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Please see attached an article from the Institute of Revenues, Rating & Valuation Journal published in November 2009. The article is based on an Interview with Alan, as we celebrate 50 years in Business, and he describes how it all began back in 1959.

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Jacobs and Knowsley have worked in partnership for a number of years, and following a restructure of the Revenues sections, to create a more generic approach to Local Taxation administration and collection, It was an ideal opportunity to give staff, both new and existing, a training session on Bailiffs and Enforcement.

Two sessions were held in the Authorities training rooms, for about 40 staff in total. The sessions focussed on an overview of Jacobs, collections rates being achieved, and the role of the Bailiff and best practice and procedure.

Dave Cornes, Partner of Jacobs, who provided the training, said, “Due to changes in approach to Local Taxation at Knowsley, it was an ideal opportunity to provide training on the role of the Bailiff and the enforcement and collection process. New and existing staff found it very useful, particularly those who had not been directly involved in recovery before. The sessions were interactive and well received by all”

Bernie Benbow, Head of Revenues & Benefits at Knowsley said “The feedback from our staff is very positive as that they found it very informative and helpful in their understanding of the use of bailiffs.

We have recently restructured our service so that all of our people deal with all aspects of Council Tax from liability through to committal and while everyone understood we used your services, they didn’t fully understand the process concerned.

Everyone was complimentary about the presentation and felt very at ease and able to ask any questions that were clearly and fully explained.

Knowsley Council and Jacobs have worked successfully together for many years and the training provided yesterday has shown your commitment to this”.

For more information about free client training, please contact the Business Development Team on 0151 650 4949 or email mail@jacobsbailiffs.co.uk.

A further initiative that Jacobs have introduced in September is a Welsh version of our website.  Alyn Lewis (Business Partnerships Manager) said "This is the first stage in our Welsh Development Strategy to enhance our customers choice and allow improved communication in their preferred language.  The Web is an exact mirror of the English version rather than being in conversational Welsh language - there will be some improvements needed and we welcome any comments to enhance this service."

He added "The Welsh Development Strategy is a long term project demonstrating our commitment to our local authority clients in Wales and their customers" 

Jacobs enjoyed a successful IRRV Conference in Bournemouth last week.   This year we held a prize draw and a photo quiz proving very popular with delegates - we are grateful to all who showed an interest in our firm and those who took part in the competition.

The winners - who each receive a bottle of champagne - are as follows -

Caroline Horlick (Forest of Dean)

Laura Hutchinson (Coventry)

Paula Lewis (City of Swansea)

Suzie Rollins (LB of Merton)

Catherine Loftus (Newcastle)

John Allen (LB of Islington)

Claire Hayes (Business Development Executive) said "This is the first time we have organised a draw and quiz for delegates and it proved most popular event which will be repeated at future conferences. It was a busy week with so many clients and delegates visiting the stand discussing topical issues including some alternatives to committal."

The photo above shows Claire with the 2009 IRRV National President Julie Holden.

During September Jacobs were appointed to work for several local authorities - these include - Stoke on Trent Council and surrounding Staffordshire Councils (Local Tax & Road Traffic work), Nottingham County Council (Road Traffic), Durham County Council (Road Traffic) and Cheshire West & Chester Council (Road Traffic).

South Ribble Council extended the Local Tax contract for a further 12 months and we were re-appointed at Leeds City Council (Local Tax).

Dave Cornes (Partner) said "Once again we are pleased with the outcome of tender results in September.  The efforts of our workforce throughout the life of exisiting contracts ensures high quality service delivery which, in turn, greatly enhances our prospects when the contract is reviewed."

Renewed Contracts

Jacobs are pleased to be re-appointed by both Stockton and Redcar & Cleveland Councils in respect of local taxation enforcement.  Dave Cornes said "We are delighted that our past and current performance for both these clients has helped in our recent successes.  We look forward to continued excellent working partnerships with these North East clients."

CAB Protocol

Jacobs have introduced a new process whereby the office staff deals with new CAB assisted cases rather than the bailiff in charge.  This has already proved successful and well received by clients and advisers alike particularly given the current economic difficulties that are being experienced by some.

