A WHITEFIELD couple have been disqualified from holding directorships after their gift distribution business crashed with debts totalling £710,000.

Nigel Warren Gordon (52) was banned for five years and his wife Michele Gordon (50) was disqualified for three years in respect of their conduct as directors of The Gift People Limited which operated from premises at the Pioneer Mill, Milltown Street, Radcliffe.

Mr and Mrs Gordon, of Oakdale Close, Whitefield, have agreed to an undertaking not to be a director of a company or, in any way directly or indirectly, to be concerned in the promotion, formation or management of a company for the stipulated periods.

The Gift People Limited was placed into voluntary liquidation in January 2002 with estimated debts of £710,260 owed to creditors.

Matters of unfit conduct, not disputed by either Mr or Mrs Gordon, were that:

* They traded the company to the detriment of the Inland Revenue and HMCE (Her Majesty's Customs & Excise).

* Mrs Gordon allowed and Mr Gordon caused the company to pay remuneration to its directors of £168,053. Mrs Gordon allowed and Mr Gordon caused The Gift People Limited to make payments to himself of £112,675 in the period August 2001 to November 2001. Such remuneration and payment was excessive and unjustified as it was paid when the company was insolvent.