A Scottish haulage company founded nearly six decades ago has entered liquidation, ending a 60-year run in business and leaving all seven employees without jobs.
VG Mathers Limited, a family-run firm established in 1968, said it had been unable to overcome a series of financial pressures affecting the road transport sector, including rising operating expenses and higher business costs.
Long-Running Haulage Firm Closes After Decades Of Trading
The company began operations under founder Vic Mathers, providing vehicle inspections, repairs and haulage services before becoming a recognised name in the Scottish transport industry.
According to Express, the firm entered liquidation after what directors described as increasingly difficult trading conditions. The closure has resulted in every member of staff being made redundant.
Director Colin Mathers, who is the founder’s son, said the company had spent years trying to keep the business operating despite growing challenges.
“For years, our team has poured everything into keeping our wheels turning, but we have ultimately been overwhelmed by a relentless series of challenges. In this industry, we are used to navigating tough times, but recently it has felt like one thing after another,” Mathers told The National.
The firm said it was a 'very difficult outcome for us' but they had 'no other choice'. #DailyExpress pic.twitter.com/NFfejo2PGq
— Daily Express (@Daily_Express) September 8, 2026
Rising Costs Put Pressure On UK Haulage Businesses
Mathers said VG Mathers was facing the same pressures affecting many operators across the UK road haulage sector, pointing to higher fuel prices, insurance costs, regulatory demands and vehicle maintenance expenses.
“We are far from alone in this struggle, with around 400 UK road haulage and freight companies closing in 2025 alone. We have faced an unprecedented squeeze from every angle – skyrocketing fuel costs, soaring insurance premiums, mounting compliance burdens and the rising costs involved in vehicle maintenance,” he said.
The freight industry has faced continued pressure from increased operating costs, higher interest rates and disruption affecting fuel and transport markets.
Liquidator Appointed Following Company Closure
MHA insolvency specialist Michael Reid has been appointed as liquidator for VG Mathers Limited.
Reid said the company’s collapse reflected the wider difficulties facing businesses operating in the transport sector.
“VG Mathers is a further example of a business facing significant pressures, unfortunately resulting in job losses. Our priority is to work with stakeholders to manage the process as smoothly as possible,” Reid told The Independent.
Mathers also thanked the company’s employees, drivers and customers for their support throughout the firm’s history.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to our loyal staff, our dedicated drivers and our wonderful clients who stood by us. This is a very difficult outcome for us and our team, but the economic reality left us with no other choice,” he said.
The liquidation process has now begun, with all seven VG Mathers employees made redundant.
