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04 February 2010 / Michael Frisby , Oliver Lawson
Issue: 7403 / Categories: Features , Procedure & practice
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Phoenix from the flames

What can be salvaged from the wreckage of insolvency? Michael Frisby & Oliver Lawson report

In the current economic environment, more clients are experiencing customer payment default. When a debtor company fails to pay or becomes insolvent, clients want to know what actions they can take to mitigate losses, rather than simply claiming as an unsecured creditor in liquidation. The options available will depend on the circumstances of the case, but it may be possible to recover goods and in certain circumstances directors of the debtor company may be personally liable for the debt.

Where goods have been supplied under a contract containing a retention of title (RoT) clause, an unpaid seller can recover goods in the event of non-payment. 

It is essential to act quickly in pursuing an RoT claim. A written demand should be made to the debtor (or usually the administrator, liquidator or receiver of the debtor) notifying them that you are exercising your right to recover your goods and demanding that they be made available for collection.

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NEWS
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The government’s plan to curb jury trials has sparked ‘jury furore’. Writing in NLJ this week, David Locke, partner at Hill Dickinson, says the rationale is ‘grossly inadequate’
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After Woodcock confirmed no general duty to warn, debate turns to the criminal law. Writing in NLJ this week, Charles Davey of The Barrister Group urges revival of misprision or a modern equivalent
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