IRRV Conference - 29th September / 2nd October

Jacobs will be represented at Conference by our new Business Partnerships Manager, Alyn Lewis along with Claire Hayes (Business Development Executive) and Paul Kelly (Client Services Manager).  Simon Jacobs and Dave Cornes (Partners) will also be in Bournemouth for part of the week. Should you be attending the Conference please call and see us on Stand 1 located right by the main entrance

50 Years Celebration

Jacobs recently held a celebration at Chester Races to celebrate 50 years trading as a family firm.  With over 200 staff currently the firm has grown significantly over the last decade. 

Alyn Lewis (Tech IRRV) has been appointed Business and Partnerships Manager with Jacobs Certificated Bailiffs.  With over 21 years of Local Government Service directly in Revenues and Benefits, he has held various senior management positions in Flintshire County Council.

Alyn has been Head of Financial Customer Services for the last 6 years, responsible for Revenues, Benefits and Exchequer functions. His experience specifically within Recovery and Enforcement Management spanned over 6 years prior to this, where he was responsible for the collection and enforcement of all debt types inclusive of Court Services.

Alyn has undertaken various active roles within the North Wales IRRV Association.  He is a Past President and currently holds the position of Education & Training Officer on the Executive Committee.

Dave Cornes (Partner) of Jacobs said "Alyn brings a wealth of experience to our firm as we celebrate 50 years in business.  He will be an asset going forward as we strive to deliver continuous top quality service for all clients."

Alyn said "I am very pleased to join such a professional and forward thinking organisation. My new role will allow me to build upon the existing success of the company.  My aim is to use my experience, in particular debt management and partnership working, to further enhance Jacobs Client Portfolio throughout both England and Wales."

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT 

The last few weeks has again been hectic with new contracts being awarded to work for Ipswich Borough Council (local taxation) and The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead (debt recovery).

Further re-appointments include a framework agreement at Wrexham CBC, London Borough of Islington and Liverpool City Council.  Road Traffic contracts awarded are Solihull MBC and Dudley MBC.

Dave Cornes (Partner) said "The recent successes confirm the fact that we are able to operate a wide range of bailiff and debt recovery services both locally and across a wide geographical area."

CAB PROCESS

Jacobs are currently developing a process protocol document to summarise how we work with the advice sector to assist people with genuine financial difficulties.  It is intended to include the final version on the web in the future.

ENFORCEMENT CONFERENCE

Jacobs again experienced a successful IRRV Conference in Harrogate recently with interesting contacts and discussions being held with both new and prospective clients.  Claire Hayes (Business Development Executive) said "The Parking Exhibition in Birmingham (Parkex - April 2009) had thousands of visitors from many walks of life whereas the IRRV one is more focussed with all delegates being potential customers as they were all Revenues and Benefits practitioners.  Both exhibitions have been worthwhile for different reasons and I look forward to the IRRV National Conference in Bournemouth later this year."  

Jacobs latest newsletter is being circulated to all local authorities in week commencing 13th April 2009.

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We are pleased to announce 2 new contracts awarded during March. They are Ipswich local taxation and Wrexham CBC local taxation & road traffic.  

Jacobs are pleased to announce that Claire Hayes will be joining the firm as Business Development Executive on 11th March 2009.

Dave Cornes - Partner - said "Claire has already gained good sales experience and will supplement our structure as we strive for further sensible and controlled expansion over the next few years."

Claire, who joins from Rok Construction, previously worked for HBOS and Chester Racecourse.  She Said " Although new to Revenue Collection I have worked in sales and customer service for 10 years and was particularly drawn to Jacobs due to their strong brand and values the firm represents.  I am really looking forward to getting to know prospective clients and building up some really strong and mutually beneficial relationships."

In accordance with the BS ISO accreditation requirements Jacobs are currently undergoing external audits in the following areas -

February 2009 - Successfully completed an audit in respect of ISO27001 Information Security with NO non conformances.

March 2009 - 2 day audit due in respect of ISO 9001, 18001 and 14001 (Quality Systems, Health & Safety and Environmental).

Canterbury City Council have appointed Jacobs following a procurement exercise that included an in-depth presentation / interview as part of the selection process.

Simon Jacobs - Partner - said "We look forward to using locally based personnel in Kent to deliver this service to Canterbury City Council.

The contract runs for 2years from April 2009. 

Jacobs have been awarded the contract to provide Cambridge City Council bailiff services in respect of local taxation and road traffic warrants for the next 3 years.

Dave Cornes said " This is further evidence that we are able to provide bailiff services at locations well away from head office as well as locally. The appointment follows a thorough procurement exercise and interview and we are delighted to  have been given the opportunity to work with Cambridge to enhance their collections over the coming years."

