Norton Motorcycles goes into administration after tax bill woes

Thu, 30 Jan 2020

Norton Motorcycles, the British company that provided bikes for the most recent instalment in the James Bond series, has gone into administration.

The Leicestershire-based firm, founded in Birmingham in 1898, has appointed administrators after reports that it was having trouble paying its tax bill and was heading for a winding-up order from HMRC.

It comes less than five years after its motorbikes featured in the 007 film Spectre - one of the most high-profile examples of Norton bikes featuring on the big screen.

Lee Causer, from administrators BDO, said: "We are taking all necessary steps to ensure that customers, staff and suppliers are supported through the administration process.

"Our job is to determine and execute the most appropriate strategy as swiftly as possible to protect creditors' interests, bearing in mind the need to minimise distress for all parties.

"We are currently assessing the position of each of the companies in order to conclude upon the options available to them and the most appropriate way forward."

Norton employs about 100 people at its factory in the market town Castle Donington, but PA news agency understands there have not yet been any redundancies.

The unpaid tax bill reportedly stands at £300,000.

Away from Bond, Norton bikes also starred in the 2004 Che Guevara memoir The Motorcycle Diaries, became known for their role in the Isle of Man TT races, and have been used by UK police forces over the years.

The company was rescued by entrepreneur Stuart Garner in 2008 after its previous US ownership oversaw an end to bike production, with Mr Garner pledging to return the firm to its former glories.

Bikes on its current production line include the Commando 961 Cafe Racer, the Dominator and the V4 RR.

© Sky News 2020

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