Following the sudden closure of Blackdown Motor Company in Walton, near Street, just days before Christmas, former employees and customers are being encouraged to submit claims as the business enters liquidation.

The decision to wind up the business was made during an extraordinary general meeting of the company's members on 23 December.

A statement of affairs published on 10 January revealed the company closed with vehicle stock valued at £2.36 million.

However, the firm's financial liabilities, including amounts owed to its finance provider, totalled £2.52 million, leaving a deficit of over £150,000. Further liabilities include £261,928 owed to HMRC. Liquidators estimate the sale of the remaining assets will generate £81,676.

The dealership had been a trusted name in Somerset for decades, with sites in Taunton, Bridgwater, and Yeovil before consolidating at the Walton location in 2021. However, financial strain due to the loss of key franchise agreements and higher-than-expected closure costs ultimately led to the company's collapse.

Sonia Baigent of Assist Business Consulting Ltd is managing the liquidation process. She confirmed that support would be available for all affected parties: "The liquidator will now work to maximise the assets on behalf of creditors and liaise with former employees and customers to assist them with the process and provide support to submit their claims."

Former employees impacted by the closure can submit redundancy claims and other entitlements, while customers with outstanding payments or services are also advised to come forward. The liquidator will work to ensure claims are processed and that those affected receive any financial redress possible.

The company had previously run multiple successful dealerships across Somerset, including in Taunton, Bridgwater, and Yeovil, before consolidating its operations in Walton in 2021. However, financial difficulties following the loss of key franchise agreements and higher-than-expected closure costs placed the business under severe strain.

Former staff and customers seeking to submit claims or request guidance are encouraged to contact Assist Business Consulting Ltd directly on 01455 560042 or via email at [email protected].