Don't judge until it's happened to you HAVING BEEN ON
Page 11
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the other end of phoenix companies and the practice of some unscrupulous business operators in the past, I certainly didn't take the decision to enter a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) lightly.
However, that decision was made: all the jobs in my firm were saved, the finance companies got paid, no fuel companies were 'knocked' and it allowed me to turn my business around and continue to trade.
What amuses me (because I refuse to allow it to annoy me) are the likes of John Williams of Maritime Transport, who come out criticising the small hauliers who may consider a CVA or a pre-pack to save a businesses (often a small family-run one).
These practises, it should be noted, are perfectly legal — if not always palatable.
What those who make claims like these should remember is that when hauliers are negotiating contracts with the container lines and taking on contracts that may require subcontractors, they would do well to ensure rates for subbies are good enough.
We may then find that there will be fewer small firms going to the wall or finding themselves in a position that may require a CVA. I have been in this industry for more than 30 years and there is one thing for sure: if there is a job paying good rates, every man and his dog seems to know about it.
Then there is the Road Haulage Association (RHA), sending out daily emails to visit the RHA shop and relieve us of even more money for badges warning cyclists, high-vis jackets or any new 'safety' feature that they have supported to 'improve' our industry.
But when one of those RHA members finds themselves in a bit of bother, do they arrive and put a comforting arm around you and offer some practical advice?
Oh no, the RHA threatens to withdraw your membership and encourage traffic commissioners to 'take a more robust stance: How very helpful.
But that's enough moaning now. I mean, what have I got to moan about? I am the MD of a British transport company.
A firm that I care passionately about and strive to make better, despite the Driver CPC; Hiab Training; working-atheight legislation; WTD; drivers' hours rules and regulations; rising fuel costs; risk assessments; lifting plans; Crossrail compliance; Transport for London; penalty charge notices; foreign hauliers nicking our work; and costs that would support a small country — but because I have so many trucks and employ more than 20 people, everybody seems to think that I am loaded!
James Cooke CSL Transport Editor's note: Turn to page 20 to read our Operator Panel's views on CVAs and pre-pack administrations.
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