James Shone & Sons Transport Contractors - Mike Shone in his office"

Knowle Lane, Buckley

1995

In May 1998, a letter was received from British Steel, Shotton Works, informing the firm that we had been unsuccessful in obtaining their Shotton UK Road Distribution Tender.

On 30th June 1998, I wrote a letter to all employees confirming that the firm had to cease trading. The firm received letters of support from individuals and the Royal Buckley Town Band, whom we had helped over the years. St. Matthew's Church magazine mentioned that we had supported them over 34 years and thanked us. There was a notification of dissolution letter from Companies House dated 28.3.2001. The firm J. Shone & Sons had finally finished trading in Buckley.

ROAD TRANSPORT CONTRACTORS

James Shone & Sons

Road Transport Conractors

Knowle Lane

Buckley Clwyd

CH7 3JA

Services to all Parts

Our ref:- JSS/JMS/MCS.

Circular to all employees 30th June 1998

Dear

Further to our conversation yesterday, I write to confirm that I have no alternative but to cease trading, with effect from today, Tuesday, 30th June, 1998.

As you will all be aware, the firm has been through some very difficult periods in recent years, not least through the recession, which affected everyone. However, we battled on in the hope that improvements would become evident, only to find that over the past year or so British Steel embarked upon cost-cutting schemes which are now coming to fruition.

We were invited to tender for work but, in common with other local Road Hauliers, our application proved unsuccessful. As a result, British Steel awarded contracts to Faber Prest and Carline who, in turn, promised to provide us with work on a sub-contracting basis.

Initially, we were reasonably optimistic that we could continue to operate, but the rates currently on offer are based on those in operation in 1991, some seven years ago.

As recently as yesterday, I made one last-ditch attempt to safeguard the business by requesting an increase in the rates to assist with overheads such as wages, taxation, fuel and maintenance costs, etc., but to no avail. I was told categorically that the rates were fixed for the next three years and that no increase could be granted.

It therefore became obvious that it would be foolhardy to continue as we have been doing, as the business would quickly go under, with devastating implications for us all. I am not prepared to let this happen, hence my decision to close down, but it is still a bitter pill to swallow.

We are a well-respected family firm with a good reputation and a work-force second to none, who have given over 56 years' sterling service to the carrying of steel out of Shotton. As a long established business we have provided employment to local people such as yourselves who have carried out your duties conscientiously, legally and safely, over many years.

As a result of British 8teel's actions, they have effectively prematurely wound-up yet another business, with the loss of all our jobs, including mine. All appeals to reason have been ignored and this, despite the fact that we have invested so much time, money and expertise in complying with their many requests.

The situation was described superbly in a letter published recently in the Evening Leader, which summarises the feelings of myself and other local Hauliers, in that loyalty and service apparently counts for nothing as far as British Steel is concerned. It is of little comfort to say that I feel we can all hold our heads up high in regard to the service and skills we have provided, which cannot be faulted.

And so, regrettably, the premises of J. Shone & Sons will very soon exhibit a sign bearing the legend "For Sale". I never wished for this to happen, and it really does grieve me to know that we are all now unemployed as a result of another firm's actions. Obviously I will put every effort into selling the business as soon as is possible, following which you will receive entitlements as detailed on the attached note.

On a personal level, it only remains for me to assure you that it was never my intention or desire that this firm would close under the circumstances previously described. However, I wish to close this letter by thanking you all for your unstinting loyalty and service during the time you have been employed by J. Shone & Sons. Your efforts and your friendship really is appreciated by me, and it goes without saying that I wish each and everyone of you all the best for the future, and success in finding alternative

employment. With kindest regards,

Yours sincerely,

J. M. SHONE.

============

Author: Shone, Michael

James Shone & Sons Transport Contractors - Mike Shone in his office"

Knowle Lane, Buckley

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