Devon haulier PM Clarke goes into voluntary liquidation

Barnstaple, North Devon-based general haulier and petroleum transporter PM Clarke has gone into voluntary liquidation, making 11 employees redundant. The family-run firm struggled with low volumes since the end of a partnership with fuel company Total 12 months ago, and it finally called in liquidators Smith & Williamson.

"Over the last year we have had insufficient volumes to keep us in business," says John Incledon, managing director at the former firm. "We coped in the winter but since spring there has not been enough work. I did not see a light at the end of the tunnel and decided to jump rather than be pushed."

The company's CV repair unit will continue to operate, trading as PM Clarke Commercials.

A total of 11 drivers and mechanics were made redundant, but Incledon adds that some of them have been able to pick up casual work at nearby William C Hockin (Transport) - which has purchased some of PM's petroleum tankers.