Davidson & Wilson closes business

Aberdeen-based haulage company Davidson & Wilson is closing its business because "enough is enough", says one of its directors. The firm, which recently lost an impounding appeal case over cabotage issues, is shutting its doors after an incident last week, when one of its trucks was seized by Customs in Dover. The truck was found to contain 25kg of tobacco.

The directors closed the business because they are "sick to the back teeth of it all", says director Ian Wilson. He insists the move is not for financial reasons, but cites a variety of contributing factors including interference from government bodies and a shortage of drivers. "We feel as though we should quit while we're ahead. How much can you take?" he asks.

The firm's associate Dutch company, Davidson and Wilson BV of Hillegon, lost its appeal for the return of three impounded trucks and trailers in May they were seized following a four-month VOSA investigation. VOSA argued the operator had been involved in regular UK work, despite not holding a UK operator licence. The work was found to be in breach of cabotage rules.

The business has been running for almost 29 years. It turned over £3.5m in 2006, and Wilson says it had no debts.