We were two young men with passion, drive, and determination to be our own bosses. We channelled that energy into incorporating, developing, and building a highly successful company in the electrical engineering and construction sector in the UK. Our success stemmed from delivering professional products on time, within budget, and with exceptional workmanship. The business grew to a point where large, well-known industry leaders sought us to lead their electrical installation projects. Despite the competitive nature of the construction industry, our relentless effort, determination, and often working away from our families for seven days a week enabled the company to become highly established and profitable.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic (‘C19’)
The impact of C19 cannot be overstated. Overnight, it unravelled years of hard work and personal sacrifices that had made our business a success. Due to C19, our company could no longer trade, forcing us to place it into Creditor's Voluntary Liquidation (‘CVL’). This was an incredibly difficult and emotional time, as our dream, built through immense effort, ended through no fault of our own.
Intention of the Secretary of State to Disqualify Us Both
While trying to regroup and spend time with our families, we were devastated to receive notice from the Secretary of State (‘SOS’) stating that our conduct as directors had fallen below the required standard, and they intended to disqualify us both for four years. After pouring our blood, sweat, tears, and all our financial resources into the company at great personal cost to our families, this news was soul-destroying. We had rebuilt our lives and started a new, profitable company with employees relying on us to support their families. A disqualification would have forced us to shut down this new venture, leaving us and our employees unemployed and unable to provide for our families.
Instructing Gulshan at D & N Solicitors
With previously unblemished records and no prior need for legal assistance, we initially tried to handle the SOS ourselves. However, it soon became clear we needed a specialist solicitor. After researching online, we found Gulshan at D & N Solicitors. Although we had no prior experience with him, our research and a single conversation convinced us he was the right person to represent us. Gulshan quickly put us at ease, outlined our options and tactics, and devised a clear strategy to defend our position and convince the SOS not to disqualify us.
We had already attempted to communicate with the SOS without success. With Gulshan’s involvement, the SOS became willing to engage, listen, and agree to a meeting. This allowed Gulshan to prepare detailed submissions and attend a face-to-face meeting with the SOS, giving us the opportunity to present our case directly. This was invaluable, as it ensured our voices were heard and our version of the facts was clearly communicated.
The Outcome – No Disqualification for Either of Us
By following Gulshan’s advice and strategy, we achieved a remarkable outcome: the SOS agreed to terminate their investigation and abandoned their pursuit of disqualifying either of us for four years.
Relief for Us, Our Families, and Restoring Faith in the System
We had tried and failed to convince the SOS not to proceed, losing faith in a process where we had done nothing wrong, having built a successful company at great personal cost. The prospect of being unable to support our families and closing our new, thriving business placed an immense strain on us. However, with Gulshan’s assistance, we were able to engage in the process, be heard, defend our position, and seize every opportunity to persuade the SOS not to proceed. This resulted in neither of us being disqualified, giving us a new lease on life and the ability to continue supporting our families.
Gulshan, thank you—not just from us, but from our families and employees who, because of you, still have jobs!
CD, Oldham
JD, Bolton
