Banned logo over bread

Source: Getty Images / filo / carterdayne

The former boss of a west London bakery who overstated his company’s turnover to secure a Covid loan has been banned from acting as a director for 10 years.

Azizullrahman Akbari, 60, obtained a £50,000 Bounce Back Loan just weeks into the pandemic, claiming the turnover for his New Watan Bakery Limited company in Southall was £214,010.

However, an investigation by the Insolvency Service found that not to be the case with company accounts revealing a turnover of £62,584 for the period up until the end of June 2019. For the period ending June 2020, the turnover was smaller at £52,370.

Located on South Road, the business began trading in June 2016 with Akbari as its sole director.

In May 2020, he applied for a Bounce Back Loan – available to firms established before the start of January 2019 allowing them to claim up to a quarter of their annual turnover, with a maximum loan of £50,000.

“Azizullrahman Akbari exaggerated his company’s turnover to secure a £50,000 Bounce Back Loan, the most businesses were entitled to under the rules of the scheme,” said Elizabeth Pigney, chief investigator at the Insolvency Service. “From our analysis of the accounts, the company did not deserve anywhere near this amount.

“Tackling Bounce Back Loan misconduct remains a key priority for the Insolvency Service and we will continue to take action against directors like Akbari who made false declarations when applying for financial support from the government,” Pigney added.

New Watan Bakery entered liquidation in July 2023 owing more than £53,000. The Secretary of State for Business and Trade accepted a disqualification undertaking from Akbari, and his ban started on 29 January 2025. The undertaking prevents him from being involved in the promotion, formation, or management of a company, without the permission of the court.

A separate company now runs the bakery.