Due to high demand our call centre will now be open an extra hour on Friday's and Saturday's.

The opening times for the call centre will be 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 3pm on Saturdays.

Early into the new year a newsletter will be circulated to local authorities and will include a number of topical issues. Further newsletters will be issued 3 times a year as a minimum.

One aspect is the current review of bailiff law reform.  All bailiff firms have been asked to complete a very detailed research document to assist the government issue a consultation paper (planned for April 2009) of proposed standard fees across all debt types.  Once the consultation paper is issued Jacobs will analyse the options and produce a summary of our thoughts to assist clients respond during the consultation exercise.

Prior to that clients and customers should be aware that our offices close at midday on Christmas Eve and will not re-open until 9am Monday 5th January.  There will be NO bailiff doorstep activity during this period. 

Jacobs recently took part in a second multi-agency road block with Chorley BC and others.  Again several offending vehicles were stopped by the police and their debts resolved by our staff.  In 2009 we will aim to increase the number of road block exercise and expand them across the whole of our client base.

Jacobs will hope to see prospective and current clients at 3 major exhibitions in 2009 - Parkex / Traffex in Birmingham NEC on 21st - 23rd April, IRRV Collection Conference in Harrogate 2nd & 3rd June and IRRV National Conference in Bournemouth.  At these exhibitions our new 50 year display will be on show - the stand charts key events over the last 50 years to show the durability of Jacobs.  The stand also contains interesting individual photos of the partners as they looked when they joined the firm and also how they are today.  Those who know the Partners will not recognise them from their original photos!!

In our July 2008 newsletter we confirmed that Ken Lewis was joining us on a part time consultancy basis to undertake some Business Development work.  This initiative coupled with several procurement exercises has resulted in a very busy few months for Jacobs. 

Dave Cornes Partner said "We have been successfully re-appointed for Sefton MBC for a period of up to 5 years.  We have also been successful with our sundry debt bid for Doncaster MBC. We have negotiated new working partnerships with Birmingham local taxation, Herefordshire and Restormel RTA."

"We are hopeful that the work being done now will bring us rewards in 2009 and beyond.  Current client's satisfaction is of paramount importance but we have a proven track record in servicing both new and current clients effectively."

Jacobs have recently been appointed by Exeter City Council to enforce unpaid Penalty Charge Notices.

The contract runs from 1/10/2008 to 31/3/2010 and further emphasises Jacobs ability to service contracts throughout England and Wales from their head office in Merseyside.

Simon Jacobs (Partner) said  "Throughout the summer we have increased our client base but this is the first contract award for a couple of months.  We are looking to expand further in the Devon and Cornwall areas over the coming years and have a strong bailiff presence in and around that area to cope with demand."

Jacobs recently undertook our first Multi Agency Operation road block exercise in order to identify road traffic warrant defaulters.

The exercise took place in Chorley, Lancashire and led to a number of warrants being paid in full by drivers who where pulled over by the Police. 

Dave Cornes (Partner) said "By using the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology we are able to identify vehicle registrations who have unpaid debts.  Other agencies who took part in the exercise were DVLA, DWP and Immigration. and with the help of the Police we are able to discuss debts with motorists and, over the 2 days, we achieved good results."

He concluded "Due to the success we will be taking part in future exercises with the Police and other agencies across Lancashire over the coming months."

Other agencies included the DVLA, DWP and Immigration Officials.

Jacobs latest newsletter (attached) is to be circulated to all local authorities throughout England and Wales later this week.

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As part of the recently held quarterly Partners meeting collection rates for 2007/8 were reviewed.  Overall collections remain constant which, in view of the current credit crunch, is encouraging.

An example of our client satisfaction and assistance in assisting improved collections is below -

Iain Hodgeon (Revenues & Benefits Manager) of Rochdale MBC said "In terms of the collection performance, then our figures are a 1% increase from 94.6% in 2006/7 to 95.6% in 2007/8, exceeding our target of a 0.9% increase and probably one of the bigger year on year increases (although we haven't seen the published figures yet).  Certainly across the Greater Manchester region then any in-year % increases have been small, with some reporting a reduced collection rate."

He added "The performance on our previous years' arrears was also encouraging, showing us reducing arrears by £2.6 million during 2007/8 compared to £1.4 million during 2006/7.  We exceeded our target reduction of £2 million."

