Mismanagement Leads to Director Disqualification
Garry Pettigrew, formerly the director of Healthcare Environmental Services Limited, a waste disposal company servicing the NHS, has been disqualified from holding a director position for nine years. This ruling comes in the wake of significant financial misconduct, which saw Pettigrew transferring nearly £3 million in assets to affiliated firms just prior to the company’s liquidation.
Healthcare Environmental Services Limited entered liquidation a mere six months after losing vital contracts with the NHS. The asset transfers took place shortly before the company lost 17 NHS contracts in October 2018, with further transfers occurring into December of the same year, as additional contracts were terminated. By the time the company was liquidated in April 2019, it had amassed debts exceeding £15 million.
Legal Rulings on Financial Misconduct
Pettigrew, aged 59 and residing in Shotts, North Lanarkshire, faced disqualification following a ruling from the Court of Session on 20 August. The decision prohibits him from participating in the formation, promotion, or management of any company without prior court consent. In his judgement, Lord Lake described Pettigrew’s actions as a ‘flagrant’ breach of his responsibilities as a director, indicating that the severity of these breaches warranted a nine-year disqualification.
In addition to the disqualification, Pettigrew was fined £1,000 in June 2025 after being found in contempt of court for photographing witnesses, which violated a court order. He was subsequently found to have misused these photographs by sharing them alongside offensive remarks on social media.
Asset Transfers Under Scrutiny
According to a spokesperson from the Insolvency Service, Pettigrew’s actions constituted a serious violation of his duties. The transfers of assets, totalling £2,979,383, were made to two connected companies, HEG Sustainable Solutions Limited and Starryshaw Consultants Ltd, both of which were controlled by Pettigrew and his wife. These transactions occurred without the necessary consent from the company’s bank, which held a legal charge over the firm’s assets, and despite clear advice from accountants and solicitors.
The attempt to sell the company ultimately failed in December 2018, resulting in the cessation of trading and mass redundancies. The Insolvency Service promptly initiated an investigation following the company’s liquidation.
Background and Future Outlook
In August 2021, a disqualification undertaking was accepted from Alison Pettigrew, the co-director of Healthcare Environmental Services Limited, for her role in facilitating the asset transfers. Although criminal charges against Garry Pettigrew concerning allegations of illegal storage of medical waste were initiated, these proceedings were dropped in October 2023.
The Insolvency Service, an executive agency of the government, aims to bolster economic confidence by addressing financial misconduct and maximising creditor returns. It encourages directors to familiarise themselves with their legal obligations and responsibilities as outlined in the Director Information Hub.
For any concerns regarding financial misconduct, individuals can reach out to the Insolvency Service for guidance and support.