AwardedAwarded 9 June 2026

Collection & Recovery Services

Southern Water Services Limited · Private utility

In brief

Southern Water Services Limited awarded legal work to UK Search Limited, Advantis Credit Limited and Orbit Credit Services Limited and 2 others on 9 June 2026.

It is a framework worth up to £40,000,000 including VAT: the most the buyer expects to spend across all suppliers, not one contract.

The contract runs for 4 years, up to 8 years with extensions, starting 28 November 2026.

It is split into 4 lots, so a supplier can bid for part of the work.

The buyer says it is suitable for small and medium-sized businesses.

Built from the notice's own fields. Always check the official notice before you bid.

What the notice says

We are seeking to establish a new Collections & Recovery Services Framework that supports a redesigned operating model. This framework will be flexible, scalable, and adaptable, enabling innovation and continuous improvement in line with evolving business needs. The procurement will be conducted in full compliance with the Procurement Act 2023, and aims to deliver: Cost efficiency and value for money Enhanced recovery outcomes Improved customer experience The new approach will modernise our debt recovery strategy by: Introducing early-stage digital collection solutions to reduce default rates Enabling proactive customer engagement earlier in the recovery journey Maximising return on investment (ROI) through smarter, data-driven interventions Suppliers will be expected to demonstrate capability in delivering effective, customer-centric recovery solutions that align with our strategic goals and regulatory obligations.

Lots

LotTradeValue
Digital & Engagement Collections
28 November 2026 to 28 November 2030
What this lot covers

SWS are seeking up to two suppliers for digital-first collections and engagement services, including automated communications, self-service portals, and data led segmentation for overdue accounts. This lot also covers traditional non-field DCA recovery for early-stage arrears. Other services include (but not limited to): performance reporting and MI dashboards, Champion/Challenger model for competitive performance, digital innovation and customer experience enhancements. Southern Water requires coverage primarily in the South-East region, with capability to trace and engage customers who may have relocated elsewhere in the UK.

Legal services£40,000,000
Trace, Recovery & Legacy Debt Management
28 November 2026 to 28 November 2030
What this lot covers

SWS are seeking a supplier for specialist services to trace and recover overdue accounts, including field visits and management of legacy or exhausted debt portfolios. Other services include (but not limited to): address validation and trace accuracy, ethical field engagement and safeguarding, data sharing and scoring for uncollected accounts, sustainability measures (e.g., paperless communications, electric fleet). Southern Water requires coverage across the South-East region for field recovery, with national reach for tracing customers who have moved outside the area.

Legal services£40,000,000
Litigation Management
28 November 2026 to 28 November 2030
What this lot covers

SWS are seeking a supplier for end-to-end litigation services, including pre-litigation assessment, case preparation, issuing claims, managing court processes, and enforcement oversight. Other services include (but not limited to): compliance with civil procedure rules and FCA/Ofwat regulations, integration with Southern Water systems for case tracking, transparent cost management and proportionality in enforcement, specialist handling of sensitive cases. Southern Water requires coverage across the South-East region for core litigation activity, with ability to manage enforcement and court proceedings nationally where required.

Legal services£40,000,000
Probate & Deceased Account Management
28 November 2026 to 28 November 2030
What this lot covers

SWS are seeking a supplier for sensitive management of deceased customer accounts, including probate verification, executor engagement, and estate settlement. Other services include (but not limited to): compliance with probate law and FCA standards, liaison with solicitors and estate representatives, digital documentation and reporting, partnerships with bereavement charities for social value. Southern Water requires coverage across primarily the South-East region, with flexibility to handle probate cases involving executors or estates located elsewhere in the UK.

Legal services£40,000,000

Who won

WinnerLotValueDates
UK Search Limited
Advantis Credit Limited
Orbit Credit Services Limited
Conexus Recovery & Field Services Limited
Phillips & Cohen Associates (UK) Limited
Digital & Engagement Collections, Trace, Recovery & Legacy Debt Management, Litigation Management, Probate & Deceased Account Management£19,800,000
Awarded 9 June 2026

Values as the award notice gives them, excluding VAT where stated.

Timeline

  1. Tender notice · UK4, notice 008722-2026
  2. Contract award notice · UK6, notice 054124-2026

About the buyer

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From notice 008722-2026 on Find a Tender, first published 2 February 2026, last updated 9 June 2026. We last checked for changes on 28 September 2026.