300 workers lose their jobs in GHA Coaches collapse
More than 300 workers were made redundant today after bus firm GHA Coaches was plunged into administration after receiving a winding-up petition from HMRC for unpaid taxes.
The firm, which employs 320 workers and operated 230 vehicles from five depots in Shropshire, North Wales and Cheshire, attempted to secure an emergency funding package but was c unsuccessful, and the company ceased trading yesterday.
Jason Bell and Christopher Petts of Grant Thornton UK LLP have today been appointed administrators of GHA Coaches Ltd. They met with staff at the depot at Ruabon, near Wrexham, to tell them they were being made redundant.
Mr Bell said: "GHA Coaches is no longer operating and regrettably the staff have been made redundant today. We will explore all options in terms of bringing any part of the business back to life. However, our immediate responsibility is to look after the interests of the creditors."
GHA Coaches was a family business run by principal directors Gareth and Arwyn Lloyd Davies.
The business recently received a winding-up petition from HMRC in respect of unpaid taxes. After the emergency funding package failed, they then took steps to place the company in administration.
Mr Bell added: "We are also liaising with the local authorities involved on contingency arrangements for the routes affected in North Wales, Cheshire and Shropshire."
