Rising from the ashes?

"Phoenix companies" who have previously wound-up or been declared bankrupt and re-started their operation with a fresh application under a different entity can expect increased scrutiny by the Traffic Commissioner.

The myriad of issues surrounding the previous financial affairs of such companies can throw up important questions that will be looked into in detail at the Leeds Central Licensing office. One 'smoking gun' would be if the operator, in their previous business entity, had failed to discharge considerable debts or failed to maintain financial standing.

This means that they can expect to be called to public inquiry to have their application considered. Given the current backlog of around 6 months to hold such a hearing, and interim authority being discretionary and no guarantee of the licence being granted, this could leave many operators without that 'second chance' they so dearly hoped for!