C & L Investigations

C & L Investigations: investigation and legal support for the legal and business sectors

C & L Investigations is an investigation agency headquartered in southwest London with satellite offices in Surrey, Kent, and Brighton. The firm presents itself as one of the most established investigation agencies in the United Kingdom and is part of the C&L Group of companies. Its activity is mainly directed at the legal sector, the insurance and financial industries, and commerce in general.

The company states that its management has over one hundred years of combined experience in civil and criminal investigations, and that it operates with a network of field investigators in the UK and associates in various countries, enabling it to handle both national and international matters.

Tracing and location services

The service catalogue includes person tracing, locating debtors who have changed address to avoid payment, and tenant tracing. The firm explains that a trace is considered positive when a new address is found or the current address of the subject is confirmed. To initiate a trace, the company usually requests basic details such as name, date of birth, last known address, and additional relevant information, although it notes that it has also obtained results with limited information.

It also offers asset investigation, with services tailored to client needs and aimed at supporting the legal strategies of lawyers and law firms.

Process serving and litigation support

The company provides personal document service, with offices in East Sussex and London, and the capacity to act both locally and internationally. It also has litigation support professionals who work with clients on complex disputes and deploy a range of investigative resources.

Services linked to the legal field include pre-sue reports, which provide insight into a person's financial situation — whether they are employed or unemployed, or whether they own property or other hidden assets — and support for criminal defence and solicitors agents.

Background checks and fraud prevention

The firm conducts employment background checks and financial credit checks for candidates and employees, with the aim of detecting histories of financial mismanagement. In the area of fraud, it specialises in investigations aimed at identifying fraudulent activities, mainly external ones such as client fraud or insurance fraud, using techniques and tools that allow discrepancies to be detected and evidence to be gathered.

The company also offers company credit checks and corporate investigation services, including due diligence.

Methodology, qualifications, and regulatory compliance

C & L Investigations' investigators state they are trained in all aspects of fact-finding and critical analysis, with knowledge of civil and criminal law, including contracts, tort, and, notably, the law of evidence. The firm indicates that its investigators hold EDI level 4 and LLB Hons qualifications, and that investigations are carried out discreetly, efficiently, and in accordance with ethical and professional methods.

The company states that all investigations comply with applicable legislation, including enquiries under PACE, RIPA, or the Civil Evidence Act, as well as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Its investigators also understand the civil procedure rules and the rules of evidence. The firm states it has access to the DVLA, major credit reference agencies, and data protection exemptions, and mentions its knowledge of Norwich Pharmacal orders and related instruments.

Regarding accreditations, C & L Investigations states it holds ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certifications, is a member of the Association of British Investigators, the World Association of Investigators, and the Enforcement Services Association, and is registered with the FCA. It also notes that its staff have CRB and credit checks.

Client profile and international reach

The company works with law firms, insurers, the financial sector, and businesses in general. According to its own presentation, its operations extend across national and international territories without restrictions, and it claims to have a blue-chip client base. The firm presents itself as an established agency in the sector and highlights its commitment to introducing new technologies and concepts in the field of investigation.

Location and contact

1000 Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex TW8 9HH