LAW firm Clarke Willmott has been appointed as the main solicitor for civil debt recovery on behalf of HM Customs and Excise across the whole of England and Wales.

Previously three solicitor firms handled the work, and this is the first time the contract has been entrusted to just one company.

It is one of the largest contracts of its kind in the area of debt recovery and insolvency, and represents a proud coup for the south-west company, which opened a new office in the city just weeks ago.

The work represents a major boost to the business Recovery Team, which is establishing a name for providing services to government agencies after winning a similar deal with The Insolvency Service six months ago.

Last year the team was recognised by Credit Today magazine as the Commercial Credit Recovery Team of the Year.

Clarke Willmott's senior associate and business recovery manager Jane Dunlop said: "We have proved our experience in this field and feel that this has been recognised."