Another kitchen company gone bust

[Leatherface]

Hi
just thought I would relate a little story about a kitchen company I used to work for. Who went into liquidation last week ( Limited company)
Did many a job for this local firm. Last job I did for them in March last year took me 2 months to get paid. I know the guy had taken 90 percent up from the customer to include kitchen and related works - tiling, plastering, plumbing etc. When I completed and put in my invoice the kitchen guy told me he had no money and was not sure when he could pay. Finally 2 months later I got my money.
He also wanted me to do another job in May, tiling a kitchen floor, I was too busy so got my mate to do it, same scenario - my mate ( who is a big scary lad, threatened to rip the guys head off unless he got paid & eventually got his money. The guy who had his kitchen started in April last year finally got it finished last week.
The kitchen guy concerned has been taking hefty deposits from customers ever since and has left a trail of destruction behind, with fitters, tradesmen, tile shops, granite people not paid and numerous customers without kitchens and bathrooms.
I think it is morally wrong that people can set up as a limited company then go into liquidation and set up again leaving all their debts behind. out that
Also found out that he spent £30.000 on his wedding and honeymoon last year : who paid for that ?
Shocking

 

[grumpygrouter]

I have to agree with you Leatherface. Unfortunately the only way to stop this guy doing it again is for someone to get him in to court and prove negligence or other criminal activity related to the business and get him barred from being a Director.

Unless that is done, nothing to stop him starting again!

 

[bigandy]

unfortunately even if he got done he would probably set it up in his wifes name!

 

[Leatherface]

I have to agree with you Leatherface. Unfortunately the only way to stop this guy doing it again is for someone to get him in to court and prove negligence or other criminal activity related to the business and get him barred from being a Director.
Unless that is done, nothing to stop him starting again!

Is that possible ?
I have a list of his unsatisfied customers
and a bigger list of people he owes money to

 

[bigandy]

The answer to grumps statement and your question is yes, if you are found negligable as a company director, you personnally are responsible. They changed the laws as too many people were getting away with it.

 

[oldgit]

leatherfaces mate seems to have right method and in many cases the only method to get your money off these type of people.:11:

 

[grumpygrouter]

The answer to grumps statement and your question is yes, if you are found negligable as a company director, you personnally are responsible. They changed the laws as too many people were getting away with it.

Still has to go trough the courts though Andy, and for negligence to be proven he will have had to do something that will have endangered his customer.

If however, fraud was involved then that is another matter and (probably) can be more easily followed through.

 

[Leatherface]

Still has to go trough the courts though Andy, and for negligence to be proven he will have had to do something that will have endangered his customer.

If however, fraud was involved then that is another matter and (probably) can be more easily followed through.

What about at least 3 customers I know of recently that he has taken money off up front ( I have spoken to them all ) Kitchens not finished ( or started )
This has been going on since at least april last year, have feelers out for more info

 

[Deleted member 1779]

It will get worse..... We have a well known tile chain who owe us over £1000 for stock and are ignoring demands to pay. Ignoring calls and emails. Still trading.

Probably going to have to start CCJ against them. I guess we all have bad debtors and I hope the list wont grow too big.

 

[grumpygrouter]

What about at least 3 customers I know of recently that he has taken money off up front ( I have spoken to them all ) Kitchens not finished ( or started )
This has been going on since at least april last year, have feelers out for more info

Sounds to me like these people need to seek some proper legal advice on this.

 

[LM Ceramics]

god dont talk to me about kitchen companies i do work for a local one have struggled recentley in payment i did get paid before christmas but im still owed alot of money they have work lined up for me but im very suspicious ive been considering whether to tell them were to go ive noticed my kitchen firm has been through a few sub contractors in the past i wonder why?

 

[White Room]

Know a women who placed a £500 deposit with mfi with debit card, lost the money with no goods

 

[doug boardley]

Know a women who placed a £500 deposit with mfi with debit card, lost the money with no goods

yet if she'd done it with a credit card she'd have been covered, crazy!!:dizzy2:

 

[cornish_crofter]

Know a women who placed a £500 deposit with mfi with debit card, lost the money with no goods

I heard that the Administraters said that all customer would get goods or refunds, she may need to go back to them and check.

 

[cornish_crofter]

During the last recession a kitchen company that had a showroom in Leicester called Freestyle kitchens went bust, they ended up owing loads of people money.

The Leicester branch stock was auctioned off. During the viewing period I noticed a couple come around and speak to the auctioneer about remaining stuff on their order. The auctioneer simply told them to look around to see if they could find it in the store and he would let them take it, since he considered it their property.

To be fair he took a real personal interest in aggrieved customers, a few came through the doors. If they could find what they were lacking then he let them take it with their blessing.

I got a really good quality complete kitchen for around £450. To be honest the quality was a good Howdens spec of today, as opposed to B&Q entry level. I sourced worktops and a sink from other places.