Company Owes Lots of Money But Plans Vegas Trip for Staff

A recruitment firm that recently owed a lot of money to the tax office has been bought and is now planning a trip to Las Vegas for its staff. This comes after the company entered administration.
By Newsroom | Business, UK |

A recruitment firm that recently underwent administration, owing a significant sum to the tax authority, is now offering its staff an all-expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas. This gesture, extended after the company was bought by its former owner, has drawn attention given its substantial outstanding debts.

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

Context of Administration and Debts

In September 2026, Premier Group Recruitment entered administration. At that time, the company reported debts totaling £2.9 million. A notable portion of this debt, specifically £647,000, was owed to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). HMRC had initiated enforcement proceedings against the firm prior to its administration. Following the administration deal, the company was acquired by its ex-owner.

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

  • The firm owed a substantial amount to the tax authority before being bought by its former owner.

Staff Incentives and Company Communications

Following its acquisition and restructuring, the new iteration of the company, now seemingly free of its prior encumbrances, has been actively promoting itself. Communications, particularly on social media platforms like LinkedIn, have highlighted an end-of-year incentive: an "ALL-EXPENSES-PAID trip to Viva Las Vegas" for its consultants.

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

  • The company has announced a trip to Las Vegas for staff who meet their targets.

  • This trip includes paid flights and accommodation, described as "unforgettable experiences."

  • The company frames this as a reward for hard work and a draw for potential recruits.

"END OF YEAR TRIP 2026. We’re going BIG … That means our consultants have the chance to hit their targets throughout the year and earn an ALL-EXPENSES-PAID trip to Viva Las Vegas.” - Premier Group Recruitment (via LinkedIn)

Creditor Silence and Due Diligence

When approached by The Guardian for comment, neither Andrew Woosnam nor Keyes, associated with the company, provided details regarding payments made to creditors since the administration deal.

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

  • The Guardian invited comment from company representatives.

  • No details were provided on how creditors are being addressed.

Broader Landscape of Company Insolvencies

This situation occurs against a backdrop of other companies facing financial difficulties and significant debts. Several reports indicate a trend of firms entering administration or liquidation, often with substantial tax liabilities.

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  • Honest Payroll, an umbrella firm serving recruitment agencies, entered administration owing "several millions of pounds" in VAT and PAYE to HMRC. Documents filed with Companies House showed a claim from HMRC totaling nearly £2.5 million. In cases where umbrella firms collapse, recruitment agencies can be held responsible for unpaid employee tax.

  • In May 2025, two Norwich-based firms, Green Jellyfish and others linked to tax inquiries, were revealed to owe HMRC £2.5 million. The sole director, Daniel Mark Robinson, did not comment when approached.

  • The Financial Times reported in September 2025 that HMRC has estimated the tax losses from "phoenixing" – a practice where new companies are formed to take over the trade of an insolvent company, leaving behind debts – had reached £836 million.

  • A delivery firm, previously backed by Martin Lewis, went into voluntary liquidation in November 2024, owing close to £6 million.

  • Multiple firms have recently entered administration or liquidation, often with significant debts owed to HMRC.

  • Practices like "phoenixing" and the collapse of umbrella companies create substantial tax liabilities.

The apparent celebration of a lavish staff trip by a company with recent, significant tax liabilities raises questions about the distribution of assets and the treatment of creditors.

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  • While tax avoidance is legal, HMRC has pursued cases where schemes are challenged, and individuals are then held responsible for outstanding taxes.

  • The administration process typically aims to settle outstanding debts with creditors, though the recovery rate can vary significantly.

Expert Analysis

While direct expert commentary on this specific instance is not available in the provided data, the broader context of corporate insolvencies and tax debts offers insights. The practice of "phoenixing" is a recognized concern for tax authorities. The collapse of umbrella companies also highlights risks within supply chains, where liabilities can shift.

Conclusion

The administration of Premier Group Recruitment, followed by its acquisition and subsequent announcement of a high-value staff incentive trip to Las Vegas, presents a complex financial narrative. The company's substantial debt to HMRC, documented prior to the administration, and the lack of detailed creditor payment information from company representatives, invite scrutiny. This situation is one of several recent instances of companies facing administration with significant tax liabilities, underscoring ongoing challenges within corporate financial structures and their impact on tax revenue.

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Sources Used:

Read More: Company Owes Money But Gives Staff Trip to Las Vegas

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Did the company owe money before?
Yes, the company owed £2.9 million, with £647,000 owed to the tax office (HMRC).
Q: What is the company doing now?
After being bought by its old owner, it is planning an all-expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas for staff who meet their targets.
Q: What do people think about this?
Some people are asking questions because the company still owes a lot of money, but is planning a big trip for staff.
Q: Are other companies doing this?
Yes, other companies have also gone into administration owing large amounts of money, especially to the tax office.