The claims management company founded in 2017 focuses on commercial claims and is particularly strong in the insolvency and construction sectors.

Alba assesses each claim and where it is satisfied that the claim has good prospects, it is then passed to a panel of solicitors that includes Scottish legal firm Anderson Strathern.

Alba’s model allows access to high quality legal representation through its solicitor panel, and legal fees are not charged unless a claim is successful. It has also brokered a deal with legal expenses insurers for after the event insurance cover to be extended to appropriate cases to cover the risk of paying the opponent’s costs if the claim is unsuccessful.

Alistair Dean, Alba Claims managing director, said: “Our objective is to provide access to justice for commercial claims where, for whatever reason, paying legal fees on an on-going basis is either not possible or not attractive. I am pleased by the success we have had to date. We’re now building the team to match increasing growth in the business.”

Last month, Leona Duff joined Alba from Aberdein Considine to strengthen its team in the light of increased activity, while former Space Solutions owner-director Derek Binnie joined Alba in 2020. Mr Binnie spent almost two decades with workplace design specialist Space, and was latterly responsible for the strategic growth of the company.

Derek Binnie, director, Alba Claims, added: “I saw a very clear opportunity for Alba to add value in a fast-changing and challenging market. The business has developed a unique proposition, and we’re now seeing that offering really come into its own.”

According to Alba, factors including the forthcoming easing of government support for businesses suffering the consequences of Covid restrictions, and the wider impact of Covid on cash-flow and case reserves, are likely to result in the continued growth in the requirement for claims being pursued on a contingent fee basis.

Alistair Dean added: “As the business scene emerges from the pandemic, combined with government policy and Brexit impact, we’re seeing a sharp increase in claims across the board. We think we’ve got a model that differentiates Alba from the rest of the market, underpinned by access to some of the best legal talent in Scotland.”