Connected Success - The Middle Eastern Credit Network

Date Posted:Wed, 30th Apr 2025

Connected Success - The Middle Eastern Credit Network

Debt Collection Agency of the Year, voted for by the Chartered Institute of Credit Management, Global Credit Recoveries continues to reinforce its reputation as a trusted name in Debt Collection, Mediation and Arbitration across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, the Americas and beyond.

 

Having built a solid foundation in the Middle East, Global Credit Recoveries has developed a proven model for success in the region. This success hasn’t come from a “one size fits all” approach, but from a deep understanding of the nuances of doing business across borders. The team combines cultural awareness, specialist knowledge and a robust global infrastructure to support clients with region-specific challenges. With offices in the UK and UAE as well as a network of established partners worldwide, clients benefit from a coordinated international effort underpinned by experienced local expertise. 

Global Credit Recoveries’ CEO, Charles Mayhew FCICM, has played a central role in shaping the company’s strategy in the region. Having lived and worked in the Middle East since 1994, Charles brings over 35 years of experience navigating the complexities of international receivables. His hands-on approach and ability to build long-standing relationships with regional partners have shaped the company’s offering in the Gulf and beyond. Under his leadership, the team has been trained to reflect not just best practices, but real-world insight gathered from decades of experience.

“The Middle East is a great place to live and do business,” Charles explains. “GCR is proud to be working alongside both government entities and commercial enterprises to support long-term business stability. We’re also pleased to be active members of the Dubai British Chamber of Commerce, whose support has been invaluable.”

One of the most common questions CFOs ask is: Why is Global Credit Recoveries able to collect debts that internal teams or shared service centres have not?

The answer lies in the power of third-party impact. The dynamic shifts the moment an external specialist steps in. With experience in multilingual negotiation, knowledge of regional business etiquette, and the ability to escalate matters swiftly and appropriately where needed, the results speak for themselves. The added advantage of working with local experts on the ground, who understand both the legal systems and the subtleties of debtor behaviour in their own markets, means clients see faster resolutions and fewer prolonged disputes.

Cash flow is almost always our clients’ number one concern. For that reason, all payments are made directly to the client. We are not here to take control - we’re here to bring clarity and speed. That focus shapes everything we do.

Another important tool in our recovery process is legislation. In the UK and EU, the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 allows creditors to claim statutory interest, compensation and recovery costs. In some instances, our intervention is fully covered through this framework. One recent case in Italy saw us recover the full outstanding amount plus fees, meaning our client received our service at no net cost. These outcomes reflect the strength of an approach built on experience, backed by legal knowledge and delivered with precision.

Our global structure is underpinned by a central hub where every case is reviewed in detail and managed with professionalism and care. It’s a collaborative approach, involving our in-house teams and international partners, all working together to secure the right result.

As Charles reflects, “Many of the partners we work with in the Middle East and elsewhere have grown into long-standing friendships. We’ve worked together for over 30 years in some cases. These are not just service providers - they are trusted collaborators who share our focus on delivering results.”

At Global Credit Recoveries, we help businesses get paid.

Whether that means recovering aged receivables, navigating complex international debt, or advising on how to improve your internal processes, our focus remains the same: helping clients protect their revenue and improve their cash flow, with the right blend of global reach and local insight.

Global Credit Recoveries FCICM

Charles Mayhew 

CEO