Oxford News
UK cargo shipping in limbo ahead of expected liquidation
HDI Global Specialty filed a winding up petition against Cargo Marine International Insurance Consultants, a specialist marine intermediary, according to filings in the High Court of England and Wales.
A winding up petition is a court proceeding seeking an order to put a company into compulsory liquidation.
The petitioner typically makes allegations that the company is not able to pay its debts owed to it.
READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson makes U-turn as he makes life changing decision
Other grounds can apply under insolvency law, however.
Based in Abingdon, Cargo Marine International Insurance Consultants was incorporated in 1998.
But in November 2023, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) cancelled Cargo Marine International Insurance Consultants’ authorisation to conduct regulated insurance-distribution activities.
This decision was due to the firm’s apparent inactivity and repeated failure to submit mandatory regulatory information or respond to FCA notices.
Following this, its Part 4A permission was cancelled with immediate effect, preventing it from legally conducting any FCA-regulated activities, including advising on investments and arranging insurance-related investment transactions.
The FCA noted the company had not submitted required returns between November 2019 and April 2023.
These included half-yearly retail-mediation activity and complaints returns, as well as its Firm Details Attestation, which is used to confirm or update the core information held by the regulator.
The notice did not allege consumer harm, misconduct, fraud or poor advice; instead, it focused on regulatory non-reporting, non-engagement, and apparent inactivity.
Despite these developments, the company’s status remains listed as active on Companies House.
The firm made a confirmation statement on July 16, 2025, with no updates.
Micro company accounts for 2024 were also published in the same month.
The closure affects the route between the A420 and Coxwell Road near Great Coxwell to allow for carriageway widening and the construction of a new signal-controlled junction.
The closure, in effect 24 hours a day, will begin on September 7, 2026, and is expected to remain in place until April 16, 2027.
An alternative route will be signposted via the A420, London Street, Coxwell Street, and Coxwell Road.
The order, issued by Oxfordshire County Council under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, will remain in force for up to 18 months if necessary.
Exemptions are included for emergency vehicles, and signage will be in place to advise drivers of the closure.
The coffee dispenser at the Headington Waitrose is out of order and not for the first time according to reports, leaving customers disappointed they can no longer access their free cappuccino or flat white using their Waitrose card.
The Headington News said: “The Headington Waitrose free coffee machine is out of order again today (Saturday 29 August).”
READ MORE: Support for King Charles as multiple UK politicians have historic honour removed
The notice on the machine at the store in Old High Street says: “The coffee machine is currently out of order. Apologies for the inconvenience.”
The issue is not a universal problem – coffee machines at other Waitrose stores are working well.
The Waitrose chain, owned by the John Lewis Partnership, restored its free coffee offer in January 2025.
Following outrage over the withdrawal of the offer during the pandemic, the company told the nine million members on its My Waitrose loyalty scheme they would again be entitled to a complementary americano, cappuccino, latte or tea once a day regardless of whether they bought anything – as long as they have their own reusable cup.
In a statement, Waitrose said at the time: “Some of our My Waitrose members like to have the free coffee before they shop or during the shop, rather than afterwards, so we are just offering a bit of flexibility in response to customer feedback.”
READ MORE: UK acting legend, 67, spotted filming new TV series by Oxford Uni landmark
There were queues at coffee stations and complaints from customers that the offer was attracting the “wrong type of shopper” when Waitrose introduced the perk in 2013.
In 2017, it cracked down on ‘freeloaders’ by forcing members to buy something before pouring themselves a free hot drink.
The scheme was scrapped during the Covid crisis, but reintroduced in November 2022 – again for customers making a purchases. This is no longer a requirement.
Thames Valley Police has launched an investigation after a pigeon was killed in a wildlife crime incident in Plover Drive, Oxford, at around 6.50pm on August 24.
The force said that two teenage boys used a catapult to knock a pigeon from a tree before the bird was attacked by three smaller terrier-type dogs that were with them.
READ MORE: Oxford probe launched after ‘shocking assault’ of 60-year-old by teen boys
Descriptions of the two boys have been released with the first described as wearing a black sleeveless vest, dark-coloured bottoms, black trainers with white soles.
In addition he had a black-and-white flat-peaked cap worn backwards and was believed to have been carrying a catapult.
The second was reportedly wearing a light-coloured T-shirt and blue jeans, with brown, medium-length hair.
He was also seen carrying an unidentified item.
A spokesperson for the police said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed this incident or who may recognise those involved from the descriptions above.
READ MORE: Police race to ‘fear for welfare’ incident by Oxford BMW factory
“We would also like to hear from anyone with dashcam footage from the Plover Drive area between 6.30pm and 7pm on 24 August that may assist our investigation.
“Wildlife crime has a real impact on our communities, and we take reports of offences against wild animals and birds seriously.
” If you have any information, please contact the force on 101 or report online, quoting reference 43260448136.”
-
Oxford News3 weeks agoTrain cancellation alert amid ‘fault’ near London Paddington
-
Oxford News2 weeks agoMuseum evacuated and Oxford University closed amid incident
-
Business & Technology4 weeks agoBritish Business Bank backs PhysicsX with USD $25 million
-
Business & Technology4 weeks agoMuscle Food at risk of closing after entering administration
-
Business & Technology4 weeks agoNuggit launches GBP £5 million fund for UK YouTubers
-
Student Life4 weeks agoMy year of rest and rustication
-
Business & Technology4 weeks agoHistoric town faces series of high street shop closures
-
Student Life4 weeks agoAcademic tourism: Oxford University and its summer schools