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In the Matter of the Supporting Link; In the Matter of the Insolvency Act 1986: ChD 19 Mar 2004

The Secretary of State sought the winding up of the company. Directors offered undertakings as to their future behaviour. Held: The Court should be slow to accept such undertakings unless the Secretary consented. The company was solvent, but the basic trading model was not attractive, and allegations of fraud had been made. No great sum … Continue reading In the Matter of the Supporting Link; In the Matter of the Insolvency Act 1986: ChD 19 Mar 2004

The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Goldberg, Mcavoy: ChD 26 Nov 2003

The Secretary of State sought a disqualification order. The director argued that one shoul not be made in the absence of some breach of legal duty, some dishonesty should be shown. Held: The answer was a mixture of fact and law. A breach of duty alone was neither necessary nor sufficient. Unfitness by reason of … Continue reading The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Goldberg, Mcavoy: ChD 26 Nov 2003

Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Paulin: ChD 13 May 2005

The director sought to appeal an order disqualifying him form acting as a company director. Held: The disqualification proceedings were properly charactised as insolvency proceedings and therefore there was no requirement for permission to appeal to a high court judge. Judges: Morritt Citations: [2005] EWHC 888 (Ch), Times 26-May-2005 Links: Bailii Statutes: Company Directors Disqualification … Continue reading Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Paulin: ChD 13 May 2005

The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Swan and Othes: ChD 22 Jul 2003

When commencing proceedings under the Act, the papers were defective. The secretary of state had failed to give appropriate notice, and thus prevented him from making representations as to the allegations. The allegations involved the manipulation of cheques to create artificial balances. Held: In this case the Secretary of State’s papers contained irrelevant matters and … Continue reading The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Swan and Othes: ChD 22 Jul 2003

It’s A Wrap (UK) Ltd v Gula and Another: ChD 16 Sep 2005

The defendant company directors were accused of having paid dividends to themselves when the company was in fact making a loss. Held: A claim might lie, but the pleadings did not phrase it adequately, and an amendment would be improper. Though payments had been made at a time when the company ws making losses, a … Continue reading It’s A Wrap (UK) Ltd v Gula and Another: ChD 16 Sep 2005

The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy v Eagling: ChD 1 Nov 2019

Application (the first) under the new compensation order regime on applications for company director disqualification. Judges: Prentis ICC J Citations: [2019] EWHC 2806 (Ch) Links: Bailii Statutes: Compensation Orders (Disqualified Directors) Proceedings (England and Wales) Rules 2016, Disqualified Directors Compensation Orders (Fees) (England and Wales) Order 2016, Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 15A 15B Jurisdiction: … Continue reading The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy v Eagling: ChD 1 Nov 2019

Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Vohora and Another: ChD 15 Nov 2007

The directors complained that the disqualification proceedings had been brought out of time. The court had received the papers, but had not processed them within the applicable time limits. Held: The requirement was that the claim be brought within the limit. That was satisfied by the filing if the papers even if the proceedings were … Continue reading Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Vohora and Another: ChD 15 Nov 2007

Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Christopher Paul Reynard: CA 18 Apr 2002

A company director was examined in court, in the course of company director disqualification proceedings. The judge was so concerned by his behaviour as a witness, as to extend the period of disqualification. He had appealed, and the Secretary of State appealed a reduction in the disqualification period. Held: The disqualification proceedings were themselves a … Continue reading Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Christopher Paul Reynard: CA 18 Apr 2002

Regina v Taylor: CACD 25 Mar 2011

Judges: Stanley Burnton LJ, Henriques, Foskett JJ Citations: [2011] EWCA Crim 728, [2011] Bus LR 1011, [2011] 1 WLR 1809, [2011] 2 Cr App R 4, [2011] Lloyd’s Rep FC 348 Links: Bailii Statutes: Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Crime, Company Updated: 04 September 2022; Ref: scu.431637

Rwamba v The Secretary of State for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy: ChD 17 Oct 2019

