The administrator of a haulage firm in Cardiff said it was still chasing its directors for more than £364,000 it believes is owed by them – and it hasn’t ruled out pursuing them through the courts.

D&A Media Bristol entered administration in June 2018, by which time it had a turnover of £10m, employed 90 staff and operated a fleet of 100 HGVs, vans and trailers for more than 30 customers.

However, in April 2018 HMRC issued a winding-up petition against the company for £807,259 in unpaid VAT and associated penalties.

Begbies Traynor informed creditors earlier this year that it believed £51,374 was due from one of the company’s shareholders and former director Richard Grimes; however, he had not responded to correspondence.

A statement of affairs prepared by company director Andrew Emmett around the time of the administrator’s appointment indicated that £313,273 was due by Emmett in respect of an overdrawn director’s loan account.

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However, Begbies Traynor said Emmett disputed the amount, but had made a proposal to pay £10 per week to settle the debt.

In its latest report, the administrator said it was now considering taking the matter further. “We have made attempts to recover the sums due to the company from the director and shareholder.

“We have also made enquiries of the company’s accountants in respect of the sums due.

“We will continue to correspond with Mr Emmett in respect of the sum due from him. Should no satisfactory repayment proposal be received, legal proceedings will be commenced."

The report added: “As no response has been received from Mr Grimes, we are in the process of collating evidence to support legal proceedings.”

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