Sector: Fuel
Client Profile: A National Provider of Fuel Card Services
We supported our client in recovering a significant unpaid fuel card balance from a combative debtor who repeatedly sought to delay and reduce payment. Through consistent pressure, strategic negotiation, and timely legal intervention, the debt was paid in full, without cost to our client.
Background
The debtor had accrued a substantial balance across multiple vehicles, including AdBlue charges. Despite previously failing to maintain instalment plans, they attempted to secure further concessions, offering minimal monthly payments and delayed start dates. Our client needed to secure the full amount in a commercially reasonable timeframe and maintain their credibility within a closely connected industry.
Challenges Faced
🡆 The debtor initially offered to repay the debt over nearly four years, which was commercially unacceptable.
🡆 They made repeated attempts to reduce payments and delay the start of any agreed plan.
🡆 After partial compliance, the debtor defaulted on instalments, requiring further enforcement steps.
Our Strategy
🡆 Provided our client with clear, commercial advice on counteroffers
🡆 Rejected inadequate proposals and held firm on timescales and payment levels
🡆 Maintained pressure following default
🡆 Recommended legal proceedings at the appropriate point to prompt final payment
Key Developments
✔ Letter Before Action prompted a low initial offer which was immediately rejected
✔ We proposed a counteroffer to clear the balance over six months, which was ultimately accepted
✔ The debtor attempted to delay the first payment, but we insisted on immediate compliance
✔ After initial payments were made, the debtor defaulted therefore we issued a County Court Claim
✔ This triggered rapid payment of the full outstanding balance
Outcome
✔ Full recovery of the outstanding balance
✔ All costs of issuing proceedings paid by the debtor
✔ No cost to our client
✔ Timely resolution protecting the client’s commercial reputation
How We Achieved This
🡆 Firm negotiation stance and clearly defined terms
🡆 Tactical escalation to legal proceedings at the right moment
🡆 Persistent engagement and follow-up throughout
🡆 Commercial advice to maximise Client outcome
Why This Matters to Clients in This Sector
In the fuel services sector, late payments can quickly affect margins and credibility, especially when customers operate within connected industries. This matter demonstrates how firm negotiation, supported by legal pressure when needed, can lead to full recovery and help deter future non-payment from others in the market.
Need to Discuss a Debt Recovery Case?
GET IN TOUCH WITH ONE OF THE TEAM BELOW
Sara Souyave
Director & Head of Commercial Services
Zoe Sant
Debt Recovery Manager
Molly Rowe
Senior Debt Recovery Paralegal
what our clients say about us
Silverback Law have a great understanding of the legal market and sector. They have always been transparent on costs and have produced really good results for us as a business.
Laura Nixon, Head of Credit, Huws Gray Ltd.
They are a great team to work with. They’re commercially focused and have a sound understanding of the commercial sector and the construction industry. We have worked together for almost 10 years and have no hesitation in recommending them.
Emma Reilly, Managing Director, Top Service LTD
We have always found the advice and support provided by Silverback Law to be second to none. No matter what the issue, they have always acted in our best interests and we would not hesitate in recommending them.
Stephen North, Head of Financial Transactions, Sunbelt Rentals Ltd
Silverback Law didn’t just help us get back the money we were owed – they showed us how to protect ourselves against non-payers in future. Our business is on a much firmer footing thanks to you.
Very patient and professional with sound advice, through, what is for most, a stressful and emotional time. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Silverback Law.
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