The wage was great, the firm was resolute, but there was only one minor small issue: My route in. As a learner driver, I was aware that the location could become great motivation for me to get my licence soon. For the present time, living just outside Guildford meant relying on both public transport and my own two feet. Regardless of such ‘immense’ challenges, I went ahead and applied.

Even the application was one of the best forms I had yet encountered. I was able to mention pre-planned dates without the guilt of not being consistently available, as well as offer a written reference as to why I suited the role. Quickly, my location queries went out of mind and I found that the more I discovered about the company, the more I liked it.

Surprisingly, the interview itself went well. Though I studied Literature at University, I had always harboured an interest in Law. Admittedly, as a recent graduate, I did have a few concerns that perhaps I was not yet qualified enough to be an Executive. Research, in conjunction with some rational thinking, sorted this insecurity very quickly and I approached the interview with the view that no matter how it went, I had the tools, experience and drive to do a good job. So far, my time at Lovetts has illustrated that. My interviewees believed me and within a week or so of applying, I was offered the role.

Week One
Firstly, the very route I was daunted by before applying has quickly become a leisurely stroll. I am able to take a number of buses towards Shalford, walk the homely route across the River Wey, and honour my own Social Media with such aesthetically peaceful views. All in all, it is an easy and relaxed forty-five minute commute.

Regarding the role itself I was aware I had made a good impression. This was mostly because, unlike many other interviews, my hard work was actively praised. So I was looking forward to being a part of a team that I felt truly welcomed by. Furthermore, Lovetts Solicitors prioritises a happy and healthy Work to Home Life balance. So regardless of my outside commitments, which were treated with the utmost flexibility and respect, I was also flattered to be included in Team Support events like the Bakes for Life: Lovetts event for Cancer Research and other Team Building experiences.

My first five days consisted of a great mix between training, learning and doing. I was enlightened on everything from admin work, the office layout, client take-on and how to make a really instant coffee. I also had department introductions which meant that I could witness how each division worked both independently and collaboratively towards a wider focus.

This has made the role even more rewarding. I have a multitude of material and possibility at my hands. With a team that is invested in making the most out of their working day, I am part of a business continuously dedicated to providing the best service for every client in every step of their journey.

Week Two
By the second week, rather than recede with routine, my enthusiasm only grew. I was granted the opportunity to take on more responsibilities both marketing and services focused, while choosing to simultaneously plan for my own projects. Despite my unwarranted apprehensions, I was promptly considered a noted voice. While new to the team, I am often asked for my input, ideas and suggestions. In fact, I have taken to meetings like an office party.

While this might undoubtedly be a testament to the little things that I take great joy in, it is also telling of the environment at Lovetts Solicitors. Like many new starters, my second week did not go without some pause for thought. I was consistent on writing down instructions verbatim, and still often require input from colleagues to either to check information or to ensure I have not missed a step. At each and any interval, my learning curves are treated with understanding, patience and trust. Consequently, I adopted this infectious approach and have been able to meet my projects with a new level of refinery and sophistication.

Week Three
If week two was my most productive then week three was my most challenging. Due to those other commitments, I was away for three of the five week days. If every weekday were a few words, then by Friday, you could find that you had accumulated a sentence or two. If a few of those words in-between are missing, it is more difficult to not only make the sentence, but make sense of the paragraph altogether. I met my challenge with the same amount of enthusiasm as the previous weeks, but felt disheartened that I was not yet informationally self-sufficient.

Nevertheless, just by reviewing my notes and tasks, as well as the various reminders I have put in place for weeks like these, I have found that the dread of not knowing the answer is so much worse than not actually knowing it. Moreover, I am assured that my unconscious memory has stored such information; when I think too hard, I scramble for the answer. Once I am confident, comfortable and patient, I find whatever I am looking for usually turns up instantaneously.

End of my First Month
On now coming to the end of my first month, I am more capable, more driven and more excited to gather more insight. The handling of more responsibilities has often meant relying on my short term memory without much consciousness. This has often left me surprised at how easily I can share matters with customers without the surveillance of watching my every word, or quickly confirming definitions.

Though I am still within the stage of asking questions, as most people are at this stage, I have found that the more I ask, the more I know. Similarly, as I familiarise myself with the company, the better I can market myself as a resource to clients and follow the general management of a business. With four weeks done, and a comprehension of important terms, policies, directions, notes and history made accessible to my learner brain, I am looking forward to seeing what a long term career at Lovetts Solicitors will make of me. Plus what I can make of it.

As I enter my second month within the business, I find myself setting a few goals:


For more information on Careers at Lovetts Solicitors, click here.

On Saturday, representatives from Lovetts Solicitors took part in the Guildford ‘Pretty Muddy’ 5K Cancer Research Race for Life. The team smashed it’s initial £2,000 target and the entire company would like to extend a huge thank-you to all those who took part and all those who sponsored.

It was a rainy start to the Saturday morning that saw the Guildford leg of the Cancer Research Race for Life take place, but that didn’t dampen spirits as a huge crowd gathered in Stoke Park to take part in the proceedings. There were obstacles aplenty across the 5K run, and all members of Team Lovetts – commonly referred to as the ‘Lovetts Pink Ladies’ – completed the course (although as you can see from the pictures it’s fair to say that some got more muddy than others!)

