CRM has solidified its long-term investment in a Leeds-based office as the company aims to broaden its service offerings across Yorkshire.
It was formed in 2009 and incorporated into the Cerberus Group of companies to provide specialist advice and solutions in the recovery and realisation of distressed receivables
The company collaborates with asset-based lenders, restructuring and insolvency firms, and other advisors to create proactive strategies for addressing various financial challenges, whether companies are in distress or not.
Situated at Park Row in the historic Lloyds building, in the heart of Leeds’ finance and professional services district, CRM is ideally positioned to provide credit management advisory and related services to its Yorkshire network of funders and referrers.
The satellite office is co-led by Head of Recoveries Lee Scott, who brings 30 years of legal debt recovery experience to the region, and Senior Relationship Manager Chris Pickles, who joined CRM from Yorkshire Bank (now Virgin Money) 11 months ago, with over 15 years of experience in invoice finance.
Chris currently focuses on early intervention credit management and cash flow advisory work to assist businesses in overcoming a variety of issues.
He stated: “Yorkshire has a strong community of professional advisors, and it’s fantastic to be located close to referrers with whom we can discuss client issues over a coffee.
“This is an opportune time to engage with businesses facing unprecedented pressures, energy price increases, and other challenges. Our expertise in debt recovery, debt security, and effective credit control can significantly enhance business success and funder confidence.”
Both leaders also appreciate the improved work-life balance from having an office near their homes. Chris added: “Everyone in professional services we speak to notes that this greatly benefits health and well-being, and we’ve found it has made us much more productive.”
Being based in Leeds allows Lee Scott to offer his legal debt recovery expertise to the local market, a distinctive addition to CRM’s market-leading services, with a focus on intelligent solutions around forbearance and negotiation.
Lee commented: “It’s excellent to be here, staying attuned to the Yorkshire market and applying our specific skill set. Many of our referring partners have established themselves here, so it’s exciting to expand and share their ambitions for Yorkshire’s sector.”
The economic outlook for the city is promising according to the recent EY Regional Economic Forecast. It predicts that the Leeds economy will grow faster than the rest of Yorkshire and the Humber between 2024 and 2026, with the city also expected to match the national growth rate during the same period.
Tony Roche, Director at CRM’s Salford HQ, remarked: “One of the reasons CRM leads our market is our quick response in distress situations.
“Having Lee and Chris in a Leeds office enables us to respond faster to client needs across the city and Yorkshire as a whole. We look forward to leveraging their connections and expanding our presence throughout the county.”
