| The Inland Revenue has petitioned the sheriff court to order that Kean Slaters (Dundee) Ltd, owned and run by Charlie Kean jnr, be wound up and a liquidator appointed.
Mr Kean said today the crisis was a result of cash flow problems due to monies being owed by firms that had collapsed because of the recession.
However, he added, the company was still “extremely busy” and had work up to Christmas on the books.
“We’ve had four companies this year going into voluntary liquidation owing us over £100,000,” Mr Kean said.
“In total, we’re owed more than £170,000 and no company of our size can withstand that.
“But there are no other creditors, it’s only the taxman. We’ve paid everybody else up to date, I made sure of that.
“I’ve nothing to hide, we’re working with them on this, otherwise it would be closing down and making 12 people redundant.
“The thing is, we’re still extremely busy, and since the (sheriff court) notice went into the paper we’ve had other companies on the phone offering us work to help us out, which is really nice of them.
“I’ve been 27 years in the business and I don’t like what’s happening, but there’s no alternative, we’ve been forced into this situation.”
Mr Kean would not be drawn on how much is owed to the Inland Revenue. However, it’s understood that if the petition is uncontested, the company will be liquidated and a new company will rise from the ashes.
The firm undertakes a wide range of roofing work, from cleaning out and replacing rones to re-roofing houses and factories.
It has grown into one of the largest roofing companies in Tayside, with a staff of 14.
The company has picked up its fair share of awards, including Investors in People and Scottish Roofing Contractor of the Year, in recognition of its ornate slating work.
Mr Kean is a well-respected Dundee figure, not only for his business but also for his work on behalf of many charities. In recent years he has raised more than £160,000 for children’s charities and taken 14,500 disabled children to Christmas parties and events. |
