Director Banned for 12 Years After Ignoring Previous Disqualification and Leaving £300,000 in Unpaid Tax

Posted By: on 13th February 2026

Banned

An Oxfordshire landscaping company director who ignored a previous ban and left around £300,000 in unpaid tax across two businesses has been disqualified for 12 years.

Neil Aldridge was first disqualified in 2019 for three and a half years after his company, Neil Aldridge Landscapes Ltd, entered liquidation owing more than £82,000 to HM Revenue and Customs. Despite that ban, the 57-year-old from Goring Heath continued to act as a director by running a new business, Aldridge Landscaping Limited, without court permission.

The second company followed a similar pattern. VAT and PAYE liabilities were not paid as they fell due, and significant arrears built up. Although limited payments were made towards the company’s tax obligations, the sums were far below what was owed. By the time HMRC presented a winding-up petition in June 2024, the company had accumulated more than £217,000 in unpaid VAT and PAYE.

Kevin Read, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said:

“Neil Aldridge knew he was banned from running companies, but carried on anyway, repeating the exact behaviour that got him disqualified in the first place. This is a textbook example of abusive phoenixism where directors use companies to evade debts. The Insolvency Service is determined to root out this kind of misconduct and protect creditors, taxpayers and honest businesses from those who abuse the system.”

Richard Hopwood, Head of Insolvency at HMRC, said:

“We are determined to allow honest businesses to thrive which is why it’s crucial we work closely with the Insolvency Service and other partners to take action against anyone involved in abusive phoenixism that undermines the tax system. The majority pay the tax that is due, but we will pursue those who refuse to play by the rules.”

Aldridge’s latest disqualification, which began on 5 February 2026, prevents him from being involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company until February 2038, unless he obtains permission from the court.