The team has been raising money since the start of the year for the event, and it’s a cause close to many of the participants’ hearts. There’ve been bake sales, photoshoots, and a whole host of online fundraising activities, and it was a delight to see the overall £2,000 target not only hit but also surpassed.

Jamie Gavin, Marketing Manager for Lovetts, who helped organise the company’s participation in the event, said: “This has been a fantastic experience from start to finish. From deciding to run the event, to the fundraising efforts, right through to the energy and enthusiasm shown on the day, we have worked as a team and run as a team to raise as much as we can for Cancer Research. And a huge thank-you also to all those who sponsored!”

This month marks the 10th anniversary of Sarb Dhaliwal’s tenure at Lovetts Solicitors. The Chartered Legal Executive and Legal Department Manager began working for the firm in 2009, and has since that time maintained a 100% success record in defended cases in court.

Having started her career in the banking industry, Dhaliwal’s legal training in the financial sector led her to develop an interest in Law. Already working full time in a demanding industry and with a young family to care for, taking the plunge to start studying the Chartered Institute of Legal Executive exams required intense dedication:

“The evening classes and correspondence course allowed me to continue working full time with flexibility within my studies,” says Sarb. “As I was working full time and with a family, it meant studying from 10.00pm to 2.00am nearly every night for four years, but I did complete the course and passed with distinctions. During my third year, my knowledge of – and interest in – the legal side of the financial sector, led to my employer at the time offering me a new job with an in-house solicitor, which allowed me to start putting into practice what I had learnt.”

Now heading up the legal department for Lovetts, Sarb is responsible for an expanding team, and has been instrumental in driving administrative updates and customer service enhancements in recent years. Despite her managerial responsibilities, the Executive remains passionate about providing direct legal assistance and has dealt with approximately 60 defended cases during her time at the company, to date maintaining a 100% success rate in court.

“My 10 years at Lovetts have been a wonderful and challenging experience. I have learnt so much and continue to learn new things as cases become more complex and complicated. I love the challenge of dealing with defended cases and will go through my client’s evidence (and indeed the defendant’s evidence) thoroughly and diligently to ensure nothing is overlooked and that I get the best possible results in the most cost effective way for my client. It is accurate to say that I have never lost a case at court during my time at Lovetts, but that of course means that the pressure is on to maintain this record and that is one of my key goals!”

Earlier this week, Lovetts presented Dhaliwal with a special commemorative pen to mark her service to the company, and Michael Higgins, Managing Director for Lovetts, said:

“Sarb continues to exemplify the absolute highest level of legal service to our clients, her team, and those working throughout the entire company. Her decision to stay with Lovetts at a time when the firm has been focused on expansion, and therefore needed to attract and retain the strongest talent in the industry, has been instrumental in helping us to achieve our goals. We thank her for her dedicated service, congratulate her on her impeccable court record, and look forward to continued success.”

Lovetts this week held a bake sale event to help raise money for Cancer Research UK, ahead of the firm’s participation in the Race for Life later this month. A total of £175 was raised through the bake sale alone, along with an influx of online donations around the event.

The Guildford 5K Pretty Muddy will take place in Stoke Park on Saturday 27th July. A team of seven from the firm, known as the ‘Lovetts Pink Ladies’ have entered the event, and aim to raise a combined total of £1,500 for the charity.

The Ladies are now well on their way to achieving this, and we’d like to extend a huge thank-you to the other local businesses who came along to support the bake sale on the day. It was a fun event and the participants enjoyed making the treats as much as others enjoyed eating them!

If you’d like to find out more about the Lovetts Pink Ladies Race for Life Team or sponsor us in the run up to the event then you can find out further information here.

Lovetts Solicitors will next week attend the Surrey Business Expo, which is taking place on Wednesday 12th June at Surrey Sports Park at the University of Surrey in Guildford.

It’s not the first time the firm has attended the event, although this year we will have a stand at the exhibition, with a number of staff members from across departments on hand to answer questions and talk attendees through their UK and international debt recovery options.
All businesses incur late payment and debt recovery issues, and with more than 20yrs experience in this area, Lovetts has built up considerable expertise in what we do. We’re also passionate about playing a role in the local community – while we work on cases on a national and global basis, Guildford is our headquarters and the firm understands the importance of helping to support a strong local business sector.

Now in its 12th year, the Expo provides a meeting ground for companies to showcase their business and meet with other local business people face to face. We will be on Stand 269 at the event, right next to the speed networking and seminar areas, so if you are in attendance please come by and say hello and feel free to ask us any questions you may have!

Lovetts Solicitors has been featured in the Law Society Gazette, in an article looking at innovation within the legal sector. The coverage comes following the appointment of new Operations Manager, Pritti Amin, who will also head up the firms litigation department.

Technology and innovation are two things that we take seriously at Lovetts Solicitors. Our online portal, CaseManager, provides clients with complete control over their cases, with detailed reporting and the ability to view key figures and dates. A Letter Before Action (LBA) can be sent on your behalf from as little as £1.50, and we have found this practice to be successful in the retrieval of debts within 86% of cases, meaning no further action needs to be taken.

Everything is geared towards making the debt recovery process as effective and straightforward as possible. As the firm expands further, Amin and our entire team will help Lovetts to oversee the rollout of new products and services, improving the debt recovery process for clients even further.

According to the Gazette, this modern approach to legal services represents ‘a growing trend among law firms to incorporate technology into their practices’. You can read the full article on the Law Gazette website here.