Four firms that have conned pubs into paying for ads in nonexistent publications for the emergency services have been wound up.
Wirral-based KDM Publishing UK Ltd, Trinity House Publishing and Regency Advertising (UK) Ltd were found to have received almost £300,000 between them over a period of less than 18 months.
They have all been wound up in the High Court following an investigation by the Companies Investigation Branch (CIB) of the Insolvency Service, along with Manchester-based Push Solutions.
The CIB found that the
three Wirral firms issued invoices and demands for payment for ads that had never been ordered and which were to appear in publications that were never produced, including some for an air ambulance service.
Investigators found their registered offices were just mail drops, while false addresses were given to Companies House and statutory filings were not being made.
The companies also refused to attend interviews with investigators, to identify their trading addresses or to reveal trading records.
Push Solutions, of Barrington Street, Manchester, sold ads in a "crime prevention" booklet but the Official Receiver has been unable to confirm if a publication was ever produced.
Ordering the companies to be wound up, the judge said there was no public interest in having these firms continue to operate.
The registered offices of KDM Publishing UK Ltd and Regency Advertising (UK) Ltd are both at Orchard Chambers Business Centre, Heswall. The registered office of Trinity House Publishing Ltd is Price Street Business Centre, Birkenhead.
Petitions against two other firms - Regent House (UK) of Regent Street, Liverpool, and Activated Promotions of Stradbroke Close, Manchester - will be heard at the High Court over the next few weeks.
l Have you been conned by one of these or any other publishing company? Call John Harrington on 01293 610481 or email john.harrington@william-reed.co.uk.
licensees warned to be vigilant
Trade consultant Phil Dixon welcomed news that the rogue publishing firms had been wound up - but warned "they will strike again".
Dixon said: "The problem is these people say they are from the police, fire or ambulance and licensees don't want to be seen not supporting them. It's good to see this action being taken, but licensees need to be vigilant because they will no doubt spring up again under a different name - don't allow yourself to be intimidated by these rogues."