A Ballyclare man has been disqualified from acting as a company director for five years after his business collapsed with debts of almost £700,000.

The Department for the Economy accepted the disqualification undertaking from Andrew James Hassard, 46, of Riverside, Ballyclare, on 4 September 2026. The undertaking relates to his conduct as director of Norfee Bikes Ltd, which traded in the manufacture and retail of bicycles and other outdoor equipment.

Norfee Bikes Ltd entered liquidation on 7 September 2023, with an estimated deficiency as regards creditors of £699,940. With £70 owed as share capital, the total estimated deficiency as regards members was £700,010.

The company's registered office was at Unit 6 Hollybank Business Park, Hollybank Road, Parkgate, BT39 0DL. Its registered activities included the manufacture of bicycles and invalid carriages, and the retail sale of sports goods, fishing gear, camping goods, boats and bicycles.

The Department accepted the undertaking based on unfit conduct which was not disputed for the purposes of the disqualification procedure.

This is the third disqualification undertaking accepted by the Department in the financial year beginning 1 April 2026. No disqualification orders have been made by the court in that period.