"Jacobs contributed to both these successes through a collaborative and positive partnership, demonstrating a concerted effort right up to the year-end.  The relationship at operational level in both organisations provided key to this success."

Pictured at the recent IRRV Enforcement Conference are senior management from Rochdale MBC and Jacobs 

Paul Kelly has recently been elected to serve on 2 professional association Councils.

At a National level Paul was voted onto the Enforcement Services Association (ESA) Executive Council.  Paul will serve a minimum of 2 years and joins Simon Jacobs (Vice President) and David Cornes (Treasurer) as representatives of Jacobs on the Council.

At a local level Paul has joined the Lancashire & Cheshire Association Council of the IRRV (Institute of Revenues Rating & Valuation). Paul follows in the footsteps of David Cornes who served on the Council for 7 years and is an Ex-President and Secretary of the Association.

Paul said "I am delighted to join both Councils and look forward to having an input to the continued development and success of each one."

"These are exciting times as both opportunities present new challenges but I am determined to ESA & IRRV members well providing them with input and enthusiasm." 

Jacobs have been appointed by Carrick Council in Cornwall to carry out collection services for unpaid Penalty Charge Notices issued under the Traffic Management Act 2004.

Dave Cornes said "This is a particularly pleasing success as it emphasises our ability to provide Road Traffic enforcement to areas that are some distance forom our head office.  We have a local presence of bailiffs in that area and will be able to service the contract from the outset."

Jacobs have recently been re-appointed for the Greater Manchester consortium in respect of Council Tax & Business Rates enforcement. This contract runs for 4 years with an option to extend every 2 years up to 10 years in total.

Dave Cornes (Partner) said "We are pleased to be re-appointed following this market testing tender exercise. We have worked for the GM consortium for 5 years already and are pleased that our past performance and tender submission has helped give us the opportunity to further develop our working relationship in the GM area."

The GM consortium members are the Council's of Bolton, Bury, Salford, Stockport, Warrington, St Helens, Oldham, Tameside and Manchester City.

A second major award is the appointment to undertake Road Traffic and Local Taxation enforcement for the London Borough of Enfield.

Simon Jacobs (Partner) said "This appointment cements our position in the North London area adding to our successful tender for Barnet Road Traffic last year."

This contract runs for 3 years with an option to extend a further 2.

Stockton on Tees Council undertakes a tender exercise for a sole supplier of local taxation bailiff services periodically.  The latest contract was awarded to Jacobs on 1^st May 2006 for 2 years duration with an option to extend a further 12 months.

We are pleased to announce that the Council has today informed Jacobs that they wish to take up the option of the 12-month extension and subsequently the contract will run until 30^th April 2009. An addendum to the contract is to be inserted whereby the requirement to provide a local cash office is no longer necessary.

Dave Cornes (Partner) said "We were first appointed to work for Stockton on Tees Council back in 2000 when a condition of the contract was that a local cash office had to be provided for debtors to pay in person by cash.  Since that time we have introduced several additional ways to pay notably Allpay swipe cards, on-line banking, debit and credit cards.

The Council recognise that the current demand for a cash office has reduced significantly and ALL administration of our business can be undertaken at head office on Merseyside.  They have, therefore, agreed that a local cash office is no longer an essential factor in servicing their work.

The Stockton cash office will therefore close on Friday 2^nd May 2008.  Any debtors still paying in person at the local office will be written to in mid April and supplied with an Allpay card.  The debtors will be advised of the fact that they can use the card to pay "at no additional cost" at local outlets in their area offering the Allpay facility.

We are stronger than ever in the North East area in terms of client base and market development.  We do not see the closure of the cash office as a hindrance to current or future service delivery.  Indeed a precedent to this scenario is the earlier decision to close our Hull office in 2004 - in that region we have remained strong in terms of our market share and business development.

In summary the decision to close the office has been made with the total agreement of the client and is due to the fact that there is little demand for this facility anymore as suitable alternatives are available. We aim to continue to working for Stockton on Tees and our other North East clients for many years to come and rely on our staff and bailiffs continued efforts to achieve this."

The period leading up to early April has seen a large influx of successful tender notifications for Jacobs.  A further success is the renewal - for the third time at tender - for Congleton Borough Council.

Dave Cornes (Partner) said "It is our primary aim to achieve long term client retention.  In Congleton's case we are pleased to being appointed most notably because we are the only retained supplier from this latest tender."

