On Tue, 8 Oct 2019 16:31:18 +0100, The Natural Philosopher wrote:

One assumes it has been delivered and signed for...

One assumes. I have the slip

And checked on line that it's been signed for?

My experience with the law is generally at the low levels if you have
all your ducks in a row at a small claims hearing half the time the
other party doesn't even show up and you get judgment by default.

Of course getting a claim stamped by the court doesnt get you money
And you may need to request that from bailiffs etc.
But the publicity is not great for the firm is it?

The summons quite often gets them to cough up to avoid the courtcase
and, provided you have a good case and have "done the right things",
the inevitable judgement against them. This has far more clout as
banks don't like lending to entities with judgments against them or
may witdraw or restrict any current borrowing.

Of course you'll find the very rotten apple occasionally that'll just
"disappear" but most companies aren't that rotten.

I wonder if they award costs. Probably do if you have made genuine
efforts to reach an agreement.

Yes, they do, any relevant documented costs including the court fees.
I think you can also claim a small amout for "incidentals" like going
to the PO to get the RD letters sent, phone calls, your time and
inconvience in having to prepare and bring the case as well.

--
Cheers
Dave.