I can not remember the exact time but domains usually remain suspended for around 90 days, during which time only the registrant can renew the domain.
After this time the domain is then dropped, and will more than likely picked up by a drop catcher who have servers as close to Nominet's servers as possible and continually monitor Nominets systems for dropped domains which they then immediately register and often sale for higher prices.
If you want to keep this domain get your client to either renew the domain ASAP or they will more likely loose it forever or have to pay allot of money to get it back.
Nominet by the way are the non profit body who mange the UK name space. You would need to contact them directly to renew the domain at £80 + VAT or contact the present register and have them renew the domain.
UK domains can be transferred immediately following registration of renewal so you should be able to transfer the domain to us as soon as it is renewed, but you would need to check the contract you have with the present registrar to make sure.
Web Wiz is a Nominet Registrar and Member, so if you contact sales with details of the domain we can talk to Nominet directly for you to find out the best way to keep this domain, but I suspect that you will need to renew through Nominet or the present register.
Edited by WebWiz-Bruce - 04 April 2011 at 3:13pm