Seven companies have been wound up by the High Court in Manchester following a joint investigation by the Insolvency Service and Companies House. The companies, which appeared unrelated on the public registry, were shut down on 22 September 2026.
The investigation uncovered links between Attic Asset Ltd, Kevin Steven Fryer Ltd, Quality Imports & Exports Limited, Nigel Jones & Paul Bowden Ltd, Farm Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Ltd, Wiseman Press Ltd, and Christopher Sherwood Limited. These companies were registered in Lancashire, London, Manchester, and Reading, and were reportedly involved in various trades including wholesale fruits, vegetables, oil and gas, and property.
Investigators found that accounts filed at Companies House appeared to contain false or misleading auditor information, with named audit firms denying carrying out audits. Several companies also reportedly lacked a genuine presence at their registered office addresses. The companies did not cooperate with the investigation, which prevented verification of their activities or identification of those controlling some of them.
David Usher, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, stated that the successful shutdown sends a clear message that companies cannot use false filings or misleading information. Matt Pennell, Head of Intelligence at Companies House, added that false or misleading filings can undermine trust in the company register.