Scrap business saved from scrapheap

A LOCAL recycling business has escaped bankruptcy after its owner reached a last minute deal to pay the taxman almost £200,000 in arrears.

Liquidation papers were served on 60 North Recycling last month after the Lerwick company failed to pay outstanding VAT and corporation tax.

Owner Charlie Barton confirmed on Tuesday that he had reached a pay back agreement with HM Revenue & Customs.

Barton, who also runs a scrap metal business in Kirkwall, said it was business as usual at his Rova Head base.

“Things are working as normal. Everybody we owe money will be paid every last penny and we are continuing to trade,” he said.

The petition lodged with the court stated that the company owed £169,897.39 in VAT and £26,642.75 in corporation tax.

60 North Recycling was founded by Ian Kinniburgh following a management buyout in 2001, taking over the waste management assets of SOES Ltd.

Ten years later the company was sold to Lancaster-based businessman Charles Barton.