Application under section 17(3) Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 for permission under section 1A(1) of the Act in what are understood to be novel circumstances: he is disqualified because of breaches of a previous section 17 order. Judges: ICC Judge Prentiss Citations: [2019] EWHC 2669 (Ch) Links: Bailii Statutes: Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 17(3) … Continue reading Rwamba v The Secretary of State for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy: ChD 17 Oct 2019

Regina v Ward; Regina v Howarth: CACD 10 Aug 2001

When exercising his powers to order a company director to be disqualified under the Act, the judge should be explicit that the order applied to all the categories of companies listed in the section. There was no power to limit the disqualification, for example to acting as a director of private or of public companies. … Continue reading Regina v Ward; Regina v Howarth: CACD 10 Aug 2001

Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Arif and Others: ChD 25 Mar 1996

The length of a director’s disqualification is not to be discounted for the time elapsed up to the hearing of the case. As to section 221 of the Companies Act, it : ‘has, at the least, two purposes. First, to ensure that those who are concerned in the direction and management of companies which trade … Continue reading Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Arif and Others: ChD 25 Mar 1996

Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills v Doffman and Another: ChD 11 Oct 2010

The defendants applied for directors’ disqualification proceedings for the claim to be struck out or dismissed on the ground that the respondent had breached their rights to a fair trial under Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights and/or breached his duty to act fairly, in that they had failed to disclose material … Continue reading Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills v Doffman and Another: ChD 11 Oct 2010

In Re Surrey Leisure Ltd: ChD 25 Jan 1999

In company director disqualification proceedings the person applying for the order could nominate more than one lead company in the proceedings, but he did not have a duty to name all the lead companies. Citations: Times 25-Jan-1999, Gazette 10-Feb-1999 Statutes: Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 16(1) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Appeal from – … Continue reading In Re Surrey Leisure Ltd: ChD 25 Jan 1999

In Re Blackspur Group Plc; Secretary of State v Eastaway: ChD 21 Jun 2001

The director was amongst a group against whom a director disqualification order was sought. He offered an undertaking, but the Secretary of State refused to accept this unless it was accompanied by a statement as to the factual basis on which it was made. The director’s application failed. There was no explicit provision in the … Continue reading In Re Blackspur Group Plc; Secretary of State v Eastaway: ChD 21 Jun 2001

Kluk v Secretary Of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform: ChD 20 Dec 2007

Judges: Sir Andrew Park Citations: [2007] EWHC 3055 (Ch), [2008] 2 BCLC 313 Links: Bailii Statutes: Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 17 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Cited – In Re Carecraft Construction Co Ltd ChD 13-Oct-1993 A court must hear evidence before disqualifying directors. Though the Director and the Secretary of State might reach … Continue reading Kluk v Secretary Of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform: ChD 20 Dec 2007

Secretary of State for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform v Aaron and others: CA 16 Oct 2008

In asking a court to order the disqualification of a company director, the Secretary of State may call in evidence findings of the Financial Services Authority as to misconduct, but no those of the Financial Services Ombudsman. The rule in Hollington applied to such proceedings. Hearsay evidence would have been admissible before the Ombudsman. Judges: … Continue reading Secretary of State for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform v Aaron and others: CA 16 Oct 2008

In Re Migration Services International Ltd: ChD 2 Dec 1999

When considering whether to impose a disqualification order upon a company director, it was relevant to consider the unlawful and unauthorised use of the name of a liquidated company. The sections of the Insolvency Act which might be taken into account were not exhaustively listed. Citations: Times 02-Dec-1999, Gazette 08-Dec-1999 Statutes: Company Directors Disqualification Act … Continue reading In Re Migration Services International Ltd: ChD 2 Dec 1999

In Re Manlon Trading Ltd: ChD 15 Aug 1994

A different approach is required on striking out in Company Director Disqualification proceedings. Citations: Times 15-Aug-1994, Ind Summary 15-Aug-1994 Statutes: Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Appeal from – In Re Manlon Trading Ltd CA 22-Jun-1995 Company Director Disqualification proceedings were struck out for delay. There has to be a … Continue reading In Re Manlon Trading Ltd: ChD 15 Aug 1994

