The company was placed into liquidation in April 2015 owing money to an array of suppliers.

An investigation by the Insolvency Service revealed the directors had continued trading to their own benefit in full knowledge that HMRC had presented a winding up petition three months before the company’s liquidation.

Despite knowing this, the directors made net payments of at least £155,310to the benefit of connected parties and further offset liabilities due to the company from the directors and connected companies of at least £457,395.

Directors George Beattie (senior) signed a seven year disqualification undertaking, Michelle Beattie signed a three years and six month disqualification and George Beattie (junior) was disqualified for seven years.

Rob Clarke, Head of Insolvent Investigations North, part of the Insolvency Service, said: “This was a cynical attempt by the directors, in the clear knowledge that their company was insolvent, to extract money that should have been paid to other creditors.

“The Insolvency Service will take robust action against this sort of misconduct which is a clear abuse of limited liability.”