Effective way to actually force a company to do something

[Autopilot]

Hello All,

I have bit of a frustrating situation on my hands. Prior to becoming a full time employee for a client, I've been a long term contractor / Ltd Company Director. I am trying to close my company yet the service provider are seriously sloppy in actually processing my request. I paid the fee 2 months ago yet they've done nothing. They are appalling at replying to email and as Companies House are now chasing me, I'm chasing the Service Provider to get everything done.

My regular accountant is normally fairly responsive but now even after saying I'm going to escalate, I've had nothing back. I've started forwarding my email to various known contacts and nothing. They are still in business and think the current issue is purely that they are just a bit rubbish, service has been degrading for some time...in fact, I was a contractor for 18 years and today's services from anyone are nothing like they used to be.

I've not put this on ContractorUK as it's a bit like Mumsnet when it comes to Accountants and unless you're one of the favoured few Service Providers, the company is rubbish etc etc etc. While they may have a point, I'm not looking to slate the Service Provider, I'd just like to know how I can force them in to doing what I've paid them to do.

It seems the preferred tactic of asking nicely isn't working so how can I in professional speak show them I mean business and essentially force action on them? I've been very reasonable but am starting to get really agitated with them and just want the service I paid for.

I find it ridiculous that I have to ask such a question, surely speaking to them is the right and only solution yet I seem to get nothing hence understanding what language / threats I could essentially use to create a bit of urgency on their part.

Thanks

[Countdown]

Is it a registered/supervised firm (i.e. a member of the ICAEW or ACCA)?

As a first step I'd ask for their internal complaints process. if that doesn't work I'd complain to their professional body.

[MaxFromage]

Have you done your final set of accounts and paid the tax? i.e. you just need to file to strike the company off?

[Panamax]

Many years ago I was similarly let down by a supposedly professional accountant who was winding up an old company. Turned out there was nothing we could do to get the process properly finished when he downed tools and walked away. As it happens, I just checked Companies House website to see what happened to the company - see below,

19 Feb 1990 Declaration of solvency
19 Feb 1990 Special Resolution to wind up the company

17 July 2018 First Gazette - Notice for compulsory strike-off
2 October 2018 Final Gazette - Dissolved via compulsory strike-off

Those dates are 100% genuine and there are no entries in between. Clearly Companies House eventually got so bored with the company's continuing, useless existence that they eliminated it themselves. But it took a while!!!