Veterans’ firm takes a £200k hit
TWO former soldiers who set up a successful construction firm are facing financial ruin in the Carillion crisis.
Afghanistan veteran Josh Lee and former Paratrooper James Crisp spent four years building up their firm, Larc Construction.
But they lost about £200,000 when Carillion’s accounts were frozen after it went into liquidation, leaving them out of pocket for three months of work.
The veterans have been forced to lay off 15 workers, including fellow former servicemen, as they battle to keep the business going.
They have managed to hold on to six staff and are frantically trying to get new contracts.
Mr Crisp said: ‘It’s like starting all over again, but this time with a large debt.
‘Unfortunately, we had all our eggs in one basket so we’re now in a very tight situation. There is a huge human cost to this situation with many decent, hardworking people who did nothing wrong paying the price for the financial mismanagement of others.’