In Re Dennis Hilton Ltd: ChD 4 Jul 2001

A director of a failed company had been prosecuted for matters relating to the failure. The criminal court had had power to impose a disqualification order but did not do so. The Secretary of State subsequently applied for a civil disqualification, and the respondent argued that, given the view taken by the criminal court, this … Continue reading In Re Dennis Hilton Ltd: ChD 4 Jul 2001

In Re Continental Assurance Co of London Plc: ChD 2 Jul 1996

Gross incompetence as director in not reading the company accounts founded disqualification. The jurisdiction of company director disqualification should not be hedged about with rigid rules which would allow directors to navigate around disqualification applications by taking fine points on the way in which the affidavits have formulated. Citations: Gazette 24-Jul-1996, Times 02-Jul-1996, [1997] 1 … Continue reading In Re Continental Assurance Co of London Plc: ChD 2 Jul 1996

Sandhu (Prosecution): ICO 30 Mar 2012

Company directors used council employee to illegally access tenants’ details A Slough letting agent and one of its directors who unlawfully obtained details about their tenants from a rogue employee at Slough Borough Council have been found guilty of committing offences under Section 55 of the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA). At Reading Magistrates today, … Continue reading Sandhu (Prosecution): ICO 30 Mar 2012

Mahon v Rahn and others (No 2): CA 8 Nov 1999

Brooke LJ attempted to draw a distinction between simple cases. Judges: Ward LJ, Waller LJ, Brooke LJ Citations: [1999] EWCA Civ 3017, [2000] 1 WLR 2150 Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: See Also – Mahon v Rahn QBD 19-Jun-1996 Directors of a London firm of stockbrokers brought libel proceedings against two Swiss bankers. … Continue reading Mahon v Rahn and others (No 2): CA 8 Nov 1999

In Re Rex Williams Leisure Plc (In Administration): CA 4 May 1994

On an application for a disqualification order, the director against whom the order is to be made should file an affidavit before the date of the hearing. A disqualification order can have grave consequences and is a serious interference with the freedom of the individual. As to procedure: ‘The Secretary of State or the official … Continue reading In Re Rex Williams Leisure Plc (In Administration): CA 4 May 1994

Official Receiver v Stern and Another: CA 25 Jan 2001

Citations: [2001] EWCA Civ 111 Links: Bailii Statutes: Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 6 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: See Also – Official Receiver v Stern and Another CA 20-Nov-2001 The director appealed against a 12 year disqualification. The basis of the disqualification was unlawful trading to the detriment of creditors, and taking excess … Continue reading Official Receiver v Stern and Another: CA 25 Jan 2001

Official Receiver v Obaigbena: ChD 14 Jun 2022

Appeal from order under section 6 Judges: Mr Justice Fancourt Citations: [2022] EWHC 1399 (Ch) Links: Bailii Statutes: Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 6 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Company Updated: 07 July 2022; Ref: scu.678563

F2 Leisure Ltd and Another v Revenue and Customs: VDT 4 Oct 2005

VDT VAT – SECURITY – Protection of Revenue – Company Directors involved in failed companies in the same business and operating from the same address as the Appellant companies- one of the Appellant companies poor VAT compliance record – downturn in business and threat to jobs not relevant – Appellants engaged in cash business VAT … Continue reading F2 Leisure Ltd and Another v Revenue and Customs: VDT 4 Oct 2005

Reed Leisure Ltd v Revenue and Customs: VDT 30 Nov 2005

VDT VAT – SECURITY – Protection of Revenue – company directors involved in another company which had gone into liquidation owing considerable sums in VAT – the Appellant had a poor record of VAT compliance and payment including a large VAT debt – the Appellant used its VAT revenues to ease its cash flow difficulties … Continue reading Reed Leisure Ltd v Revenue and Customs: VDT 30 Nov 2005

