Equestrian surface supplier Martin Collins International is heading for a High Court showdown with one of its former employees, Christopher Perks.
Mr Perks, who earned £80,000 a year when he joined as finance, strategy and operations manager in 2003, is demanding payment of a termination bonus of £169,822.
Martin Collins’ surfaces are considered by many to be among the best and are used by top names including National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls and show jumpers David Broome and Billy Twomey, as well as major equestrian events such as the European dressage and show jumping championships at Windsor in 2009.
Mr Perks claims in a High Court writ that he became increasingly dissatisfied at his treatment by the company and proprietor Martin Collins and resigned as a company director in January 2009.
Mr Perks says he resigned as an employee in April and accuses the company of breach of contract by failing to pay his termination bonus and his annual bonus based on pre-tax profits.
Martin Collins, who lives at Tarlton, Glos, had guaranteed that his company would meet its obligations towards Perks, but failed to do so, it is alleged.
Neither Mr Collins nor Mr Perks wished to comment.
A date has yet to be set for the hearing.
This article was first published in Horse & Hound (21 January, ’10)
