Wescot knows technology ought to be combined with communication skills to deliver best outcomes

For those individuals or organisations looking to outsource debt collection work, it is worth taking time to work out a list of priorities of what they want from a service provider. Value for money is likely to be top of the list (especially for those businesses that are still recovering from the effects of the economic downturn). Another item that ought to be high in any list of priorities is fair treatment of customers.

Those organisations unfamiliar with the workings of the debt collections niche may assume that fair treatment of customers is more to do with pure ethics and bears little or no relationship to achieving successful outcomes. In fact, as the leading UK debt collection agency Wescot demonstrates, fair treatment of customers tends to result in outcomes from which all parties benefit. This particular company has been at the forefront of best practice and has a proven track record when it comes to setting an example to other operators within this niche.

wescotUse of technological solutions has an important part to play in this particular sector, as Wescot is well aware. Many companies use ‘smart data’ tools in which databases are cross-referenced as a method of tracing customer with whom organisations have lost contact. These can be useful but they can also have their limitations. One issue is that the majority of operators in this field use similar types of credit reference agency lead-generation data tools. The same information and data sources tend to be accessed on multiple occasions. If part of that information happens to be incorrect, multiple mis-traces can happen. It can be all too easy to assume the data is valid when in fact it is not. One of the unfortunate consequences of this can be that third parties are contacted in error on multiple occasions by multiple organisations.

Wescot knows that technology, when used in isolation or when put to use by inexperienced staff can have its limitations. When it comes to tracing customers, the company uses effective validation technologies coupled with experienced staff. Once a likely trace has been established, the company also recognises the value of re-establishing meaningful contact with that customer. This provides the opportunity for outstanding issues between organisations and their customers to be resolved in a manner that is appropriate to the circumstances of the customer.

Wescot embraces ‘Treating Customers Fairly’ in all its activities

Organisations choose to outsource their debt collections activities for a number of different reasons. First and foremost, many realise they do not have the resources or the time to deal effectively with debt collection work in-house. Under such situations, referring the work to a professional makes perfect sense. When choosing a partner to work with, cost effectiveness is generally at or near the top of an organisation’s list of priorities (especially at a time when many businesses are still in a state of recovery following the deepest and most prolonged economic downturn in decades). At the same time, it is important to pay close attention to a potential partner’s attitude to compliance. In particular, organisations should look closely at whether a debt collection agency is committed to treating customers fairly.

Most companies will claim in their promotional material to be committed to compliance. For anyone choosing a debt collection agency to work with, it is worth looking closely at such claims to check whether there is any substance to them. Wescot is a company worthy of particular consideration. This leading UK debt collection agency believes strongly in the importance of treating customers fairly. The company says such an approach is vital for achieving appropriate outcomes for individual customers.

The approach also brings considerable benefits to the organisations it works for. By engaging customers in a meaningful way, it makes it more likely that appropriate solutions wescotcan be worked out. It means, for instance, that agents and customers are able to come up with repayment plans that are achievable in light of the customer’s individual circumstances. This is far preferable to imposing a plan on a customer with little or no thought as to whether that customer is going to be able to stick to it. The approach adopted by Wescot makes it much more likely that the arrears will be recovered. It also increases the likelihood that the relationship between the customer and the business in question can be rehabilitated.

There is plenty of evidence to indicate Wescot takes ‘treating customers fairly’ seriously rather than paying mere lip service to the principle. The company carries out regular audits and is dedicated to regular monitoring. The company also recognises how important it is for customers to have access to free independent debt advice and is an active supporter of a number of charities in this field.

Wescot appreciates making actual customer contact is a vital element of effective tracing

Where an organisation needs to re-establish contact with its customers, the temptation may be to concentrate solely on trying to find the quickest and cheapest option on the market. Against this backdrop, some businesses may be tempted to choose what is often referred to as a ‘data cleansing’ product to provide a light-touch indication of where a customer is likely to be currently residing. In some circumstances, such a product is probably going to do the job it is designed to do perfectly adequately. In other situations though, such an approach could result in missed opportunities for the business concerned. If it was to be used in isolation, this type of solution could end up doing little or nothing to help the organisation rehabilitate its relationship with the customer in a meaningful way and in a manner that is potential beneficial to both parties.

wescotWescot points out that once a likely location has been identified for a previously gone-away customer, there is a lot to be said for attempting to make actual contact with that customer. Assuming of course, the agent involved in this is has the requisite skill-set, effective face-to-face re-engagement makes it much more likely that a solution to the outstanding issue will be worked out that meets the needs of the business in question and at the same time, is realistically achievable from the customer’s perspective. Wescot is a leading UK debt collection agency that appreciates the value of treating customers fairly. This ethos has obvious benefits to the customer. It has advantages for the business too. It makes it much more likely that a meaningful relationship between the organisation and the individual can continue to exist after the issue in hand has been sorted out.

