I did my best for drivers, says boss

A HAULAGE firm boss whose company has gone to the wall has defended himself against criticism from angry employees.

Seven lorry drivers made redundant from Royton-based JPM Eco Logistics had hit out after not being paid since November, saying they were owed around £3,000 each.

Multi-millionaire entrepreneurs Theo Paphitis and Deborah Meaden invested £100,000 in exchange for 40 per cent of the business after being wowed by directors Jerry Mantalvanos and Paul Merker on the hit BBC show “Dragons Den” in December, 2007. Nine months later, they invested another £27,500.

But the haulier, which operated from Woodstock Business Park, has gone into liquidation after a recent winding-up hearing, leaving the drivers struggling to find work to support their families and pay mortgages.

Mr Mantalvanos said he was saddened to hear the drivers felt so let down but they will be paid through the Government and have been informed every step of the way.

He claimed that as soon as the company was unable to pay the wages the drivers were informed not to come in — and didn’t from the second week in December. Meanwhile, bosses were still hoping to secure investment to recover the company.

He insisted it was untrue the drivers were told about their redundancies by text or that bosses avoided them.

Drivers who had to use their own money for fuel were repaid and diesel was used to flush the engine if bio diesel had thickened due to the cold climate and when investors asked for the fuel to be mixed to combat price rises, he added.

Mr Mantalvanos added: “When JPM went into administration, we were unable to access the building or any computer e-mails, to answer any queries like this. However, all the drivers had my contact details and they rang and came to my house on a daily basis. I was thanked each time for keeping them informed and not evading questions.

“I assisted the drivers in any way possible, seeking advice from the administrators if I was unable to answer the query. I could only tell them what I was told myself.

“To feel let down is an understatement as all I have attempted to do is create a haulage company which is friendly to the environment and create a few more jobs for local people, but with no Government assistance, bank assistance or loyalty from anyone involved, I would definitely reconsider next time.”