Bridal shop books to be investigated (From This is Hampshire)

Bridal shop books to be investigated

8:13am Tuesday 15th July 2008 in

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A SIX-month inquiry has been launched into whether there was any wrongdoing by the director of a wedding shop that closed abruptly owing money to scores of brides-to-be.

Official liquidator Nick Peat today began investigating the financial records of Arvella Bridal Ltd which collapsed with debts of at least £370,000.

He said that he would look at the company's books, bank statements and any other financial information relating to Arvella Bridal, the firm's shop in High Street, Lyndhurst, which closed last month.

However, he said he could not say at this stage whether there had been any fraudulent trading after customers paid for wedding gowns that were never subsequently ordered from suppliers.

During yesterday's creditors' meeting at Mr Peat's Poole offices, brides-to-be and other customers were told they would not get any of their money back.

The list of Arvella's customers and suppliers owed goods or money now stands at just over 200, but that figure is expected to rise. They include 170 customers who placed orders for wedding dresses and in most cases paid money upfront for them.

Mr Peat, of Peats Accountants, said: "The bottom line is those who have paid by cheque or debit card have lost their money. The winners are those who paid by credit card and will be able to claim back the money from their credit card companies."

He said there had been about 50 people at the creditors' meeting, which was attended by Arvella director Lisa Clarkson, who was accompanied by a bodyguard.

"The meeting went pretty much as expected, a room full of angry brides-to-be who paid money up front and never got their dresses," said Mr Peat.

"There were also those whose orders were never placed with the suppliers. It's my job to find out where the money has gone and to see whether it can be recovered."

Mr Peat will also have to submit a report about Mrs Clarkson's conduct as a director to the government's Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.

During the creditors' meeting, which was closed to the media, brides-to-be were given the chance to ask Mrs Clarkson questions. Many of those attending were angered by the fact she refused to apologise to them for her business's demise.

After the meeting Mrs Clarkson, who lives in Warsash, left through a back entrance .