Once a likely location has been identified for a previously gone-away customer, there are also advantages to making actual and meaningful contact from a compliance perspective. Under the current regulatory framework, it is no longer acceptable for a company to press on with formal action and to ignore the fact that telephone calls have gone unanswered or that letters have not been responded to. Nor is it acceptable to engage in aggressive door stepping or other forms of inappropriate behaviour. As well as falling foul of the regulations, such behaviour is likely to have significant reputational repercussions for the company involved.

Wescot knows traditional standards of professionalism are still vital if companies wish to reduce mis-trace scenarios

So far as the credit services sector is concerned, a lot of changes have occurred over the last five years since the beginning of the economic downturn. Some of those changes have come about as a consequence of the new regulatory framework ushered in by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Other changes are linked to the habits and circumstances of consumers.

wescotBefore 2008, there was a much higher prevalence of interest-only and high loan-to-value mortgages. Over the last five years, these products have either disappeared completely or else have become much less common. This has implications for those companies who operate within the credit services industry and whose services include attempting to make contact with customers with whom businesses have lost contact. More individuals (especially would-be first time buyers and younger people) are more likely to be living in short-term rental arrangements. There is also a greater likelihood that customers are living with friends or family under informal arrangements. For those involved in the consumer credit industry, this can make it difficult to differentiate between the type of scenario where a customer has moved on and has merely forgotten to update his or her contact details and those situations where customers are actively trying to ignore attempts to re-establish contact.

What has also happened over the last few years is that more organisations are relying on ever-more technologically-driven methods of tracing customers. As Wescot understands, there is definitely a place for technology when it comes to validating customer details and ensuring that customer contact details and other information is correct. As far as Wescot is concerned, this is all part and parcel of treating customers fairly. Nevertheless, there may be limitations to relying solely on what is generally referred to as ‘smart data’. The company points to a noticeable correlation between the use of smart-data driven products on the one hand and an increase on mis-trace situations across the industry as a whole on the other.

Technology is a useful tool; but so is proven experience. Wescot is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is a member of the Credit Services Association. The company has the processes in place to ensure full compliance with those bodies’ rules and guidelines. The company successfully combines up-to-date validation processes with vast experience in the field.

Wescot appreciates that an effective tracing solution also provides an opportunity for customer re-engagement

Under the regulatory framework ushered in by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), never before has it been so important for organisations to ensure that they have an effective and fair tracing system in place. It is no longer the case that a ‘one size fits all’ approach is appropriate when it comes to tracing activity; businesses need to ensure that appropriate treatments are applied to individual cases and that adequate provisions are in place to ensure that third parties are not contacted in error. In particular, there are likely to be significant repercussions for those organisations who repeatedly contact the same third parties in error, both from a compliance point of view and, more widely, in terms of damage to that organisation’s reputation. As Wescot is well aware, it is important to treat actual customers fairly. It is equally as important to try and avoid distress for third parties who may be approached by mistake.

One problem faced by businesses is over how to identify a genuine ‘goneaway’ situation. The new regulatory regime reflects this. The issue is also relevant when it comes to determining whether reasonable attempts have been made to make contact with a customer before any formal action is taken to recover the debt. It is no longer acceptable for an organisation to plough on regardless with formal action and ignore the fact that a customer has failed to respond to letters sent to him and that he has failed to answer telephone calls.

wescotAlso of relevance is the fact that the way organisations interact with customers has changed dramatically over the last few years. In many b2c relationships, the vast majority of contact is online. If it is a longstanding relationship which suddenly turns into a non-contact scenario, the challenge faced by a business is to consider whether the last known physical address and telephone details for that customer are correct. In this climate, many businesses are likely to benefit from effective early arrears reconnection services. Not only can this approach maximise the chances of recovery, it can also increase the chances of rehabilitating the relationship between the customer and the organisation. Businesses are likely to benefit from approaching a company with a proven track record in customer tracing. Wescot for instance, employs a highly experienced locate team coupled with an effective validation process – both of which combine to help re-establish contact between customer and client.

Wescot understands the changes in the collections niche that have occurred in recent years

Since 2008, a number of important factors have posed challenges for creditors and debt collection agencies. For one thing, there is of course the broad economic picture to consider. The last five years have seen the most significant and prolonged economic downturn since the 1930s. On the one hand, this means that many consumers have struggled with decreased levels of disposable income over recent years. At the same time, concerns about the financial services sector as a whole has led to tighter regulation and a greater emphasis on compliance.

