Having to moved to the United Kingdom from Pakistan in 2005, I have had to work extremely hard in order to earn my opportunities, complete my education and build my reputation. This has taken substantive time and considerable effort. However, my efforts paid off with me then earning the opportunity to work with a variety of international and multi-million/billion pound companies within the UK and abroad. To include working for arms companies requiring the highest form of security clearance possible.
However, I have always wanted to work for and have my own company. This became a reality in December 2015 when I became a director of my own import/export company within the motor car industry. The company quickly grew, gained a highly respected reputation and traded lucratively. The company was very much on an upwards trajectory securing a variety of contracts.
The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic ('C19') And My Dreams Left In Tatters
I cannot put into words the impact C19 had on me personally, my family and my business. My life completely changed overnight. All that I had built came to a stuttering halt and the business that I had built from the bottom up was frozen and unable to trade attributable to the sheer devastation of C19. My business was subsequently placed into Creditors Voluntary Liquidation ('CVL') and my dreams left in tatters.
Intention Of The Secretary Of State To Disqualify Me
Struggling to come to terms of what had happened, I was then shocked to receive notice from the Secretary of State ('SOS') that my conduct as a director was being investigated. I was then informed by the SOS that they wanted to disqualify me for a period of 12 years or 11 years if I agreed to sign a Disqualification Undertaking. I was upset, in shock and completely at a loss of what to do.
My First Steps Taken To Defend Myself – First Solicitors Instructed
I carried out research and then instructed a firm of solicitors in Birmingham to defend my position. Although knowledgeable as to the process, I felt they did not take the time or effort to fully understand me, the facts or the key matters. The SOS remained unmoved in its position and still wished to proceed with disqualification against me.
Instructing Gulshan At D & N Solicitors And Leaving Current Legal Advisors
I was then recommended Gulshan through a contact. I then reached out and immediately felt a positive connection and desire by Gulshan to understand the facts, assist me and make all attempts to push the SOS to reconsider their position. I did not feel this same connection or desire to defend my position with my previous solicitors.
Engaging The SOS With Gulshan
I was not previously made aware that I was able to request a meeting with the SOS. However, Gulshan made it clear that it was essential that we met the SOS as well as preparing detailed submissions. Gulshan set out a clear path for us to follow and engage with the SOS.
The Outcome – The SOS No Longer Seeking A Disqualification Ban Of 12 Years
Attributable to Gulshan's efforts, preparing detailed submissions, insistence on the SOS attending a meeting with me and pushing the SOS to reconsider the evidence, the SOS moved from its previous unwavering position and agreed that I should not be disqualified.
Never in a million years did I believe that the SOS would drop its case against me. At best, I hoped the SOS may come down from 12 years to 8 years. However, for the SOS to terminate its entire case against me is truly astonishing.
The Relief For Me And My Family
I cannot put into words the impact being disqualified would have had on me, my ability to provide for my young family and my reputation. There was a strong possibility that I may have to relocate back to Pakistan had I been disqualified.
Attributable to Gulshan's efforts, I can now move forward positively and with my head held high. Thank you, Gulshan, not only from me, but from my family also.
U. Nazir, Birmingham
