If you have received a letter about Hoist Finance UK, Hoist Finance, or an old Robinson Way account, the key question is who currently owns or manages the debt. Hoist Finance UK was a major name in purchased consumer debt, but Lowell announced in 2022 that it had completed the acquisition of Hoist Finance UK.
Hoist’s own UK website now says that in the UK, Hoist Finance collaborates with Lowell in debt management. Lowell also has a dedicated Hoist Finance page for customers whose accounts may have moved over.
This guide was last checked on 26 April 2026 against Companies House, Hoist Finance UK, Lowell customer information, Lowell Business acquisition information, and GOV.UK court judgment guidance.
Quick answer#
- Hoist Finance UK Limited is a real company. Companies House lists company number 08303007.
- Hoist Finance UK is not a bailiff firm. It cannot force entry or take belongings.
- Lowell completed the Hoist Finance UK acquisition in 2022. Some account contact may now come from Lowell.
- Older letters may mention Robinson Way. Keep all old references so accounts can be matched.
- Ask for assignment details if a new company contacts you about an old Hoist or Robinson Way balance.
- An IVA may include qualifying unsecured Hoist, Robinson Way, or Lowell debts if the IVA is approved.
Who are Hoist Finance UK?#
Hoist Finance UK Limited is listed at Companies House as an active company with company number 08303007. The registered office is No. 1 The Square Thorpe Park View, Thorpe Park, Leeds, LS15 8GH.
Hoist Finance is an international credit management and debt investment business. In the UK, the name is often connected with old consumer credit accounts, Robinson Way, and accounts that later moved to Lowell.
For someone receiving letters, the practical point is this: your Hoist-related account may no longer be handled exactly as it was when the original letter was sent. Check the latest letter carefully before paying.
Did Lowell buy Hoist Finance UK?#
Yes. Lowell announced on 25 October 2022 that it had completed the acquisition of Hoist Finance UK. The transaction included Hoist Finance UK’s operations and its unsecured non-performing loan portfolio.
Lowell’s customer page for Hoist Finance explains that customers may receive support from Lowell and may need to manage the account through Lowell routes. Hoist’s own UK website also says Hoist Finance collaborates with Lowell in debt management.
If you have an old Hoist or Robinson Way reference and a newer Lowell letter, do not assume it is wrong. Instead, ask Lowell or the current firm to confirm:
- The original creditor
- The old Hoist or Robinson Way reference
- The current Lowell reference
- The date the account transferred
- Whether Lowell owns the debt or is servicing it
- The current balance and any payments already credited
Are Hoist Finance UK bailiffs?#
No. Hoist Finance UK are not bailiffs.
Hoist, Lowell, Robinson Way, or another appointed collector may contact you about payment, but that is not the same as enforcement action by bailiffs or High Court enforcement officers.
They cannot:
- Force entry into your home
- Take your belongings
- Clamp your vehicle
- Pretend to have bailiff powers
- Discuss your debt with neighbours, family, or your employer
They may:
- Ask you to pay
- Ask for an income and expenditure form
- Report account information where applicable
- Consider a payment arrangement
- Send pre-action letters if court is being considered
Why has Hoist contacted me?#
Hoist Finance has historically been linked to purchased credit accounts. Lowell’s acquisition statement said the Hoist portfolio was mainly in the credit card and personal loan sector.
Common account types may include:
- Credit card balances
- Personal loans
- Store card debt
- Old Robinson Way accounts
- Accounts now serviced by Lowell
- Other unsecured consumer credit debts
If you do not recognise the account, ask for proof before paying. If you think the account has already been settled, send proof of payment or settlement in writing.
What if my letter says Robinson Way?#
Robinson Way has long been associated with Hoist Finance in the UK. If you have older letters that say Robinson Way and newer contact from Hoist or Lowell, keep every reference number together.
When replying, include:
- The Robinson Way reference
- The Hoist reference, if shown
- The Lowell reference, if shown
- Your full name and address used on the letter
- A short request for proof of ownership and balance
Do not pay a new company simply because it quotes an old balance. Ask for written confirmation that the account has been assigned or transferred.
Can Hoist Finance take me to court?#
A debt owner or its appointed firm may be able to issue a County Court claim if the debt is unpaid, enforceable, and not resolved. Before many consumer credit claims, you should normally receive a Letter of Claim.
Take urgent advice if you receive:
- A Letter of Claim
- County Court claim papers
- A default judgment
- A judgment payment order
- A notice from a solicitor acting for Lowell, Hoist, or Robinson Way
If a County Court Judgment is made and is not paid, enforcement could follow later. That is when bailiff or High Court enforcement questions may arise. A normal Hoist, Lowell, or Robinson Way collection letter is not bailiff enforcement.
Can an IVA include Hoist Finance UK debt?#
An approved Individual Voluntary Arrangement can include qualifying unsecured debts. A Hoist, Robinson Way, or Lowell account may be included if it is a qualifying unsecured debt and the IVA is accepted.
An IVA may be worth checking if:
- Hoist, Lowell, or Robinson Way is one of several creditors
- You cannot afford normal monthly payments
- The account is unsecured
- You have regular income
- You need one formal plan rather than separate arrangements
An IVA is not suitable for everyone. It affects your credit file and normally lasts 5-6 years. If this is the only account you owe, a direct dispute, settlement, or payment arrangement may be more proportionate.
How to respond to Hoist or Lowell#
- Check the name on the latest letter.
- Match old Hoist, Robinson Way, and Lowell references.
- Ask who owns the account now.
- Request proof if you do not recognise the debt.
- Do not ignore court forms or formal pre-action letters.
- Keep priority bills ahead of non-priority debt payments.
- Compare debt solutions if multiple creditors are contacting you.
If the letter gives payment details, verify them through the official website before paying. Do not use phone numbers or payment links from a suspicious text without checking independently.