Against this backdrop, it may be natural to assume that recovery rates would have decreased over the last five years. From the point of view of one of the leading UK debt collection agencies, Wescot, this has not in fact been the case. While there was an initial decline in the immediate aftermath of the unsecured portfolios collapse of 2008, recovery activity for this particular company actually improved markedly (when compared to a fixed 2006 benchmark).

wescotBy looking closely at the way this company operates, it is possible to see how it has managed to achieve considerable success against what may be regarded as a ‘difficult’ financial landscape. For one thing, the company aims to treat customers fairly and to engage with each customer in an effective manner. In this way, it is possible to open up a constructive dialogue and to come up with a realistic repayment plan. This is in marked contrast to the bad practices that previously earned the sector a bad name and which Wescot has always rejected. Such practices include poor tracing methods – including doing little or nothing to verify customer contact details to try and ensure they are as up to date as possible. Other examples of bad practice include aggressive letters, an excessive number of phone calls and uncontrolled doorstep visits.

So far as Wescot is concerned, such practices are unfair, ineffective and very often counterproductive in terms of reaching a satisfactory outcome for all parties concerned. For one thing, this type of behaviour runs contrary to the current compliance regime. Equally as important, this type of approach eliminates the possibility of a meaningful relationship being rebuilt between the organisation and its customer. It also significantly undermines the ability of the collections agent to engage in a meaningful way with the customer and to bring about a satisfactory resolution to the situation.

Wescot knows compliance and treating customers fairly go hand in hand

wescotThe phrase ‘Compliance’ covers many areas. It affects all parts of a business and how it operates, including not just the firm’s policies and strategy but also the way in which it communicates with each individual customer. Taking compliance seriously means having the governance arrangements in place to ensure a consistent approach throughout the entire business. Looking carefully at the regulations and guidelines that are relevant to the particular organisation’s activities is obviously important. Equally as important is ensuring that the practices conducted by the business are in accordance with the spirit of those regulations.

So far as debt collection agencies are concerned, the regulatory framework can be seen as a way of encouraging firms to treat customers fairly. It is fair to say that the financial services sector as a whole has been the subject of a considerable amount of negative press overage over recent years. The consumer credit niche has certainly not been immune to the cynical outlook shared not just by commentators and members of the public, but also policy makers. Calls for a revised regulatory framework have been strong in the aftermath of the 2008 downturn. It is important to remember however, that the development of best practice standards in the debt recovery industry has been an ongoing evolutionary process for some time.

Certain practices are no longer acceptable. These include inappropriately aggressive letters sent to individual customers. It also includes failure to validate contact data, leading to outside parties being contacted on numerous occasions. Certain companies within this niche have always rejected this type of approach and have adopted the type of practices that provide a very good example to other operators. One such company is the leading UK-based debt collections agency, Wescot. Rather than merely paying lip service to compliance and adherence to guidelines, this particular company has compliance at the heart of everything it does. It uses the latest technology to ensure compliance with all relevant data protection rules. Wescot also believes strongly in treating customers fairly. By engaging with individual customers on a meaningful level, it not only maximises the chances of recovery, but also of the business being able to rehabilitate and maintain its relationship with the individual customer. Rather than seeing compliance as a burden to be endured, it ought to be seen as a tool for increasing the prospects of success.

Wescot knows compliance ought to be seen as an investment rather than a burden

It is fair to say that in the minds of the general public, the image of the financial services sector has suffered over recent years. Instead of merely paying lip service to the issue of compliance, organisations ought to take their responsibilities seriously so that they can be seen to be delivering fair outcomes to customers. This is something all organisations engaged in the consumer credit niche ought to take into account when choosing debt collections solutions. For one thing, failure to take it seriously increases the risk of an organisation falling foul of the tightened regulations that have been introduced under the new compliance framework.

Equally, if an organisation is engaged in the type of unprofessional practices that were all too common in certain quarters of the debt collections world in the past, there are likely to be serious adverse consequences so far as that company’s public image is concerned. Such behaviour included sending out overly aggressive correspondence and telephone calls. It also included poor data validation processes, resulting in third parties being repeatedly contacted in error regarding matters that were not related to them.

wescotA model debt collection agency is one that has compliance at the heart of everything it does. For anyone looking for a debt collection solution from a reliable company, it is worth paying particularly close attention to Wescot. This leading UK debt collection agency is not only a leading member of the Credit Services Association, it has also been active in helping to shape and improve practice standards for the consumer credit industry as a whole.

