of the recession.

The new firm is owned by Ms Dorlene Raynor and Mrs. Eintou Carmichael, who previously worked together collecting debts for a local law firm.

Mrs. Carmichael said the recession had led to more people falling into debt.

"That was one of the factors in us deciding to start the business,'' she said.

BDCA can be used by any individuals or companies who are having problems collecting money they are owed.

The company will send the debtor a letter and then, if there is no reply, make a phone call to try to talk the situation over. If that also fails, the debtor is taken to court.

Ms Raynor and Mrs. Carmichael are able to present a case themselves at a lower court but have an arrangement with law firm Conyers, Dill and Pearman for matters in the Supreme Court.

BDCA charges a $50 one-off membership fee to clients and also takes 25 percent commission on the amount of debts recovered.

Mrs. Carmichael said the firm would be "very reasonable'' with people who owed money.

"We have a fair system where we try to work things out,'' she said. "We never ask from people more than they can give.'' Bermuda Debt Collection Agency is located at 59 Church Street, Hamilton. It is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday.