High Court Enforcement Group Limited (HCEG) is the largest independent and privately owned enforcement company in England and Wales. With a 22% market share by writ volume and 27% by money collected, they dominate High Court debt recovery.
They own three major brands: The Sheriffs Office (featured on BBC’s “The Sheriffs Are Coming”), Excel Civil Enforcement (council tax and local authority debt), and National Eviction Team (HS2 protests, tactical evictions, tunnel extractions).
Quick answers#
Can High Court Enforcement Group force entry? Yes, but only to commercial premises for business debts. For residential properties on the first visit, they need peaceful entry (an open door or invitation). However, writs can be executed with no prior notice.
Are they legitimate? Yes. Company number 04527630. ECB accredited. 22% of the High Court enforcement market. Independently owned in the UK (not backed by foreign investment like competitors).
Can an IVA stop them? Yes. If HCEG is enforcing a County Court Judgment that’s been transferred to the High Court, an Individual Voluntary Arrangement can stop enforcement and include the debt in your repayment plan.
Table of Contents#
- Who are High Court Enforcement Group?
- HCEG’s three brands explained
- What is “Transfer Up”?
- What debts does HCEG collect?
- HCEG fees explained
- Can HCEG force entry?
- What HCEG cannot take
- How to deal with HCEG
- How to stop HCEG
- How to complain about HCEG
- Contact details
- FAQs
Who are High Court Enforcement Group?#
High Court Enforcement Group Limited (HCEG) is the largest independent and privately owned enforcement company in England and Wales.
Company details:
- Company number: 04527630
- Incorporated: 5 September 2002
- Registered office: 2 Marine Road, Colwyn Bay, Clwyd, LL29 8PH
- ECB accredited
- Market share: 22% by writ volume, 27% by money collected
The 2004 legislative shift:
The High Court Enforcement Officers Regulations 2004 revolutionized the industry by:
- Ending geographic restrictions on Sheriff’s Officers
- Creating the role of Authorized High Court Enforcement Officer (HCEO)
- Allowing HCEOs to enforce writs across all of England and Wales
HCEG was positioned to exploit this new national market, consolidating several legacy firms under a single umbrella.
Market performance:
- £1,139 average recovered per writ (vs £827 industry average)
- 24.3% paid-in-full rate (vs 19.5% industry average)
- 41.1% growth in 2024 (vs 5% industry average)
HCEG’s three brands explained#
HCEG operates through three distinct brands:
1. The Sheriffs Office (acquired January 2016)
Featured on BBC’s “The Sheriffs Are Coming.” The public-facing brand with 4.0/5 Trustpilot rating (compared to HCEG’s 1.7/5 stars—same company, different perception).
Handles:
- High Court Writs of Control (CCJs over £600)
- Employment Tribunal Awards
- Commercial evictions
- Aviation and high-value asset recovery
2. Excel Civil Enforcement (founded 1991)
Local authority and public sector work. One of the largest council tax and business rates recovery agencies.
Handles:
- Council tax arrears
- Business rates (NNDR)
- Parking PCNs
- Moving traffic contraventions
3. National Eviction Team (rebranded 2018)
Tactical and specialist arm. They handle evictions requiring advanced technical skills:
- HS2 protester removals (tunnels, tree platforms, lock-ons)
- High-street squatter clearances
- Complex multi-occupancy evictions
Most famous operation: Euston Square Gardens tunnel extraction (February 2021)—10-meter deep tunnel, LIDAR mapping, breathing apparatus. Transport Minister commended NET for work in “extremely challenging and sometimes dangerous conditions.”
What is “Transfer Up”?#
If you’ve received a letter from HCEG, your debt has likely been transferred up from the County Court to the High Court.
Under Section 42 of the County Courts Act 1984, creditors holding County Court Judgments (CCJs) for amounts over £600 can transfer the judgment to the High Court for enforcement.
Why do creditors transfer up?
- Speed: High Court enforcement is typically faster
- Success rate: HCEOs recover debts in full more often than County Court bailiffs
- No advance warning: HCEOs can turn up at your door without 7 days’ notice
What happens after transfer up?
- The creditor instructs HCEG
- HCEG issues a Writ of Control authorizing seizure of goods
- An HCEO (often with enforcement agents) attends your property
- They attempt to secure payment or seize goods
You may not receive advance notice of the HCEO’s visit, unlike County Court enforcement where 7 clear days’ notice is required.
