Former world darts champion Rob Cross has been disqualified from acting as a company director for five years after his business failed to pay more than £450,000 in tax. The Insolvency Service revealed that Cross withdrew over £300,000 from Rob Cross Darts Limited between 2020 and 2023, funds that should have been allocated to creditors.

The Ban and Its Implications

The ban prohibits Cross from being involved in the promotion, formation, or management of any company without court permission. This decision follows an investigation that uncovered significant financial discrepancies within his company.

Financial Struggles and Repayment Efforts

In an attempt to manage his debts, Cross has entered into an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA), a legally binding agreement where he commits to making regular payments to an insolvency practitioner. Rob Cross Darts Limited, established in May 2017, was intended to manage Cross's earnings and prize money.

Investigation Findings

The Insolvency Service's investigation found that the company received over £1 million from Cross's earnings between March 2020 and November 2023. However, by the time of liquidation, the company owed £403,896 in corporation tax, £49,071 in VAT, and £12,436 in PAYE and National Insurance contributions. Only £41,936 was paid to HMRC during this period.

Personal and Company Liabilities

Cross's director's loan account was overdrawn by £423,608 at the time of liquidation, with total liabilities amounting to £579,805. Additionally, more than £650,000 was paid into the personal account of a connected party.

Impact on Public Services

Kevin Read, chief investigator at the Insolvency Service, emphasized the broader implications: "When directors fail to pay the correct amount of tax, it directly impacts the government's ability to fund vital public services such as the NHS, schools, transport infrastructure, and our national defence."

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