Buchanan Clark and Wells Debt Collectors

Received a letter or call from Buchanan Clark and Wells? This guide explains who they are, why they’re contacting you, your legal rights, and what to do next.

Who Are Buchanan Clark and Wells?

Buchanan Clark and Wells (BCW) is a UK debt collection agency based in Glasgow. They collect debts on behalf of other companies, acting as agents for the original creditor.

They may contact you because:

• A company has hired them to collect a debt
• Your account has been passed to them for collection

FCA Registration: Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Contact Details

Buchanan Clark and Wells

St Georges Building 44-48 St Georges Drive Glasgow G2 1DH

Telephone: 0141 221 2800

Your Legal Rights

BCW Must:

• Tell you who the original creditor is
• Provide proof of the debt if requested
• Treat you fairly under FCA regulations
• Accept reasonable payment offers

They Cannot:

• Harass you with excessive calls
• Contact you at unreasonable times
• Discuss your debt with others
• Pretend to be bailiffs

How to Respond

1. Don’t ignore it - could lead to escalation
2. Verify the debt - request proof in writing
3. Check if statute barred - 6 years in England/Wales, 5 years in Scotland
4. Respond based on your situation

Scotland-Specific Information

If you’re in Scotland:

• Limitation period is 5 years (not 6)
• Trust Deeds available as alternative to IVAs
• Sheriff Officers (not bailiffs) enforce court orders

Can BCW Send Bailiffs?

No. They are debt collectors, not bailiffs/Sheriff Officers. Cannot enter your property without a court order.

Struggling With Multiple Debts?

Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) - For England/Wales. Possible write-off of qualifying debt after completion. Check if you qualify.

Trust Deed - Scottish equivalent of an IVA.

Debt Relief Order - A formal option for England and Wales where qualifying debts may be written off after the DRO period if you meet the criteria.

How to respond to Buchanan Clark and Wells Debt Collectors

If Buchanan Clark and Wells Debt Collectors contacts you, start by checking whether the account is yours and whether the balance matches your own records. Ask for the original creditor name, account reference, date of default or assignment, and a written breakdown of the amount being requested.

If you recognise the debt but cannot afford the proposed payment, do not agree to a plan that leaves you short for rent, mortgage, council tax, utilities, food or travel. A realistic offer is usually safer than a payment promise that fails after one or two months.

Before you make a payment

Keep communication in writing where possible and save copies of letters, emails and payment proposals. If several collectors are contacting you at once, compare wider debt options before prioritising one account over the rest.

You may want to read the debt collector letter before action guide, compare IVA vs DMP, or check whether a Debt Relief Order may be more suitable if your income and assets are low.

If the debt is not yours

Tell the collector in writing that you dispute liability and ask them to pause collection while they investigate. Include only the information needed to identify the account, and keep a copy of anything you send. If the letters are for a previous resident, say so clearly and ask for your address to be removed from the account.

Sources checked

• FCA debt collection information for fair treatment expectations.
• FCA Register for checking regulated consumer credit firms.
• Companies House for company identity checks.
• MoneyHelper debt guidance for free debt advice signposting.
• GOV.UK options for dealing with your debts for debt solution context.