Wilson & Roe are High Court Enforcement Officers with powers beyond standard bailiffs. But you still have rights. An IVA can stop Wilson & Roe immediately and write off up to 70% of your debt.#
Wilson & Roe (Andrew Wilson Enforcement) are High Court Enforcement Officers—not standard bailiffs. They enforce CCJs over £600, employment tribunal awards, and High Court Writs. Different powers, faster action.
Quick answers#
Can Wilson & Roe force entry? Generally no on first visit to residential property. Exception: if you’ve signed a Controlled Goods Agreement and breached it, they can return with locksmith. Commercial premises: Can use “reasonable force.”
Who owns Wilson & Roe? Part of Cerberus Group. Incorporated May 1997 as Cheshire Enforcement Agency (Company 03368100). Rebranded 2004 as Andrew Wilson & Co. Integrated into Cerberus 2000.
Can an IVA stop Wilson & Roe? Yes. Once approved, Wilson & Roe must stop all action for included debts. IVA stops High Court enforcement immediately.
Table of Contents#
- Who are Wilson & Roe?
- Difference between HCEOs and regular bailiffs
- Can Wilson & Roe force entry?
- Wilson & Roe fees explained
- How to stop Wilson & Roe
- How to complain
- Contact Wilson & Roe
- FAQs
Who are Wilson & Roe?#
Company: Andrew Wilson & Co Limited (Company 03368100) Incorporated: May 9, 1997 as The Cheshire Enforcement Agency Rebranded: 2004 as Andrew Wilson & Co Headquarters: 26 Missouri Avenue, Salford M50 2GT
Part of Cerberus Group (integrated 2000):
- Wilson & Roe (enforcement)
- Charles Taylor Auctioneers (asset sales—same HQ)
- Vertically integrated: fees captured at every stage
Financial strength (October 2023):
- £2m total assets (up 22% YoY)
- £716,869 cash reserves (up 100%)
- 57 employees (up 30% from 2022)
Key figures:
- Andrew Wilson (FCICM): Co-founder, qualified solicitor, former HCEOA Chairman, Ministry of Justice advisor
- Eric Roe (MCICM): Managing Director, qualified solicitor, HCEO, HCEOA board member
Offices: Salford (HQ), London, Bristol, Birmingham—nationwide deployment.
Difference between HCEOs and regular bailiffs#
| Feature | County Court Bailiffs | High Court Officers (Wilson & Roe) |
|---|---|---|
| What they enforce | CCJs up to £5,000 | High Court Writs (CCJs £600+) |
| DVLA access | No | Yes—free, unrestricted |
| Enforcement area | Local jurisdiction | Nationwide |
| Commercial entry | Limited | “Reasonable force” allowed |
| Speed | Slower | 7-14 days typical |
The “Transfer Up”: CCJs over £600 can be transferred to High Court for faster, more powerful enforcement.
Can Wilson & Roe force entry?#
Residential (first visit): Generally need peaceful entry (unlocked door/invitation). Cannot break in for most civil debts.
Residential (subsequent visits): If signed CGA and breached, can return with locksmith and force entry.
Commercial property: Can use “reasonable force” to enter:
- CRAR enforcement (no court order needed)
- Writ of Possession (evictions: 7-28 days vs County Court 6-15 months)
What you should do:
- Keep doors locked
- Speak through window
- Do not sign CGA
- Do not step outside (they can’t follow you in, but can claim peaceful entry if you step out)
Wilson & Roe fees explained#
High Court fees are higher than County Court:
| Stage | Fee | Additional |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance | £75 | - |
| Enforcement Stage 1 | £400 + 7.5% over £1,000 | First visit |
| Enforcement Stage 2 | £255 + 7.5% over £1,000 | Second visit |
| Sale | £525 + 7.5% over £1,000 | Goods to auction |
The fee trap: £75 compliance becomes £400+ after first visit—even if you’re not home.
Cerberus premium: Goods go to Charles Taylor Auctioneers (same group)—they capture auction commission too.
How to stop Wilson & Roe#
1. Pay during Compliance Stage Debt + £75 within 7 days. Avoid £400+ enforcement fee.
2. Challenge the CCJ If granted without knowledge (wrong address, never received papers), apply to set aside. Time limits—act immediately. Citizens Advice can help.
3. Breathing Space 60-day freeze. Apply via debt advisor. Wilson & Roe cannot contact/visit during this period. Learn more
4. Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) Once approved, High Court enforcement stops. Wilson & Roe cannot pursue for included debts. Qualify with £5,000+ debt across creditors. Check if you qualify
5. Apply for Stay of Execution Court order temporarily halting enforcement. Requires solicitor.
6. Prove vulnerability Welfare Officer: Vince Squires. If over 65, seriously ill, disabled, mental health problems—provide evidence, request welfare referral.
How to complain#
1. High Court Enforcement Officers Association (HCEOA) Wilson & Roe are members. Complaint process for High Court enforcement.
2. Request body-worn video All agents use BWV. Submit Subject Access Request. Must provide within 30 days.
3. The council/creditor Complain to the party that instructed Wilson & Roe.
4. Your MP For systemic issues or if enforcement was unlawful.
Contact Wilson & Roe#
Head Office: Wilson & Roe High Court Enforcement 26 Missouri Avenue Salford M50 2GT
Phone: 0161 872 6321 Email: info@wilsonroe.com Website: wilsonroe.com
Company: 03368100 (Andrew Wilson & Co Limited) Regional Offices: London, Bristol, Birmingham
FAQs#
What’s the difference between Wilson & Roe and normal bailiffs?#
Wilson & Roe are High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEOs), not County Court bailiffs. They enforce CCJs over £600, High Court Writs, employment tribunal awards. Have DVLA database access, enforce nationwide, different regulations. Faster and more powerful than standard bailiffs.
Can High Court Enforcement Officers break into my house?#
Generally no on first visit to residential property. But if you’ve signed Controlled Goods Agreement and defaulted, they can return with locksmith. Commercial premises: can use “reasonable force” even on first visit.
Wilson & Roe visited at 6am - is that legal?#
Yes. HCEOs can visit 6am-9pm, Monday-Saturday (no Sundays/bank holidays). Early morning visits maximize chance of finding you home before work. You have absolute right to keep door locked.
I’ve signed a Controlled Goods Agreement with Wilson & Roe - what now?#
CGA gives Wilson & Roe control over listed goods. If you miss payments, they can force entry to remove goods. Options: stick to plan, renegotiate with changed circumstances evidence, Breathing Space, or IVA (voids CGA).
Can Wilson & Roe take my car?#
Yes, if on public road, driveway, or accessible areas. DVLA database access means they can identify/locate vehicles in your name. Safe only in locked garage. If on finance/lease, prove with documents immediately.
Can I stop Wilson & Roe with Breathing Space?#
Yes. 60-day legal protection. Wilson & Roe must stop all contact/visits/fee escalation. Apply through debt advisor (StepChange, Citizens Advice). Learn more
How quickly does an IVA stop Wilson & Roe?#
Immediately. Once IVA approved, Wilson & Roe must cease all action by law. Your IP notifies them, and they cannot visit, call, or add fees.
Check if you qualify for an IVA
What if I never received the High Court Writ?#
May have grounds to challenge. Notice of Enforcement must be sent 7+ days before first visit. If you can prove it wasn’t sent/received, fees can be set aside, case returns to County Court. Apply immediately—time-sensitive. Get Citizens Advice help.
Wilson & Roe are High Court Enforcement Officers with powers beyond standard bailiffs. But you still have rights. An IVA can stop Wilson & Roe immediately and write off up to 70% of your debt.