Angel or VC Backed Business of the Year 2008

Business description: One of the few firms that stands to benefit from the credit crunch, Lowell Group purchases consumer debt from blue-chip organisations, then manages its recovery by offering financial solutions. In just three years and after securing £20m in VC backing, it is now one of the largest debt purchasers in the world, turning over £50m and employing 300 people.

Judges’ comments: Debt purchasing company, Lowell Group, ticked all the boxes for the judges. A £50m turnover business employing 300 people, it was formed in May 2004, after securing initial funding from Cabot Square Capital. Lowell Group shone in this category. The management team, headed by 34-year-old CEO James Cornell have over 55 years’ experience in the consumer credit industry. They have brought a high level of automation into the business, which optimises collection performance while ensuring a fair and ethical approach towards account holders.

Lowell’s client list includes the UK’s leading banks and credit card companies and glowing testimonials reflect the open and transparent relationship these clients find so rewarding. The debt sale market is forecast to grow at 25% per annum and to capitalise on this, Lowell’s projections for the next five years include moving into new sectors such as telecommunications, utilities and the public sector as they all look at ways to reduce bad debts.

www.lowell.co.uk