Chamber echoes criticism of Carillion bosses

Corin Crane, chief executive of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, hit out at the "distinct lack of ownership" from Carillion's directors and former directors over the collapse.

And Crane has echoed the harsh criticism of Carillion's directors by the joint chairs of a parliamentary inquiry into the company's liquidation.

Speaking after the session in Parliament this week, MPs Frank Field and Rachel Reeves said: “This morning a series of delusional characters maintained that everything was hunky dory until it all went suddenly and unforeseeably wrong.”

Corin Crane added: “During the parliamentary committee meeting, there was a distinct lack of ownership coming from Carillion bosses regarding the company’s collapse, which is disappointing given the profound impact it has had upon businesses involved in their supply chain network."

Meanwhile, Mr Crane revealed that the 'overriding' reason companies are calling the Black Country's Carillion helpline is worry over whether they will ever be paid for work they carried out for the collapsed construction giant.

The Black Country Chamber of Commerce has been running the helpline since the day the Wolverhampton-based group collapsed, as part of efforts by a local joint taskforce to help those affected by the company's failure.

But, three weeks on from the group's collapse, companies in Carillion's supply chain are no closer to knowing how much, if anything, they will see of the money they are owed.

Estimates of the group's debts to its suppliers and sub-contractors are as high as £1billion, but Carillion's creditors may only receive pennies in the pound from its liquidation by the Official Receiver.

Mr Crane said: “As a chamber, we are operating a helpline to provide support and assistance to those who have been affected by the Carillion liquidation.

"Since this helpline launched, we have received incoming enquiries from a variety of businesses, many of whom were a part of Carillion’s supply chain and therefore directly affected by the company’s collapse. The overriding reason behind the calls relates to overdue payments and whether firms will actually receive money owed to them.

“We are keen to gather as much information as possible relating to those who have been affected in order to provide holistic support, and therefore I would urge you to contact us via the helpline if your business has been impacted in any way.”

Businesses on Carillion’s supply chain that have been affected by the liquidation can call the Black Country Chamber of Commerce’s support helpline on 01902 912322, or email carillionhelp@blackcountrychamber.co.uk.