BE Studios Ltd v Smith and Williamson Ltd: ChD 2 Dec 2005

The claimant company had failed in its action. The court was asked to make a costs order personally against the principal director of the claimant who had controlled the litigation and funded it. He responded that no impropriety had been shown on his part to allow such an order. Held: ‘It is not a requirement … Continue reading BE Studios Ltd v Smith and Williamson Ltd: ChD 2 Dec 2005

Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Griffiths; Conway and Wassell; In Re Westmid Packing Services Ltd: CA 16 Dec 1997

Guidance given on what evidence should be admitted to affect the length of disqualification and conditions of Director’s disqualification.A director’s duty to exercise his powers in the best interests of the company and to recognise the separate legal character of the company are essential attributes of fitness to be concerned in the management of a … Continue reading Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Griffiths; Conway and Wassell; In Re Westmid Packing Services Ltd: CA 16 Dec 1997

Eastaway v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and similar: ChD 2 Mar 2006

Judges: Lightman J Citations: [2006] EWHC 299 (Ch) Links: Bailii Statutes: Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: See Also – Regina v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Ex Parte Eastaway HL 8-Nov-2000 Where the Court of Appeal had refused permission to apply for judicial review after a similar refusal … Continue reading Eastaway v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and similar: ChD 2 Mar 2006

The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Jonkler and Another: ChD 10 Feb 2006

The applicant had given an undertaking to the court to secure discontinuance of company director disqualification procedings. He now sought a variation of the undertaking. Held: The claimant had given an undertaking, but in the light of new evidence proceedings against her her co-directors had been discontinued. A variation should be allowed only where some … Continue reading The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Jonkler and Another: ChD 10 Feb 2006

Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills v Pawson: ChD 27 Aug 2015

Trial of a claim by the Secretary of State to disqualify the defendant, a qualified chartered accountant and non-practising barrister from acting as a director of a company arising out of his conduct of the affairs of nine companies on public interest grounds. Judges: Hodge QC HHJ Citations: [2015] EWHC 2626 (Ch) Links: Bailii Statutes: … Continue reading Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills v Pawson: ChD 27 Aug 2015

In Re the Working Project Ltd; In Re Fosterdown Ltd and Others: ChD 27 Oct 1994

Company disqualification proceedings may conclude in the county court after a winding up of the company in that court. The power to disqualify directors survives the finishing of the winding up of the company, even though the Official Receiver had had no right to commence the proceedings and the County Court had had no jurisdiction … Continue reading In Re the Working Project Ltd; In Re Fosterdown Ltd and Others: ChD 27 Oct 1994

In Re Structural Concrete Ltd, Barnes and Others: ChD 29 Jun 2000

In order to try to trade out of difficulties, company directors decided to give priority to the payment of trade and banking debts over debts due to the revenue. Held: An appeal against the refusal to disqualify the Directors succeeded. There was no dispute as to the facts alleged and so the appeal court was … Continue reading In Re Structural Concrete Ltd, Barnes and Others: ChD 29 Jun 2000

In Re Westminster Property Management Ltd: ChD 19 Jan 2000

Since company director disqualification proceedings were not criminal proceedings, even though they involved the imposition of a penalty, they remained civil proceedings in nature. The European Convention on Human Rights did not apply to protect a director against having material, disclosed by him under compulsion in the course of an insolvency, being used against him … Continue reading In Re Westminster Property Management Ltd: ChD 19 Jan 2000

Reynard v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry: CA 20 Nov 2001

Applications for leave to appeal by both the Secretary of State and the direcyor against the period of disqualification (5.5 years) imposed. Question of whether a former director’s mendacity in court could affect the period of disqualification. Citations: [2001] EWCA Civ 1765 Links: Bailii Statutes: Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 6 Jurisdiction: England and Wales … Continue reading Reynard v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry: CA 20 Nov 2001

In re Queens Moat Houses Plc; Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Bairstow, Hersey, Marcus, Porter: ChD 19 Jul 2004

