High diesel costs put brakes on Wales Haulage firm

The soaring price of fuel has driven haulier, Scott Commercials Ltd to close with the loss of
10 jobs. Begbies Traynor has been appointed as liquidators of the company, which ceased trading in
late June 2022.

Established in 2013, the Ebbw Vale freight firm provided road haulage services to transport
operators across the UK. The liquidation is being handled by Bristol-based partner Paul Wood and Huw Powell, a partner in the Cardiff office.

Recent rises in PAYE, fuel, ad-blue (fuel additive) and tyres had created significant cash flow
issues for the business, resulting in the company fuel bills rising by approximately £4,756 net
per week from June 2021 to June 2022.

Commenting on the case, Begbies Traynor partner Paul Wood said fuel price inflation had
created immense pressures for many in the transport sector. He said:
“The last 12 months has been an incredibly difficult time for hauliers, who have seen their
overheads increase dramatically and rapidly. Despite efforts to reduce the impact, these
challenging trading conditions proved untenable for Scott Commercials, and we will be
working with the director to wind up the business and recover any assets on behalf of
creditors.

“The rapid rising costs of raw materials does illustrate the need for business owners and
directors to seek advice at an early stage if they are experiencing financial challenges. There
are sometimes steps that can be taken which will help to place a company on a more secure
footing - and reduce the risk of liquidation.”