What debts does HCEG collect?#
High Court debts (The Sheriffs Office brand):
- County Court Judgments (CCJs) over £600
- Employment Tribunal Awards
- High Court judgment debts
- Commercial rent arrears (CRAR)
Local authority debts (Excel Civil Enforcement brand):
- Council tax arrears
- Business rates (NNDR)
- Parking Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs)
- Moving traffic contraventions
Specialist evictions (National Eviction Team brand):
- Writs of Possession (commercial and residential)
- Squatter removals
- Trespasser clearances
- Infrastructure project site clearance
HCEG fees explained#
HCEG’s fees depend on whether you’re dealing with High Court enforcement or County Court-style enforcement.
High Court Writ of Control fees:
| Stage | Fee | When Applied |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance | £75 | Writ issued, notice sent. |
| Enforcement | £190 + 7.5% of debts over £1,000 | HCEO or agent attends your property. |
| Sale | £525 + 7.5% of debts over £1,000 | Goods removed and sold. |
Additional costs (disbursements):
- Locksmith fees
- Vehicle recovery and storage
- Auctioneer fees
- Legal costs
The 2025 Marston scandal:
In 2025, Marston Holdings was caught overcharging fees by applying multiple compliance fees to concurrent debts. HCEG explicitly confirmed they were not the firm in question and are fully compliant with all fee regulations.
Can HCEG force entry?#
This depends entirely on the type of debt and type of property.
High Court Writs - Commercial Premises: Yes. HCEOs can force entry to commercial premises (offices, shops, warehouses, factories) for High Court writs without a court order. They can break locks and use reasonable force.
High Court Writs - Residential Property (First Visit): No. For residential properties, HCEOs must gain peaceful entry:
- An open door
- An invitation to enter
- An unlocked door (but not forced open)
Once they’re inside: If HCEG agents have gained peaceful entry once and you’ve signed a Controlled Goods Agreement, they can return and enter again even if you’re not there, as long as the door is unlocked.
No prior notice required: Unlike council tax enforcement (7 clear days’ notice), High Court writs can be executed without advance warning. An HCEO can turn up at your door unannounced.
Legal hours: HCEG agents and HCEOs can only visit between 6:00am and 9:00pm.
What HCEG cannot take#
Even if HCEG agents gain entry, there are strict limits:
Items they CANNOT take:
- Essential household items (beds, tables, chairs, cookers, fridges, washing machines, heating)
- Tools of the trade up to £1,350
- Third-party belongings (you need proof: receipts, finance agreements)
- Blue Badge vehicles
- Work-essential vehicles under £1,350
- Items for care of children, elderly, or disabled residents
Items they CAN take:
- Luxury items (TVs, gaming consoles, laptops)
- Jewellery
- Vehicles (unless exempt)
- Cash
- Valuable household goods
Most prefer to create a Controlled Goods Agreement rather than physically removing items. The threat of removal is leverage to secure payment.
How to deal with HCEG#
If you’ve received a letter from HCEG:
Step 1: Confirm the debt is yours
- Is the debt amount correct?
- Is the CCJ in your name?
- Did you receive the original court papers?
If you never received the original CCJ, you may be able to apply to set aside the judgment.
Step 2: Understand the timescale High Court enforcement moves faster than council tax enforcement:
- You may get a Compliance Stage letter (£75 fee)
- But HCEOs can also turn up without prior warning
- You don’t get the 7 clear days you’d get with council tax
Step 3: Don’t let them in (residential) If an HCEO arrives at your home:
- Don’t open the door
- Speak through a window or letterbox
- Don’t let them inside
- Don’t sign a Controlled Goods Agreement if you can avoid it
Once they’re inside, they can return and enter again even if you’re not there (if the door is unlocked).
Step 4: Declare vulnerability If you’re vulnerable (mental health issues, disability, low income), tell the agent immediately. HCEG’s welfare procedures should activate, potentially suspending enforcement.
How to stop HCEG#
1. Pay the debt in full#
The quickest way to stop enforcement. HCEG accepts payment by bank transfer, debit/credit card, or cash at the doorstep.
2. Apply to set aside the judgment#
If you never received the original CCJ, you can apply to the court to set aside the judgment. If successful, the writ becomes invalid and HCEG must withdraw.
3. Enter an IVA#
An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) is a formal agreement to repay your debts over 5-6 years. Once approved:
- HCEG must stop all enforcement action
- The debt is included in your IVA
- You make one affordable monthly payment
Check if you qualify for an IVA
4. Apply for Breathing Space#
Breathing Space gives you 60 days of protection. During this period:
- HCEG cannot visit your property
- Fees are frozen
- No goods can be seized
Apply through a debt advisor (StepChange, Citizens Advice, National Debtline).
