It’s a little over a year since Bristow & Sutor launched our High Court Enforcement service, supporting our Group’s provision of an end-to-end debt resolution service for our clients. We’ve already built some fantastic partnerships with our clients in this space, thanks in no small part to our High Court Enforcement Officer, Michael Javens. We caught up with Michael to find out more about him, his role, and his future with Bristow & Sutor.
What did you do before joining us here at Bristow & Sutor?
I studied accounting and law at university. I then worked in operations and client relationship management at an enforcement company. I was responsible for organising the enforcement of court orders, which inspired me to become an authorised High Court Enforcement Officer in 2019. It’s not a role that a lot of people are aware of and there are fewer than fifty of us across England and Wales, so it’s an interesting one to explain when people ask what I do for a living!
What is the most important part of your role here at Bristow & Sutor?
Being a High Court Enforcement Officer means that I am personally liable for any action taken by Bristow & Sutor under a High Court Writ, so it’s really important for me to be involved at all levels of the enforcement process. It’s not just the company’s reputation on the line, it’s mine as well! Fortunately I’m surrounded by diligent people who care about the work we do. Outside of that, I am also responsible for growing our High Court Enforcement function, which means I get to build relationships with clients and learn their businesses too.
What is the best part of your role?
Oh, that is a difficult one! Working with Bristow & Sutor means that I get to work with an organisation that champions doing the right thing, so I know that I am doing good in this role. I would also say my coworkers are also one of the best parts about this job. The collaborative environment is something I really enjoy.
What is something you are excited about within the future of this role?
I am really excited to see how this part of the business develops in the future. We’re already finding ways to support other parts of the Group through our transfer-up service, and we’ve really only just begun tapping into the market out there for this kind of debt resolution. We know there are lots of clients out there who are looking for a debt resolution partner that they can trust to get results, but also to treat their customers the right way.
What do you do outside of work?
Even outside of Bristow & Sutor, I am very involved in the debt resolution community. I’m proud to be on the board of directors for the High Court Enforcement Officers Association, which is the industry body for my profession. I am also company secretary for the Civil Court Users Association and have been since 2020. When I’m not working, I spend most of my time with my three children, who are aged 17, 7 and 4.
