MY CARFAX COLLEGE EXPERIENCE

I would like to share my experience of undertaking work for Carfax College with you.

My business, OT Projects, was approached by Alex Eastlake, Health and Safety Officer at Carfax College Oxford, in May 2024 and invited to submit a quotation to prepare drawings for a planning application. The application was for a change of use for the colleges new premises at 38 Binsey Lane, Oxford.

The quotation was accepted by email on 21^st May 2024 and I proceeded to carry out a measurement survey at the property and prepare the drawings as instructed.

A planning application for 38 Binsey Lane was submitted to Oxford City Council on 10 Jun 2024 by the college’s agent, Nik Lyzba MRTPI. My drawings were submitted as part of the supporting documentation for the application. The application, 24/01392/FUL, received approval from Oxford City Council on 22nd August 2024.

OT Projects invoice number 024189/01 was submitted to Alex Eastlake, for the agreed quotation figure, via email on 14th June 2024. The payment terms set out in the accepted quotation was payment on completion of the work.

I followed up the invoice on 2^nd July 2024 by an email to Alex asking him to give me a call to let me know the position regarding payment, I did not receive any response.

On 4^th July 2024 I telephoned Carfax College to ask if I could speak to someone regarding my account, it was suggested that I email their Bursary, which I did the same day.

Again, no response was received and I sent a further email to the Bursary on 9^th July 2024.

On 10^th July 2024 I received a reply from Vaneza Onda, Bursar of - Carfax Education

Ms Onda advised – ‘I will pass this on to our Payables department for processing and we will let you know once this has been paid’

On 16^th July 2024 – I chased payment again and Ms Onda, Bursar, replied on the same day and advised me that – ‘We are facing some financial difficulties as we transition into the summer period. Please rest assured that we are diligently working to resolve these delays and we will make payment as soon as possible.’

On 18^th July 2024 sent an email to Iwan Lloyd, Principal, Carfax College Oxford asking him if he could intervene and ensure payment was made. Mr Lloyd replied on the same day – ‘I apologise for this, and I have recopied the bursary into the email that deals with the financial matters for the business.’

I followed this up with Mr Lloyd on 26^th July 2024, no response was received.

 I emailed Mr Lloyd again on 5^th August2024 , no response was received.

On 9^th August 2024 I received an email from Adilet Maksatbekov, signed as Comptroller, Carfax Education

‘My deepest apologies for the delay in your payment. We are facing some cashflow difficulties as we transition into the summer period. Please rest assured that we are diligently working to resolve these delays and we will make payment as soon as possible. I'm expecting some funds from our clients by next week, and I will pay you in first place when we will receive funds. I will update you if I receive funds on Monday.’

Nothing was received so I chased again on Wednesday, 14 August 2024 and I received a response on the same day from Adilet Maksatbekov, Comptroller, Carfax Education – ‘My deepest apologies for the delay in your payment. I will arrange payment until 26th of August. Thank you for your loyalty and patience.’

Payment was not received and I have sent further chase emails on 27^th August 2024, 09^th September 2024, 15^th October 2024, 3^rd December 2024 and to Mr. Alexander Nikitich, the Chair of the College's Governing Body, on 9^th December 2024 - none of these emails have received a reply or response of any kind.

Over six months have now passed since I submitted my invoice, receipt of which has been confirmed by the comments made in the email responses I have received.  I have still not received payment.                                   

What Others Are Saying About Carfax College

  ‘Oxford college rated 'inadequate' by Ofsted after inspection’    Read More - 

              https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/24924371.carfax-college-rated-inadequate-ofsted-health-safety/

  Ofsted  –  Latest Inspection Report - Rated as Inadequate       Read More -

https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/27/139997

It would appear that there are a number of businesses associated with Carfax College and its directors listed at Companies House. This information is of public record and details for the companies can be viewed here -   https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk

CARFAX EDUCATION LIMITED - Incorporated on 29 October 2010 - Company status Active

CARFAX TUTORIAL ESTABLISHMENT LIMITED - 29 October 2010 - Company status – Active

CARFAX EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANTS LIMITED - Incorporated on 6 August 2003 - Company Status - Active, proposal to strike off. The annual accounts were due to be submitted by 30 April 2024.

CARFAX EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS LIMITED - Incorporated on 19 March 2018 - Company status -Active, proposal to strike off. The annual accounts were due to be submitted by 30 July 2024.

CARFAX PROJECTS LIMITED - Incorporated on 19 March 2018 - Company status - dissolved via compulsory strike-off – 14 January 2025.

CARFAX TUTORIAL ESTABLISHMENT LIMITED - Incorporated on 29 October 2010 - Company status -Active.

CCL CONSULTANTS LTD - Incorporated on 2 August 2016 - Company status – Compulsory Liquidation - Order of court to wind up ‘Upon the petition of HMRC, creditor of the above-named company’

CEG GUARDIANS LTD - Incorporated on 29 October 2010 - Company status – Compulsory Liquidation - Order of court to wind up ‘Upon the petition of HMRC, creditor of the above-named company’

CPT TUTORS LTD - Incorporated on 29 October 2010 - Company status – Compulsory Liquidation - Order of court to wind up ‘Upon the petition of HMRC, creditor of the above-named company’

CES EDUCATION SERVICES LIMITED - Incorporated on 1 August 2016 - Company status – Compulsory Liquidation - Order of court to wind up ‘Upon the petition of HMRC, creditor of the above-named company’

SUMMER GUIDE LIMITED - Incorporated on 13 January 2017 - Company status -Active, proposal for compulsive strike off, Accounts overdue. The annual accounts were due to be submitted by 30 July 2024.