Swindon Travel ceases trading

Partners Neil Vinnicombe and Simon Haskew of corporate recovery specialists Begbies Traynor in Bristol and Bath were today (Tuesday, October 4, 2011) appointed administrators of Spiller & Powell Enterprises Ltd, trading as Swindon Travel.

The company is a well established provider of concert, theatre, comedy and sporting trips.

Mr Vinnicombe said that the company, which was incorporated ten years ago, had ceased trading with immediate effect. All staff had been dismissed, and tickets for future events or scheduled trips will not be dispatched.

“The directors have been substantially financially supporting the company and it was hoped that a joint venture with a local coach operator would save the business. Unfortunately the coach operator was unable to proceed,” he said.

“The directors have informed us that a small number of people are abroad and have advised us that the company has paid for the holidays for people that have already travelled so their return travel arrangements should not be affected.

“Unfortunately as the company is not ATOL or ABTA bonded future travel bookings will not be honoured. We understand there are approximately ten bookings for future travel. These parties can attempt to claim refunds if they have paid by credit card and their booking exceeds £100.”

The administrators are hopeful of finding a buyer for the business and any expressions of interest should by made to Dan James at dan.james@begbies-traynor.com

Mr Vinnicombe added: “Any customers that booked through an agent should contact that agent in the first instance.

“Customers who made a booking using a credit or debit card should contact their credit card provider or bank to see if a refund can be obtained.

“If you are not eligible for a refund you can make a claim against the company by writing to the administrators at Begbies Traynor, Universal House, Queens Parade Place Bath BA1 2NN.”

He said the administrators would write to all creditors (including customers that have not received tickets) to give any indication of the likely dividend prospects within eight weeks from their appointment.

He stressed that, at this stage, the administrators are unable to provide any further information, other than what is stated above. However, should any customers or other interested parties have any queries, they should telephone 01225 316040 on Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.