He added "We have worked for CBC for 6 years now and have built up an excellent working relationship during that time.  This current tender includes Sundry Debt collection which was previously dealt with in-house. We look forward to making a strong impact in that area of debt recovery for the Council."

During the first quarter of 2008 Jacobs have been working hard at expanding the sundry debt and overpaid housing benefit debt recovery aspect of the business.

The major success has seen the firm's appointment following a rigorous and in depth tender by LEEDS CITY COUNCIL.

Simon Jacobs (Partner) said "This appointment shows that we are a serious player in the debt recovery market.  Due to several technological advances over the last 12-18 months we are capable at offering a slick debt recovery process without affecting our core business streams of local taxation and road traffic warrant enforcement."

Other clients where debt recovery / benefit overpayment work has been obtained include Congleton, East Lindsey, Wrexham, Sheffield Homes and East Riding of Yorkshire.

Jacobs will be exhibiting at the Northern Counties Association Annual Seminar in 2008. 

The event which takes place at Durham County Cricket Club on Friday May 2nd is expected to attract delegates from the majority of Northern local authorities.

Paul Kelly (Business Development Manager) said "This is an ideal opportunity to meet both current and prospective clients.  We have a strong client base in the North East and we aim to add to this during the coming months and years."

He added "We are pleased to support the Association and hope that the event is, once again, a major success."

Jacobs have been notified that Waveney DC have appointed our firm to enforce local taxation debts from April 2008.

Dave Cornes said "We are pleased to be chosen following a tender process to serve what will be our first Suffolk client.  We have proven in the past - for example 3 Councils in the Cornwall Partnership - that we are capable of servicing clients well even though they are geographically a fair distance from our head office on Merseyside.  We look forward to working with the Council and establishing strong links in that part of the country."

Jacobs latest newsletter is devoted to the recent "Client Perception Survey"

Paul Kelly (Business Development Manager) said "The timing of the newsletter is good as it gives a summary of how well respected our firm is just prior to the IRRV Benefits Conference for 2008."

"Jacobs will be represented at Conference as we promote our expanding Housing Benefit Overpayment Debt Recovery service for clients both old and new."

He added "We would like the opportunity to discuss the requirements of prospective clients and look forward to meeting with delegates at Conference (Stand 4)."

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Jacobs today released the full version of the recently undertaken "Client Perception Survey Report."

Simon Jacobs - Partner said "Although we get feedback through regular client performance review meetings it is important to undergo more detailed analysis every 2 years.  From the survey it is clear that our Business Development Strategy is well thought through and this is demonstrated in the excellent results reported."

"As part of our commitment to being open and transparent we have answered all comments honestly and we feel the organisation has further improved our service delivery as a consequence to the survey."

He concluded "The most pleasing aspect of the survey is that we have maintained a very high score in all aspects of the survey despite increasing our client base by more than double since the first survey was undertaken in 2002."

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In the last 4 weeks Jacobs received news that we have been successful in our tender bids to work as Bailiffs for Warrington Road Traffic and as Debt Recovery Agents for Sheffield Homes.

Dave Cornes (Partner) said "These successes further show our ability to enforce due monies across several debt types. We have had an excellent 2007 in respect of client retention and new business growth and we look forward to continued successes in 2008 and beyond."

He added "Also the responses to our recent client survey are currently being analysed and the final report / findings will be published on the Website in January 2008." 

Jacobs celebrate 100 clients for local taxation and road traffic enforcement with the news that the Essex consortium of Colchester, Braintree and Maldon Councils.

The appointment means that Jacobs client base in the South East / London areas is enhanced and confirms our commitment to future sensible expansion throughout the whole of England and Wales.

Following an extensive selection process Halton Borough Council have asked Jacobs to undertake local taxation liability order enforcement with immediate effect.

Dave Cornes - Partner - said "We are pleased to expand our local client base with this appointment.  I know that Halton placed great emphasis on their knowledge of the market place and also Jacobs current performance for our other Merseyside clients in making their decision."

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Calderdale have appointed Jacobs as one of 3 firms to enforce warrants for unpaid Penalty Charge Notices obtained in the Halifax region.

This extends our working relationship with Calderdale Council as we already undertake some Council Tax and NDR liability order collection for the Council.

The appointment follows a tender process. Calderdale Council went decriminalised in November 2006.

