Synopsis

We contacted Massey to have some garden landscaping done. The company seemed very professional and appeared to have a good reputation. After the consultation and design, we were asked to pay a deposit of £33,732.00 to secure building materials. However, some of the work would have required planning permission and so I we agreed to pay £15,732.00 to cover the materials cost for the work we were confident would not require permission. Just 8 days after receiving the money, David went to an insolvency company and began voluntary liquidation.

The liquidation firm's fees are expected to be around £19,000 but they estimate that after the employees have bought their (presumably) discounted equipment from the company, the liquidator will only receive £15,000. I won't be seeing any of my money back. In effect, my money has been used to liquidate his company.

The liquidator's report shows that Massey owes £338,199 to creditors. A massive amount for a small garden company. Clearly it was obvious to him when he took my money that he was insolvent.

Massey has since started a new landscaping company.