Andrew Smith. Marathon Services.

6th December 2022

Andrew Smith runs a company called Marathon Services, which transports rushes, kit and people for the industry “from one place to another in my own dedicated care”. A sense of dedication which did not, however, extend to the freelancers who worked for him as many nuch the wore off at the end of their experience with him and his company.

Smith’s claim was that:

“Unlike using other couriers or taxi companies I come with a full understanding of the importance, sensitivity and delicate nature of the items/people I take responsibility for”.

Unfortunately for several freelancers, he did not carry through that claimed “sensitivity” to his workers, many of whom now find themselves severely out of pocket after their labours.

When these freelancers put in their invoices, instead of paying up what he owed, Smith stalled, delayed and then pulled up the drawbridge, wouldn’t answer his phone and blocking all contact, leaving them no option but to go to court to get payment. One freelancer has now won her case and is currently arranging bailiffs to visit Mr Smith to get the debt paid off but it has been a miserable experience all round.

It appears that Smith has now closed his website (which also offered lighting services) but if he should resurface, a very strong warning to all in the industry to steer a wide berth around him and any iteration of his company which might appear in the future.