In the last week two more local authorities have appointed Jacobs to work on their behalf in the collection of unpaid debts.

St Helens Council on Merseyside moved swiftly in appointing Jacobs following an interview and site visit to our head office. We will undertake Council Tax and NDR liability order enforcement for half of the Borough.

Penwith District Council in Cornwall have agreed to pass to us their debt recovery cases.  This takes our client base in Cornwall to 4 out of the 6 Councils in that region.

Jacobs have been notified by Knowsley Council that we have been successful in their recent tender exercise.

Dave Cornes commented "We are pleased that our performance over the last few years has been rewarded with the contract being renewed.  It is particularly pleasing as the Council has decided to reduce the number of firms it uses to just 2 and has brought in a new firm as the second supplier."

The London Borough of Barnet have appointed Jacobs to enforce warrants for unpaid Road Traffic offences for the next 4 years.

Simon Jacobs (Partner) commented "We are delighted to win through this rigorous tendering exercise and to further enhance our presence in the London area."

Barnet brings Jacobs Road Traffic clients in London to 3 in addition to the Boroughs of Islington and Lambeth.

Jacobs recently held our 2nd annual Partners Presentation and Staff Awards at a local hotel on Merseyside.

To coincide with the event our bailiffs received additional training sessions over 2 days.

On the first afternoon we handed out new mobile telephones and "Digital" Pens for all bailiffs.  Over the coming weeks the transition from traditional forms to "instant update on clientweb" will be completed.

On the second moring the bailiffs were split into 2 categories and a workshop session held for both 1st Call and Enforcement Bailiffs.  The workshops were facilitated by the Partners and designed to share good practice and working techniques amongst colleagues.

The training was completed with 4 sessions covering the following -

Bailiff Law Reform - Current Developments was presented by Paul Kelly our Business Development Manager.

Bankruptcy and Process Serving Techniques was presented by Sharon Williamson (Partner - DWF Solicitors) and John Lee (Horsfields Insolvency Practitioners)

Health & Safety Issues for our Bailiffs was presented by Kiri Gibney our HR Manager.

The final session was presented by Frank Lamb (Revenues Manager - Liverppol Council / BT Direct) and covered "What Local Authorities expect from their bailiffs".

In the afternoon a meal for 150+ staff was preceeded by the Partners Presentation giving an overview of Performance in 2006/7 and Business Development plans for the future.

Awards were presented after the meal for -

Team of the Year, Employee of the Year, Best 1st Call Bailiff, Best Enforcemment Bailiff, Rising Star and Manager of the Year.  Winners received £500 tokens to be used on "Red Letter" days.

During the evening the spouses and partners of our staff joined proceedings and enjoyed a Disco and BBQ.

Dave Cornes (Partner) said "The 2 day event was a huge success with Bailiffs receiving important training from other organisations as well as sharing working practices in the workshops.  It is pleasing to be able to reward hard working and committed staff for excellent achievements throughout the year."

Jacobs have received notification today from Wolverhampton City Council that we are one of 2 firms appointed to enforce RTA warrants from 1st July 2007. 

The contract is for a 2 year period initially and takes Jacobs total local authority client base to 96.

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After a formal tender evaluation process Jacobs have been appointed as sole supplier for Bailiff & Debt Recovery Services to the 3 West Durham District Councils - Chester-le-Street, Derwentside DC and Wear Valley DC.  The contract will run for 3 years with an option to extend for a further two years.

Jacobs were already acting on behalf of Derwentside and Wear Valley and are pleased to be re-appointed.  Jacobs welcome Chester-le-Street as a new client. 

We have today received notification that the London Borough of Hackney has re-appointed Jacobs to enforce local taxation liability orders for a further 3 years.

We commenced working for Hackney in 2004 and are delighted to be re-appointed.  The appointment confirms our commitment to providing quality bailiff services in London.

We currently also work for the London Boroughs of Islington and Waltham Forest and have the capacity to undertake further work in the capital. 

Jacobs have been appointed as sole local taxation bailiff services provider for the Metropolitan Borough of Solihull.  The contract is for 3 years and is effective from 1st May 2007.

We have also been appointed as one of three firms to work for HBS/Milton Keynes (local taxation) with effect from 1st April 2007.

Both awards dovetail perfectly into our 5 year Business Development plan. 

