Leading UK University - Trace & Collect Recovery
Recovering More Than £2.4 Million in Outstanding Student and Commercial Debt
Summary
For over 25 years, Controlaccount has supported a leading UK university with the recovery of tuition fees, accommodation charges and international student debt. Through specialist trace services, multi-channel engagement and tailored recovery strategies, the partnership has consistently delivered recovery rates exceeding 60% while protecting the university's reputation and resources
The Organisation
Our client is globally recognised higher education establisment, serving thousands of students from the UK and overseas.
Cases referred
£4m +
Total value of debt referred between 2015 -2025
The Challenge
The university faced difficulties recovering aged student debt, as collection activity could often only begin after students had completed their studies. Many former students had relocated, changed address or returned overseas, making engagement and recovery challenging. In addition, the university required support recovering commercial debts from organisations that had used university facilities and services but failed to pay.
Success Rate to Date
60%
Returning £2.4 m back to the organisation over 10 years
The difference made:
Operating on a no collection, no fee basis, Controlaccount implemented a multi-channel recovery strategy combining letters, telephone contact, email and SMS communications. The university also benefitted from secure online case management through ClientWeb, providing full visibility of referrals, activity and reporting.
Recognising that many former students had relocated within the UK or overseas, our specialist trace and investigation teams played a key role in locating individuals who may otherwise have remained uncontactable. Cases were closely monitored throughout the recovery process, with payment arrangements tailored where appropriate to maximise successful outcomes. For more complex matters, pre-litigation assessments provided the university with clear recommendations before legal action was considered.
The partnership has delivered consistent recovery performance for more than 25 years. Debts recovered range from £15 to £30,000, with an average balance of £1,820.
The university's placements comprise a mix of UK-based and international debtors, demonstrating Controlaccount's ability to recover debt across multiple jurisdictions. Where appropriate, legal recovery forms part of the strategy, accounting for 17% of all successful recoveries.
Controlaccount also provided:
- Ethical and efficient aged debt recovery
- UK and international trace
- Set up and mangement of payment plans
- Monthly and weekly reporting and analysis across individual accounts, debt type and overall performance
- A technology driven service for all parties including online payment and query channels for subjects through ControlMyAccount and client management and reporting through our ClientWeb portal
What they said
We have found Controlaccount to be dependable, reliable, trustworthy and highly professional. They have always delivered what we have required, and they work in the best interest of us as a client and treat our customers fairly. We would highly recommend Controlaccount.Head of Financial Services, leading London university
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