Wood of Worcester closure - bikers' without motorbike

Customers had given Wood of Worcester their bikes to carry out repairs but many claim they have not heard back from the business since its closure in September.

Bridget Robinson took her 1962 Royal Enfield, passed to her after her cousin died, to the business in Farrier Street to have it restored to its former glory.

READ MORE: Closure of two city motorbike stores a 'sad loss for city' amid administration

But she discovered that a compulsory strike-off action had been submitted to Companies House after not hearing from the business owner Dominic Wood in over four weeks.

She now has no idea where her bike is and what will happen.

Mr Wood said he has not received any contact from customers and he is happy to give people their motorbikes back.

"I feel very upset," said Mrs Robinson.

"When we looked at the businesses they had great reviews and, at the time, had a great reputation. 

"We did a lot of research and have waited a long time to get the bike done.

"We feel let down by them and I am really sad."

The family had paid over £2,000 for the motorbike, worth between £6,000 to £8,000, to be remade 18 months ago.

READ MORE: Pubs and cafes overflow as hundreds of motorbikes cruise into town

Another customer, who wished not to be named, said he contacted the police after claiming he paid £2,000 for his £4,000 bike to be repaired and never got it back.

He said he finally managed to get his bike back but with fewer parts than when he handed it to Wood of Worcester.

West Mercia Police said they are investigating a theft from an address on Farrier Street.

According to the Companies House, a compulsory strike-off action was suspended in September 2024.

What is a Companies House striking-off action? 

A striking-off action is when a company applies to be struck off the Companies House register and be dissolved as a registered company. 

According to the Gov.UK site, if a company is neither carrying on business nor operation, the registrar may take action to strike a company off the register.

Insolvency Experts said if a company strike-off has been suspended, it is usually because the business has outstanding debts to creditors who stand to lose what they are owed should the company be dissolved.

Mr Wood told the Worcester News: "We had to move out of our workshop due to landlord issues.

"We were going to move to new premises but that took much longer than anticipated. 

"People have not had any contact with me as such and I am happy to give back any bikes."

He said the business is hundreds and thousands out of pocket and life is very difficult for his family as they have no income. 

"The delay on the new premises has crippled us," he said.

Wood of Worcester sold, maintained and repaired motorcycles and related parts and accessories.

He no longer lives at the address where the business is registered on Companies House.

A spokesperson for Worcestershire Trading Standards said: "Information and intelligence received by Trading Standards has never indicated any significant issues with this business that would warrant further investigation by the team.

"The most recent contact from a member of the public did relate to the company having ceased trading.

"Citizens Advice Consumer Service are best placed to support people looking for advice on civil redress against a trader."