Following a 3 day detailed inspection from the British Standards Institution(BSI) auditors, Jacobs are to be issued a Certificate of Registration for both our Health & Safety (OHSAS 18001) and Environmental (ISO 14001) systems.

In the Auditor's report it is stated...

"The senior management within the company are actively involved in the EMS&OHS management systems and are acknowledged by staff to be openly committed & champions of the systems - a good open door policy is acknowledged by both office and remote staff & overall culture to the management systems is perceived as very high throughout the business."

"Staff interviews both in the office and in the field showed an excellent understanding of the processes and objectives as well as demonstrating a truly excellent overall culture."

The firm obtained the Quality System ISO 9001 10 years ago and have not had any "non conformances" reported following annual external audiits undertaken.

Jacobs are delighted to have received confirmation that we have been re-appointed to provide bailiff / debt recovery services for both Flintshire County Council and Salford City Council.

Flintshire appointed Jacobs back in 1999 and following a rigorous tendering process are to continue our partnership working for 4 years with effect from 1/4/2007.  The extent of the contract covers enforcement of Council Tax, Non Domestic Rates, Sundry Debts and Housing Benefit Overpayments.

Salford Road Traffic first appointed Jacobs back in March 2003 and our agreement has now been extended a further 12 months until 2008.

Jacobs are pleased to support the Northern Counties Annual Seminar due to be held at Durham County Cricket Club on Friday 23rd March 2007.

Jacobs will be exhibiting at the Seminar and will be represented by our Business Development Manager, Paul Kelly.

Paul will be pleased to speak to delegates to explain our proposed continuous business development plans for the North East.

Paul is pictured with the Senior Vice President of the IRRV, Bob Trahern, at the recent IRRV Benefits Conference at which we promoted our pro-active debt recovery service for unpaid Housing Benefit Overpayments.

Jacobs continue their ongoing investment in IT with the introduction of a new ClientWeb server.  This server has been replaced with a new faster machine ready to display the images from the digital pens and to handle the online card payments. 

For the first time Jacobs will be in attendance at 4 Conferences in 2007 starting with the Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation (IRRV) Benefits Conference in Harrogate from 6th - 8th February.  Jacobs can be found at Stand 46.

David Cornes (Partner) said "We now have the infrastructure to offer clients a seperately managed service dealing with Debt Recovery of Housing Benefit Overpayments and other Sundry Debts.  Paul Kelly and I will be in Harrogate to promote this new initiative and on hand to answer queries.  We have a strong process module to make this a success and offer the service at highly competitive rates."

OTHER CONFERENCES

17TH-19TH APRIL - STAND P81 - PARKEX/TRAFFEX NEC BIRMINGHAM

15TH-16TH MAY 2007 - STAND 2 - IRRV COLLECTION & ENFORCEMENT CONFERENCE - KENILWORTH

9TH-12TH OCTOBER 2007 - STAND 16 - IRRV NATIONAL CONFERENCE - BRIGHTON

Jacobs have been appointed as local taxation bailiffs for Nottingham City Council.  We will be allocated a third of the liabilty orders that are passed out to Private Bailiffs for enforcement.

We already know the area well as we currently enforce warrants for unpaid Penalty Charge Notices in the City.

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Jacobs Certificated Bailiffs recently welcomed over 80 client delegates to its inaugural "Open Day" held at their modern head offices premises on Merseyside. 

Dave Cornes (Partner) explained "The main purpose of the sessions was to launch our "seemless" Bankruptcy Service which is available to our local authority clients.   Working in Partnership with the establish firms of DWF Solicitors and Horsfields Insolvency Practitioners we are able to coerce payment from the traditionally more difficult cases where distress has been ineffective."

"The response from clients has been very positive with several willing to progress this initiative during 2007.  One main advantage is that costs to the client are kept to a minimal and only payable after the petition is actually issued.   This gives the client financial certainty and also assurances in respect of budgetary purposes."

Clients were also given a tour of Jacobs Head Office and shown evidence of less than 2% abandonment rate during 2006 of its call centre operation.  Each session was completed with an explanation of the bailiff methodology used in maximising payments along with a demonstration of the "Digital Pens" used by bailiffs - the pens ensure immediate update of visits / action taken and costs raised via the Client Web on line facility.

Cornes concluded "Due to the huge success of the day we will be looking to do more Open Days for both Road Traffic and Local Taxation clients during 2007/2008."

Our latest company newsletter is attached.

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