Mark Gardner

Partner in Dispute Resolution & Commercial Litigation,
Insolvency & Corporate Recovery

T: +44 (0)845 257 9449 M: +44 (0)7852 616335

Mark is a straight talking and practical solicitor dealing with debt recovery, insolvency, commercial litigation and dispute resolution. Described by Legal 500 as being at the ‘top end for resolving contested debt issues’, ‘very enthusiastic, practical and pragmatic’, and recommended in the directory from 2008 to 2012.

Qualifying as a solicitor in 1988, he has spent more than 30 years specialising in resolving disputes and has been closely involved with the Insolvency Act 1986 since it came into force.

Mark is passionate about his work and recognises that insolvency is much more than the collapse of a business, there are the livelihoods of employees and creditors to consider and his particular talents lie in finding creative solutions to deal with insolvent situations.

It is important to Mark that he not only finds the right solution/resolution to any issue but in addition that clients learn from their experience.

Due to the flexible nature of the work environment and the low overhead this means that clients’ cases are dealt with by a senior solicitor without the “designer” price-tag usually associated with that level of fee-earner.

Clients range from local individuals to national companies covering a broad range of businesses including engineering, recruitment, manufacturing, solicitors, web-designers, suppliers, tradesmen, transport, commercial landlords and accountants.

Debt Recovery

Mark has undertaken debt recovery work for his entire career and builds relationships with his clients to aid them in avoiding problems re-occurring as part of the fixed fee package. Mark provides a “hands on” and “bespoke” debt recovery service for clients.

Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Mark provides a seamless transition from debt recovery to commercial litigation when claims become contested. Having considered the merits before commencing proceedings, Mark deals with any defence and the procedural steps to bring the matter to trial as soon as is practical – considering any appropriate offers/dispute resolution options that should be made or considered.
Over the years Mark has developed a network of trusted professionals who can bring their areas of expertise to assist in the resolution, enquiry and enforcement processes.

Insolvency

Mark has been actively involved with insolvency since the legislation was updated in 1986 and is consulted regularly by insolvency practitioners and bankrupts/their partners or spouses to assist in the resolution of the issues that arrive in an insolvent situation.

Qualified

1988

Interests

When not working Mark can be found walking the family dog, Shadow, in the North Yorkshire Moors National Park and enjoying the scenery and beauty of the North Yorkshire area.

‘Thank you for your excellent service in getting the writ issued and your assistance in the process of securing possession of our site.’

Construction Client

‘I was spoilt with how brilliant you were!’

‘I would like to thank you again, as without your help I am sure they would have just tried to walk all over me and I would have got nowhere. I most certainly could not have done it without you.’

‘I’ve heard a number of stories about unpaid invoices and bad debt that’s causing suffering in small businesses. It happened to us from time to time, but I was lucky. My solicitor, and go-to guy for payment disputes, is Mark Gardner. He is a superstar, with a 100% success rate and for fantastic value for money. Having him in your little black book is hugely reassuring, especially if you’re getting no comfort whatsoever that you’ll be paid.’

Neil O’Connor, Director, Fleet Recruitment

Legal Services

Experience

Boundary dispute involving 2 properties valued at over £1 million once completed – total success with orders declaring boundary in favour of client, order for the removal of encroaching built structures and restitution of land and due to effective use of court offer rules indemnity costs, uplift and increased interest awarded – interim award of costs of £90,000 on account

Recovery of overdrawn directors’ loan accounts of over £140,000.00 from dismissed director and asserted counterclaim of £550,000.00 concerning allegations of falsification of various documents

Software copying and unauthorised use of same, damages and undertakings to restrain continued use

Bulk debt recovery against former employees of client in respect of sums outstanding under training bond

Challenges by trustee in bankruptcy in respect of various transactions and income streams challenging the inter-relation of various strands of insolvency legislation

Recovery of significant outstanding fees for recruitment consultant and supply of temporary employees including winding up proceedings and interpretation of terms and conditions of business

Various land related recoveries and issues for substantial land owner and property owner including dilapidations, breaches of covenant, rent arrears

Successfully defending application for relief from forfeiture of commercial takeaway premises by 2 out of the 3 original tenants – application dismissed with interim award of costs of £29,000 on account