If a director is trying to close his company down with outstanding debts and is blocked by a creditor(s), is there anyway for me as an investigator (and, therefore, a third party) to get in touch with those creditors to gather potential evidence and details of other victims? I'm assuming there will, of course, be data protection safeguards at Companies House.
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I don't think there is any way of finding out who is objecting at Companies House unless you are a Director of the Company in question. The most likely objector will be HMRC but they rarely go all the way to having the Company placed in administration because of the cost v benefits. At that point you will get to find out who is owed money. I take it that the company either owes you money or a client. Is the Company regulated - if so have you contacted the regulator? Have you checked for CCJ's? Have you/your client raised an objection at Companies House? If so you will need to follow it up otherwise the strike off will go ahead. I'm sure someone who deals in insolvancy will be along to give you more info.
Co house only concerned with people who are owed money by the company.
I assume you do not know any such person
Attempting to close down a company with outstanding debts isn't, of itself fraudulent. It may even be more honest/lawful than continuing to trade.
If you haven't already done so, you might to look at some of the government guidance on the subject, such as here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/options-when-a-company-is-ins....
If the amounts are large enough to justify your fees, there is likely to be an insolvency practitioner involved. They may be able to assist with your enquiries.
Half the facts = half an answer.
You stated earlier that the company is not regulated.
Now you say he is running a CIC.
There is a regulator for CICs. If your man has proof of wrongdoing, he could make a complaint to them.
Your client may want to advise Insolvency Service.
Also see if there is scope to take legal action against Director .
Serial defaulters have a habit and method of staying below radar.
An Insolvency Practitioner may suggest some remedies, that may not recover funds but may get director disqualified.
And some emotional satisfaction for your client.
Justice and fair play come at great cost.
Has the director operated in the same sector and geographical area.?
Are other " victims" likely to have lost meaningful sums of money?
It is possible that local solicitors have been approached on this matter.
May be worth a punt writing to solicitors ..... some thing may surface
Again this is all in the hunt for justice!
Wish you every success
Let us know how you get on
You may find useful information at Companies House regarding the liabilities of companies your director has run.
Note that subtly different names may (accidentally or deliberately) result in separate records for the same individual.
The SIC is 74909 - Other professional, scientific and technical activities not elsewhere classified. It is actually concerned with organising community events, especially festivals.
I assume your friend has taken the company to court.
Take a look using google at things like Trust Pilot reviews etc. Even Facebook/Twitter etc if you can get into their page (although its possible on there they could delete stuff). If they traded in one location look and see if that town has a Facebook moaners group and search company name.
Its possible if there are people annoyed with the company there will be some sort of trace online in full view somewhere, if you are forensic enough and have the time.
in view of what you say about this person it seems to me that naming him or her is a means of spreading info that might hinder his or her future operations and perhaps bring about the intention implied by your question
in view of what you say about this person it seems to me that naming him or her is a means of spreading info that might hinder his or her future operations and perhaps bring about the intention implied by your question