21 year holiday from being directors for travel firm owners

A mother and son, directors of a coach travel firm based in Bradford, have been disqualified for a combined 21 years from acting as directors for failing to protect customer money paid up-front for holidays and travel.

Following an investigation by the Insolvency Service, they gave undertakings to the Secretary of State for Business Innovation & Skills not to manage or control a limited company for a period of 11 years and 10 years respectively, effective from 22 April 2014. An Insolvency Service investigator stated “In this case, a significant number of elderly customers have been left out of pocket thanks to their disregard of protective legislation and it is appropriate that their disqualification is for a significant period of time.”

The investigation found that when the company was placed into liquidation in June 2012, there were 653 customers who had paid up front and lost a total of almost £220,000; the vast majority of these customers being pensioners. Customers also lost out as the company, having had its credit/ debit card facility withdrawn in late 2011, asked customers to pay by cheque or in cash.

 Originally reported by The Insolvency Service 14 April 2014