5. Apply for a Stay of Execution#
If you’re negotiating a settlement or facing financial hardship, you can apply to the High Court for a Stay of Execution, which temporarily suspends enforcement.
6. Negotiate directly#
Contact HCEG’s case team to negotiate:
- A payment plan
- A reduced settlement (lump sum)
- Time to sell assets
Be aware that even if you agree a plan, the HCEO may still need to visit to assess goods as security.
How to complain about HCEG#
1. Complain to HCEG directly
Start with their internal complaints procedure. Request:
- Body-worn video (BWV) footage
- The agent’s/HCEO’s name and ID number
- A full breakdown of fees
HCEG should respond within 28 days.
2. Enforcement Conduct Board (ECB)
HCEG is ECB accredited. If your complaint isn’t resolved internally, escalate to the ECB. The ECB can order:
- Fee refunds
- Compensation
- Disciplinary action against the agent/HCEO
3. CIVEA (for Excel brand)
If you’re dealing with Excel Civil Enforcement, you can complain to CIVEA (Civil Enforcement Association).
4. Local Government Ombudsman
If the council instructed Excel Civil Enforcement and hasn’t followed proper procedures, complain to the Ombudsman.
5. Your local MP
If all else fails, contact your MP. They can sometimes intervene on your behalf.
Contact details#
High Court Enforcement Group Limited 2 Marine Road Colwyn Bay Clwyd LL29 8PH
Company number: 04527630 Incorporated: 5 September 2002
Brands:
- The Sheriffs Office
- Excel Civil Enforcement
- National Eviction Team
ECB Accredited: Yes (all subsidiaries)
FAQs#
Who owns High Court Enforcement Group?#
HCEG is owned by Hcegh Limited (Company 15926006), incorporated on 30 August 2024. The group remains independently owned in the UK—not backed by foreign investment like some competitors.
Is HCEG the same as The Sheriffs Office?#
Yes. HCEG owns The Sheriffs Office. They’re part of the same group but use different brand names. The Sheriffs Office handles High Court writs and was acquired by HCEG in January 2016. The BBC TV show “The Sheriffs Are Coming” features The Sheriffs Office brand.
Can High Court Enforcement Group force entry to my home?#
No, not for the first visit to a residential property. They need peaceful entry (an open door or invitation). They can force entry to commercial premises for business debts. However, if they’ve gained entry once and you’ve signed a Controlled Goods Agreement, they can return and enter unlocked doors.
What is a High Court Writ of Control?#
A Writ of Control is a High Court enforcement order issued after a County Court Judgment (CCJ) has been “transferred up” from the County Court to the High Court. It authorizes an HCEO to seize and sell your goods to satisfy the debt. Writs can be executed without advance warning.
What is “transfer up”?#
“Transfer up” is when a creditor moves a County Court Judgment (CCJ) from the County Court to the High Court for enforcement. Under Section 42 of the County Courts Act 1984, any CCJ over £600 can be transferred up. This gives the creditor access to HCEOs, who have greater powers than County Court bailiffs.
What fees can HCEG charge?#
For High Court enforcement: Compliance Stage £75, Enforcement Stage £190 + 7.5% of debts over £1,000, Sale Stage £525 + 7.5%. Plus disbursements (locksmith, towing, storage, legal costs). These are statutory fees set by law.
Is High Court Enforcement Group legitimate?#
Yes. They’re a registered company (04527630), ECB accredited, and the largest independent enforcement group in England and Wales. They have 22% market share by writ volume and 27% by money collected. Being legitimate doesn’t mean you have no rights.
Can I stop HCEG with Breathing Space?#
Yes. Breathing Space gives you 60 days of protection. HCEG cannot visit your property, fees are frozen, and no goods can be seized. You must apply through a debt advisor.
What is the National Eviction Team?#
The National Eviction Team is HCEG’s specialist tactical unit. They handle complex evictions, HS2 protester removals, tunnel extractions, and squatter clearances. They conducted the famous Euston Square Gardens 10-meter tunnel operation in February 2021, earning a commendation from the Transport Minister.
Were HCEG on TV?#
Yes, but under their “The Sheriffs Office” brand. The BBC series “The Sheriffs Are Coming” features The Sheriffs Office, which HCEG acquired in January 2016. This TV exposure explains why The Sheriffs Office has a 4.0/5 Trustpilot rating while the parent HCEG brand has 1.7/5 stars.
If you’re dealing with High Court Enforcement Group and have multiple debts totalling £5,000 or more, an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) could stop enforcement action immediately and consolidate your debts into a single affordable payment.