Malcolm Wright Associates Limited, a freight business founded in Leeds in 2016, has been wound up in the public interest following a High Court hearing in Manchester on August 11, 2026. The Insolvency Service said it discovered unpaid debts totalling hundreds of thousands of pounds owed to companies in the United States, Europe and the UK.
Investigation findings
The agency launched a probe after concerns were raised about the company's trading activity, which were found to have caused substantial losses to overseas freight businesses. Evidence showed the company had presented information that appeared to give it credibility with international freight businesses, including membership of the JCTrans network, before running up significant unpaid debts.
Between August and October 2024, the company incurred freight costs with at least 16 JCTrans members and failed to make payments. The unpaid debts included more than US $508,000, €334,000 and £25,000, amounting to over £680,000 at current exchange rates.
Lack of cooperation
The Insolvency Service claimed the company failed to cooperate with investigators, had no current director or person with significant control, and had failed to file its latest accounts and confirmation statement.
David Hope, chief investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: “Malcolm Wright Associates Limited gave the appearance of a credible trading business while leaving suppliers – including those in the United States and Europe – with substantial unpaid debts.”
“The company failed to cooperate with our investigation, could not be located at its registered office, and provided no evidence to explain its trading or financial position.”
Action taken
Hope added: “We will take robust action where companies appear to be used to mislead suppliers, avoid debts, or operate without proper transparency. Winding up this company protects the public and helps prevent further harm to businesses.”
