Otley couple lose nearly £3k for HGV driving course

Pete and Tish Prewett from Otley paid £2,900 to Nxtgen Driving Academy in 2022 for Mr Prewett to undergo the course. 

The 52-year-old, who served in the army for 10 years, told the company that he was due to have a big operation on his hands to prevent them from becoming claw shaped permanently.

On informing Nxtgen of this, they said they were happy to keep the course open as it was paid for.

However the operation was postponed, and the couple are still waiting for a date. 

Because of this the couple asked for the money to be refunded, but were told that the branch had gone into liquidation and they would be unable to get their money back.

Tish and Pete Prewett (Image: Submitted)

Mr Prewett said: "It feels a bit like we have been strung along by a big company.

"We explained the situation, they said they were happy to hold on, and then they never asked for an update or said it had been a while so they were going to cancel and refund me.

"It's a lot of money and we have been trying really hard to get some money back but we've been unsuccessful.

"We informed them of it and they turned around and told us there was nothing they could do for us anymore as it was the end of the financial year."

A spokesperson for Nxtgen Driving, said: "Whilst we have every sympathy for Pete and Tish Prewett, their agreement was with NxtGen Driving Academy Ltd in 2022, which went into Liquidation in 2023 after its operations were badly affected by the Covid epidemic.

"NG Driving Group Ltd purchased the material assets of the business (i.e.vehicles etc) and its trading name of NxtGen Driving Academy from the liquidators and began trading last year.

Pete's hands which he needs to have an operation on. (Image: Submitted)

"No previous debts or liabilities of the liquidated business were passed on to the new owners in this process.

"We are not aware if any of the proceeds of the sale were set aside for distribution to the unsecured creditors, but the Prewitt’s could ask the liquidators if this is the case, it is very probable they have been informed about this already; as we have already provided Mr & Mrs Prewett with their contact details back in April 2024 of this year."

The course was paid for via their Capital One Credit Card account.

A Capital One spokesperson said: "We endeavour to support our customers where possible, and have reviewed the initial outcome of Mrs Prewett's case thoroughly in line with our processes and procedures.

"Unfortunately, in this instance, it does not meet the criteria necessary for us to be able to either pursue a claim on Mrs Prewett's behalf or provide a refund.

"We understand this may be disappointing, and have reached out to Mrs Prewett to discuss this with her in more detail."

Pete's hands which he needs to have an operation on. (Image: Submitted)