A West Yorkshire haulier specialising in recyclable materials collapsed after the relationship between the new owners and its former boss soured to such an extent it led to the loss of business.
In a report to creditors of C&L Transport Services, administrator FRP said there was a dispute with the former owner regarding alleged breaches under a share purchase agreement when the firm was acquired in August 2025.
The haulier, which traded out of two bases in Ossett near Wakefield and had customers ranging from large blue-chips to local independent businesses, was incorporated in 2015 and historically traded successfully.
But FRP said it saw a “markable decline” following the acquisition last year by sole shareholder Jacklin Group, which included directors Ben and Claire Jacklin.
Claire Jacklin resigned her directorship at C&L in October 2025.
The report said: “Following the acquisition, the former director and owner, Christopher Schofield, remained at the firm on a consultancy basis.
“However, due to fractious relationships following the acquisition, customer relations were affected that cumulated in a loss of business.”
FRP said that during this time, a trailer was also stolen from the company’s premises, which led to it being unable to fulfil work for a sizeable customer and resulted in the cessation of that workstream and a further decline in revenue.
The administrator added that C&L’s fuel account was used to fuel a connected company’s vehicles, leading to liabilities accruing which it was unable to discharge.
UK Fuels subsequently issued a winding-up petition and so the business was placed into administration by its qualifying floating charge holder to avoid it being compulsory wound up.
Moves were made to try and sell the business in a pre-pack deal but when the interested parties all withdrew their offers the company ceased trading on 21 February.
“It should be noted that the former director and shareholder sought advice from a separate firm of insolvency practitioners, CBR,” said FRP.
“Whilst the former director was not involved with the business in an official capacity, there was a dispute with regards to alleged breaches to the share purchase agreement.
“Accordingly, to keep key personnel working collaboratively for the benefit of the business, it was agreed that insolvency practitioners from both FRP and CBR would be instructed with a view to taking a joint appointment.”
