Company Owes Money But Gives Staff Trip to Las Vegas

A recruitment company that previously closed down owing money to the tax office is now offering its staff a trip to Las Vegas. This has led to questions about how the company is handling its money.
By Newsroom | Business, UK |

A recruitment company, recently bought by its former owner, is offering staff an all-expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas. This comes after the company previously went out of business, owing a significant amount, including over £647,000 to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The decision to provide such a perk while past debts remain a recent memory has drawn attention and prompts inquiry into the company's financial dealings.

Background and Timeline

In September 2026, Premier Group Recruitment entered administration. At that time, the company reported debts totaling £2.9 million. A substantial portion of this debt, specifically £647,000, was owed to HMRC. HMRC had already begun taking action to recover these funds.

Firm that went bust owing £650k to HMRC offers staff Las Vegas trip after being bought by ex-owner - 1

Following its administration, the company was purchased by its ex-owner, Andrew Woosnam. A new entity, operating under the same or a similar name, has since emerged. This new company has been active on social media, promoting an end-of-year trip to Las Vegas for its consultants. The trip is presented as a reward for achieving targets, with flights and accommodation covered.

Financial Discrepancies and Inquiries

The new company's public announcement of an extravagant staff incentive contrasts with the outstanding debts from the previous administration. Reports indicate that neither Mr. Woosnam nor another individual named Keyes have responded to requests from The Guardian for details regarding payments made to creditors since the administration deal.

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Firm that went bust owing £650k to HMRC offers staff Las Vegas trip after being bought by ex-owner - 2

The promotion for the Las Vegas trip explicitly states that consultants can "earn an ALL-EXPENSES-PAID trip to Viva Las Vegas" by hitting targets. The company's statement highlights that staff will receive "unforgettable experiences" at "zero cost, just results." This marketing suggests a focus on performance-based rewards within the newly structured business.

Broader Industry Context: Umbrella Companies and Tax Liabilities

This situation occurs within a wider landscape of concerns regarding recruitment and umbrella companies. Several reports detail instances where such firms have entered administration, leaving substantial tax debts.

Firm that went bust owing £650k to HMRC offers staff Las Vegas trip after being bought by ex-owner - 3

  • Honest Payroll, an umbrella firm serving recruitment agencies, went into administration in November 2025. Documents filed with Companies House revealed debts to HMRC totaling several million pounds in Value Added Tax (VAT) and Pay As You Earn (PAYE) funds. Administrators received a claim from HMRC amounting to nearly £2.5 million.

  • In some cases of umbrella company collapse, the recruitment agency itself can become liable for unpaid PAYE employee tax. This highlights potential risks within the recruitment supply chain, particularly concerning payroll credit facilities and tax liabilities.

  • Further reporting from May 2025 linked firms in Norwich to an inquiry by HMRC, with associated companies owing a combined £2.5 million. Records indicated that a sole director, Daniel Mark Robinson, was associated with several companies involved.

  • A broader article from May 2025 noted that some of the UK's biggest deliberate tax defaulters collectively owe over £1 billion. The article also mentioned a significant presence of Chinese and Hong Kong-linked firms on tax defaulter lists.

  • In March 2025, concerns were raised about major UK recruiters linked to tax avoidance schemes. Workers reported receiving "crippling HMRC demands" after unknowingly participating in such schemes. While tax avoidance itself is legal, HMRC has successfully challenged schemes in court, leading to individuals being held responsible for the missing tax.

"Phoenixing" and Financial Practices

The concept of "phoenixing" is also relevant. This refers to a situation where a company goes into liquidation or administration and a new company, often with similar directors or owners, rises from the ashes to continue the business, sometimes leaving behind substantial debts. HMRC has reportedly flagged losses related to this practice, estimating it to be around £836 million as of September 2025.

Expert Insights

While specific expert commentary on the Premier Group Recruitment case was not provided in the source material, general observations from industry professionals regarding company collapses and financial practices are available:

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Firm that went bust owing £650k to HMRC offers staff Las Vegas trip after being bought by ex-owner - 4

  • Regarding the collapse of umbrella firms, it was noted that some required "a stronger balance sheet or credit-terms insurance to protect the lending they provided."

  • Concerns have been raised that "payslip checking tools cannot predict future events," suggesting that some financial vulnerabilities may not be immediately apparent.

Analysis and Outstanding Questions

The decision by the newly re-established Premier Group Recruitment to offer a Las Vegas trip to its staff, shortly after the previous iteration of the company entered administration owing a substantial sum to HMRC, presents a complex picture.

  • The public offering of a significant staff incentive stands in stark contrast to the reported £647,000 owed to HMRC by the previous entity.

  • Is there a clear and demonstrable plan for settling the outstanding debts from the previous administration with HMRC and other creditors?

  • How is the new company structured financially to ensure it can meet its obligations while funding such incentives?

  • Were any of the previous debts directly settled or significantly reduced as part of the acquisition by the former owner?

  • What steps are being taken to ensure the transparency of the new company's financial operations, particularly concerning its tax liabilities?

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The lack of comment from key figures associated with the company, namely Andrew Woosnam and Keyes, further deepens the need for clarification. The current situation raises questions about financial responsibility and the prioritization of business operations and employee rewards in the wake of significant prior financial distress.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened with the company before?
The company closed down before because it owed a lot of money, including over £647,000 to the tax office (HMRC).
Q: What is the company doing now?
The company was bought by its old owner and is now giving its staff a trip to Las Vegas if they reach certain goals.
Q: Why are people asking questions?
People are asking questions because the company owes old debts, but is now spending money on a big trip for its staff.