How do you reclaim your equipment that someone else is using in their business that they owe me money on?

How do you reclaim your equipment that someone else is using in their business that they owe me money on?
It would require legal intervention. If the organisation who have on loan/on hire such equipment and there is a contract made before the loan/hire was made it would contain a statement where the hire company can seize their equipment - It would require a period of notice to the organisation concerned informing them that theequipment is hired and a the value of X outstanding for that hire (reference would be made to the agreement section where this is stated). However, many company's' loan another equipment as part of a "Gentleman's Agreement". A hand shake is all that was used. This is more difficult to deal with as there is no evidence to support the agreement.
If the company has your equipment and has outstanding debts firstly a letter formally requesting the return of the equipment is require. Ensure that a specific time-frame for return is stated I.e. Within 7 days of post mark. If that date is exceeded and there ahs been no attempt to return then you can send a letter stating that the time has been exceeded and that return will be enforced through court proceedings for which they will be liable for the costs - KEEP COPIES and ensure that receipt of letters to the company is recorded - Most postal services have a "recorded delivery" process. You can then approach a Legal Representative to request a formal letter with the potential of court. Sadly trust in business can be taken only so far - If you are owed money it may be that the company has financial difficulties - if a receiver was called in then there is every chance that the equipment you loaned would be classed as held - By doing the formal system you will have some supportive evidence to "call" the equipment back in"