Mr Bairstow had been found guilty of grave misconduct and neglect of his duties in wrongful dismissal proceedings which he brought against a company of which he had been the managing director. The Secretary of State now sought an order against him under section 8 of the 1986 Act. Judges: The Honourable Sir Donald Ratee … Continue reading In re Queens Moat Houses Plc; Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Bairstow, Hersey, Marcus, Porter: ChD 19 Jul 2004

Official Receiver v Wadge Rapps and Hunt (a firm) and another and two other actions: HL 31 Jul 2003

(Orse In re Pantmaenog Timber Co Ltd)The Receiver sought to use information obtained under section 236 (documents recovered from the directors’ solicitors) in disqualification proceedings. Held: The appeal succeeded. The Act had explicitly given the requisite powers to the receiver whether or not he was the liquidator. Nor was the purpose of the use restricted. … Continue reading Official Receiver v Wadge Rapps and Hunt (a firm) and another and two other actions: HL 31 Jul 2003

The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Michael Hamilton Amiss, Jonathan Andrew Chapman, Roger Rex Ingles: ChD 20 Mar 2003

The Secretary sought disqualification orders, under section 8 which left the court with a discretion as to whether an order should be made. Held: It was not necessary to establish dishonesty to a Twinsectra standard to justify an order. The case followed findings in substantial litigation. It was not realistic of the director to suggest … Continue reading The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Michael Hamilton Amiss, Jonathan Andrew Chapman, Roger Rex Ingles: ChD 20 Mar 2003

Shierson and Another v Rastogi and Another: CA 9 Nov 2002

Company directors in an insolvent liquidation faced proceedings by the liquidators. They resisted providing additional evidence under examination by the liquidators. Held: The sections under the 1986 Act should be read together. Where a director faced serious charges, requiring him to provide evidence against himself would be oppressive. The existence of such proceedings must be … Continue reading Shierson and Another v Rastogi and Another: CA 9 Nov 2002

Davies v The United Kingdom: ECHR 16 Jul 2002

The applicant had been subject to applications for his disqualification from acting as a company director. The Secretary of State waited until the last day before issuing proceedings, and the proceedings were then delayed another three years pending the outcome of criminal proceedings against others. The government responded that the proceedings were complex, and the … Continue reading Davies v The United Kingdom: ECHR 16 Jul 2002

Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Creegan and others: CA 27 Nov 2001

‘It is well established on the authorities that causing a company to trade, first, while it is insolvent and, secondly, without a reasonable prospect of meeting creditors’ claims is likely to constitute incompetence of sufficient seriousness to ground a disqualification order. But it is important to emphasise that it will usually be necessary for both … Continue reading Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Creegan and others: CA 27 Nov 2001

Shuttleworth v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry: ChD 9 Feb 1999

The discretion of the court to allow a disqualified company director to take on the duties of a director, is complete and is not to be fettered. Whether the reason for wanting to act is personal or for business is not decisive. Citations: Times 09-Feb-1999, Gazette 24-Feb-1999 Statutes: Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 17 Jurisdiction: … Continue reading Shuttleworth v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry: ChD 9 Feb 1999

Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v McTighe: CA 1997

Morritt LJ, giving the judgment of the court, distinguished between the conduct of two directors, disqualifying one for twelve years and the other for eight. He said: ‘The period for disqualification is a matter for the discretion of the judge hearing the application to be exercised in accordance with the relevant principles. One such principle … Continue reading Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v McTighe: CA 1997

Mahon, Kent v Dr Rahn, Biedermann, Haab-Biedermann, Rahn, and Bodmer (a Partnership) (No 2): CA 8 Jun 2000

The defendant’s lawyers wrote to a financial services regulatory body investigating the possible fraudulent conduct of the plaintiff’s stockbroking firm. The letter was passed to the Serious Fraud Office who later brought criminal proceedings against the plaintiffs and the letter was disclosed to them. After their acquittal they brought a claim for libel based on … Continue reading Mahon, Kent v Dr Rahn, Biedermann, Haab-Biedermann, Rahn, and Bodmer (a Partnership) (No 2): CA 8 Jun 2000

Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Baker, Bax, Broadhurst and others: CA 9 Jun 1998

Application for leave to appeal agaist orders made against the directors of Barings plc following its collapse. The appellants alleged abuse of process and unfairness and double jeopardy. Held: ‘It is true that the underlying facts of the charges brought by the SFA and the Secretary of State are the same. However, as Lord Justice … Continue reading Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Baker, Bax, Broadhurst and others: CA 9 Jun 1998

Regina on the Application of A and Snaresbrook Crown Court: Admn 14 Jun 2001

A company director can be convicted of theft from his company even though the act might technically be the act of the company. Here company directors had paid bribes to people with whom the company intended to do business. The bribes were paid out of company funds and with the intention of benefiting the company. … Continue reading Regina on the Application of A and Snaresbrook Crown Court: Admn 14 Jun 2001

Regina v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry ex parte David Austin Mccormick: Admn 18 Dec 1997

The claimants sought judicial review of decisions made about the future conduct of disqualification proceedings. Citations: [1997] EWHC Admin 1166 Links: Bailii Statutes: Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 Citing: See Also – Regina v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry ex parte David Austin Mccormick Admn 19-Dec-1997 . . Cited by: See Also – … Continue reading Regina v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry ex parte David Austin Mccormick: Admn 18 Dec 1997

Bairstow and Others v Queens Moat Houses plc: CA 17 May 2001

The court considered the liability of directors for an unlawfully paid dividend. Held: Robert Walker LJ: ‘The prospect of the former directors being able to obtain contribution from innocent recipients of unlawful dividends was debated (somewhat inconclusively) in the course of the appeal hearing. The statutory remedy in s.277 of the Act is not in … Continue reading Bairstow and Others v Queens Moat Houses plc: CA 17 May 2001

Wood and Another v Mistry: ChD 10 Jul 2012

A director’s disqualification order was sought. The order was sought on the basis of allegations of conduct as liquidator of several companies. Judges: Newey J Citations: [2012] EWHC 1899 (Ch) Links: Bailii Statutes: Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Cited – Deloitte and Touche Ag v Johnson and Another PC 10-Jun-1999 … Continue reading Wood and Another v Mistry: ChD 10 Jul 2012

Director of Public Prosecutions v Gomez: HL 3 Dec 1992

The defendant worked as a shop assistant. He had persuaded the manager to accept in payment for goods, two cheques which he knew to be stolen. The CA had decided that since the ownership of the goods was transferred on the sale, no appropriation of property belonging to another had taken place. Held: An appropriation … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Gomez: HL 3 Dec 1992

Regina v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Ex Parte Eastaway: HL 8 Nov 2000

Where the Court of Appeal had refused permission to apply for judicial review after a similar refusal by a judge, that decision was also, by implication, a refusal to grant permission to appeal against the judge’s decision, and there was no scope for a further appeal to the House of Lords. It is not the … Continue reading Regina v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Ex Parte Eastaway: HL 8 Nov 2000

Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Ettinger: 1993

The court discussed the standards required of company directors. ‘Those who take advantage of limited liability must conduct their companies with due regard to the ordinary standards of commercial morality. They must also be punctilious in observing the safeguards laid down by Parliament for the benefit of others who have dealings with their companies. They … Continue reading Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Ettinger: 1993

Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Collins and others: CA 13 Jan 2000

A disqualified director applied for consent to act in the management of a company before his disqualification had expired. He succeeded, and the judge made no award for costs. On appeal by the Secretary of State it was held that the lifting of the disqualification was a matter purely for the discretion of the judge. … Continue reading Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Collins and others: CA 13 Jan 2000

Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Deverill and another: CA 20 Jan 2000

When considering what constituted a shadow director, courts should be reluctant to move away from the words of the Act. The words should be construed carefully because the term was used in several pieces of legislation, including those with penal provisions. A shadow director is one who has real influence on a company. He does … Continue reading Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Deverill and another: CA 20 Jan 2000