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 should usually stop direct action for debts included in the arrangement. An IVA can stop qualifying High Court enforcement where the debt is included.
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, qualifying High Court enforcement for included debts should stop. Wilson & Roe cannot pursue for included debts. Qualify with £5,000+ debt across creditors.
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). Read the Breathing Space guide
How quickly does an IVA stop Wilson & Roe?#
Once an IVA is approved, Wilson & Roe should usually stop direct collection or enforcement activity for debts included in the arrangement. Your insolvency practitioner notifies them, and further contact should be handled through the 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 direct contact from Wilson & Roe for included qualifying debts once approved and write off a portion of qualifying debt if creditors approve the proposal and you complete it.