Kitchens business ‘systematically failed’ customers

A BOLTON kitchens business has been wound up after failing to deliver goods or pay back customer deposits, a court heard.

In the Box was wound up in the public interest by District Judge Graeme Smith, following an investigation by the Companies Investigation Branch of the Insolvency Service.

Judge Smith said, from the evidence provided, In The Box had “systematically failed to deal appropriately with customers”. A “substantial” number were dissatisfied and many had complained to Trading Standards.

He said: “The company took deposits, failed to meet installation dates and failed to return deposits.” He added: “[Company director] Mr Hill said this was down to cashflow problems.”

It was also alleged that the business provided inaccurate information about its registered office and failed to keep proper accounting records.

Judge Smith added: “There was an unusual method of accounting which involved a lot of outgoings via the private account of Mr Hill.”

In the Box traded from premises in Albion Mill, Coe Street, Bolton. The most recent shareholder information at Companies House showed it was owned by Philip Hill of Bolton and James Atkinson of Hayfield, Derbyshire.

Judge Smith said Mr Hill had co-operated with the provisional liquidator but did not appear in court to contest the allegations.

Several of In the Box’s creditors attended the hearing including Barry Nelson, the director of BR Nelson Construction, who said he was owed £106,000 by the business.