Failed Norton Motorcycle boss Stuart Garner and his wife, Susie, have been spotted dining out at an elite restaurant, The Ivy, where a steak costs about £30 (about $A60).
The photo was published on the Twitter account Notnorton Moto as another example of Garner’s extravagant lifestyle.
Meanwhile, customers, pensioners, investors, the tax department and the government are still waiting for their money as the company languishes in administration.
The Garners at a Swiss watch show in 2018At least in Australia, importers Brisbane Motorcycles have returned deposits to those who paid for bikes not yet delivered.
In January, Norton Motorcycles went into administration amid claims of pension fund frauds and a £300,000 unpair tax bill.
The UK government is now being called on to investigate almost £8m in funding and loans amid claims that Garner squandered the money on fast cars and a lavish lifestyle.
Click here to read the whole sordid tale.
Buyers sought
Norton’s Donington Hall factoryThe company ceased production in February, but administrators BDO UK say they have “significant interest” from potential buyers.
BDO spokesman Lee Causer says they are “taking all necessary steps to ensure that customers, staff and suppliers are supported through the administration process, as we seek the sale of the business and assets”.
“We have had a significant volume of interest and are hopeful that a sale of Norton Motorcycles (UK) Ltd can be secured,” he says.
That’s good news for Norton fans and customers.
The rumour mill has been running hot with talk of Japanese and Chinese motorcycle companies and even motorcycle fan Keanu Reeves being interested in buying the venerable brand.
A petition to Triumph Motorcycles boss John Bloor to buy the company has only received 61 signatures.
Meanwhile, another petition to the government to launch an official inquiry into Garner has almost 7000 signatures.
SuperBike Magazine claims the company’s biggest single investor, Steve Murray, could be interested in buying the company.
They say he invested his entire life savings or about £1 million for 10% equity and loaned the company an extra £500,000.
He was a company director for three months, but chose to be “hands-off”.
The deadline for bidders closed on 21 February 2020.