A Burton-on-Trent business owner has been banned from acting as a company director after two fire alarm installation companies he controlled accumulated more than \u00a3300,000 in unpaid tax liabilities before being wound up.<\/p>\n
Alex Shorthose has been disqualified until April 2032 following an investigation into the conduct of Siamo Fire and Security Limited and Alex Fire and Security.<\/p>\n
According to investigators, the two businesses built up combined VAT and PAYE debts of more than \u00a3327,000 between December 2017 and January 2024.<\/p>\n
The regulator said one company ceased trading before formal insolvency action was taken, with a second company then continuing similar trading activity while also failing to meet tax obligations.<\/p>\n
Both businesses entered compulsory liquidation in 2024 following winding-up petitions from HM Revenue and Customs.<\/p>\n
The Insolvency Service said Shorthose paid himself almost \u00a3400,000 across the two companies during the relevant period, while HMRC received \u00a35,368 from one company and no payments from the second.<\/p>\n
Kevin Read, chief investigator at The Insolvency Service said: \u201cAlex Shorthose used the cynical but well-worn tactic of running up debts at one company, walking away, and starting again at another. His misconduct was not short-lived \u2013 it lasted for more than six years across two companies.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat is what we mean by abusive phoenixism, and it is deeply damaging. It gives dishonest directors an unfair advantage over competitors who pay their taxes, and it deprives public services of funds they depend on. We will continue to work with HMRC to identify these individuals and stop them acting as company directors.\u201d<\/p>\n
Richard Hopwood, head of insolvency at HM Revenue and Customs said: \u201cWe are determined to allow honest businesses to thrive which is why it\u2019s crucial we work closely with the Insolvency Service and other partners to take action against anyone involved in abusive phoenixism that undermines the tax system. The majority pay the tax that is due, but we will pursue those who refuse to play by the rules.\u201d<\/p>\n
The disqualification undertaking was accepted by the Secretary of State for Business and Trade and took effect on 14 April 2026.<\/p>\n
The ban prevents Shorthose from being involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company without court permission.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Two businesses built up combined VAT and PAYE debts of more than \u00a3327,000 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":266702,"featured_media":2100078,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[137119,120902],"coauthors":[127717],"class_list":["post-2110703","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-courts","category-legal","tag-featured-story","tag-staffordshire","tag-top-story"],"yoast_head":"\n