Former BHS owner could be banned from serving as a company director

Former BHS owner Dominic Chappell is set to be banned from serving as a company director for up to 15 years, the Insolvency Service has said.

But former owner Sir Philip Green will escape action over the chain’s controversial demise.

The Insolvency Service said it had written to Mr Chappell and three other former BHS directors informing them it intends to bring proceedings against them following its investigation into the retailer’s collapse.

Sir Philip – who sold BHS to Mr Chappell for £1 in 2015 – has been told he will face no further action. The move brings to an end regulatory 0 Dominic Chappell faces being banned for up to 15 years investigations against him over the chain’s failure.

Sir Philip’s representatives said yesterday: “Sir Philip and his fellow directors have co-operated fully with the Insolvency Service since its investigation commenced in May 2016, and welcome this decision.”

Mr Chappell and other former BHS directors facing sanctions can now make representations to the Insolvency Service before it files formal court proceedings.

Mr Chappell said that he had not been notified of the move by the Insolvency Service. He said that he had no further comment to make at this stage.

The Insolvency Service said: “As this matter may now be tested in the court it is not appropriate to comment further.”

Mr Chappell was hit last month with a bill of around £10 million by the Pensions Regulator after it launched proceedings to claim back the cash owed to the failed retailer’s pension schemes.