Wescot knows better than most how the way in which the approaches used by reputable debt collections agencies have evolved over the years. Part of this is down to the fact that ‘compliance’ is not a new concept. Reputable market leaders such as Wescot have been providing a benchmark in terms of fair treatment of customers for some time. In turn, policymakers have introduced specific industry-wide regulations and guidelines that are designed to ensure that all operators within this niche should strive to meet these high standards. The company says that its customers are often surprised by just how customer-centric its approach is. In turn, this means that effective solutions can be worked out. Such solutions are realistic so far as the customer’s circumstances are concerned – as well as meeting the needs of organisations.

Wescot appreciates customer contact is vital for effective tracing

It is sometimes the case that organisations regard tracing activities not so much as an investment but as a simple data gathering exercise that ought to be carried out as quickly and as cheaply as possible. Solutions that some businesses rely on take the form of data cleansing to provide a light-touch indicator of where a customer may be living, in addition to designating all goneaway debt cases as ‘trace and collect’. Such approaches may meet the basic needs of many organisations. As Wescot appreciates however, such an approach, in isolation, can result in missed opportunities for organisations. In particular, they restrict the possibility of being able to re-engage meaningfully with a previously missing customer who has been traced.

wescotBy making actual and meaningful contact with a customer once he or she has been located, it provides far greater opportunity to deal with the arrears issue in an effective manner. Re-engagement makes it possible to treat customers fairly and work out a repayment plan that is acceptable to both the individual customer and to the organisation. It also opens up the possibility of rehabilitating the relationship between business and customer. From this perspective it can be seen that there is a place for basic data validation but at the same time, this should not be seen as a cheap and easy alternative to a product focused on delivering live customer contact.

There is also an important compliance-related element to this. Since the credit crisis of 2008, commentators, policymakers and the public have turned their gaze on conduct within the financial services sector as a whole – including the practices of those organisations engaged in debt collection. Under the revised regulatory framework, it will no longer be possible to ignore the fact that customers have failed to respond to all correspondence sent or that they have failed to answer telephone calls (especially where it transpires that those numbers are no longer current). Certain practices carried out previously in certain quarters of the consumer credit industry such as overly aggressive correspondence and inappropriate doorstep approaches will obviously fall foul of the regulations. What is more, such behaviour would almost certainly have an adverse impact on the reputation of the organisations involved in it. The leading UK debt collection agency, Wescot is a natural choice for anyone looking for a tracing solution from a company with a proven track record and a commitment to treating customers fairly.

Wescot knows over-reliance on ‘smart-data’-based tracing solutions may increase the incidence of mis-trace scenarios

wescotFor the credit services industry (and particularly those parts of the industry whose activities include tracing customers with whom organisations have lost contact), changes to the housing market over recent years have had significant implications. The high loan-to-value mortgages and interest-only deals that were common prior to the 2008 downturn have now either disappeared completely or have become an extreme rarity. This means greater numbers of people are living in short term rental arrangements or else are living with parents or other family members under informal arrangements for longer periods of time. For the consumer credit industry, this means it is often harder to differentiate genuine ‘goneaway’ scenarios from those situations where an individual is intentionally ignoring all attempts to make contact.

This has led to the development of what is referred to as ‘smart-data’-based tracing solutions. Whilst such solutions can provide a useful tool in those situations where an organisation is seeking to re-establish contact with an individual, they have their limitations (especially if used in isolation). What’s more, as Wescot points out, there is a marked correlation between the growth of these products and the incidence of mis-tracing. The company places a strong emphasis on treating customers fairly, which means it understands the need for organisations to pay due care and attention to the source and accuracy of the data they hold on customers and how they check and then go on to use that data. Avoiding mis-trace scenarios is an important part of this.

One potential cause of high mis-trace levels is the fact that the majority of organisations use the same type of credit reference agency (CRA) trace lead-generation data tools. It is very often the case that the same data sources are accessed on multiple occasions. If that information happens to be incorrect, it is easy for multiple mis-traces to occur. Wescot welcomes the fact that CRAs are taking steps to address this problem. One useful idea devised by the CRAs is a shared information line to deal with those instances where a mis-trace is identified. In such circumstances, all CRAs will be able to update their records to highlight incorrect data. This should reduce the chances of repeated mis-traces against an individual. For businesses looking for a locate solution with a proven track record, Wescot is worth serious consideration. The company combines tracing expertise with up-to-date validation processes to deliver results on behalf of clients and to treat customers fairly.