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Sleaford, Lincs-based John Mann International began groupage work to North Africa and brought hanging garments back from Morocco during the late 1980s and early 1990s. In 2003 the firm changed its name to JMI Logistics it was taken over by Dutch operator HV Group in October last year. However the HV Group went into administration at the start of November, and JMI Logistics followed suit a week later when administrators Ernst & Young were appointed. Former director Muhammad Allybokus blames the  collapse on its debts.

The majority of HV Group's assets, including its UK depot in Hornsey, North London, were later acquired by another Dutch company, Fashionwheels, which now trades as Fashionwheels International. JMI Logistics founder John Mann left the business last year when HV Group became involved. He says: "I'm not overly impressed that my name has been dragged into all this. I started the firm in 1983 with a £600 bank loan and built up a good business.

"I never thought that when I sold it that within 14 months it would be in such a mess." Mann runs John Mann Espana which operates from Spain to Morocco he says since the HV Group collapse he has received several requests to resume UK-Morocco work.