Ukraine-backing Brit who supplied 100 military vehicles to war-torn country faces ruin after Barclays axes his accounts

A BRITISH businessman who has sold 100 military vehicles to war-torn Ukraine is being driven to the wall after Barclays Bank pulled the plug on his finances. Nick Mead, 61, runs driving experience days for enthusiasts on his farm and collects and restores tanks and armoured cars. UkNewsinPicturesNick Mead says Barclays bosses have now deemed his business ‘high risk’[/caption] UkNewsinPicturesThe 61-year-old has been ferrying hardware to Ukraine[/caption] But he began focusing on ferrying hardware to Ukraine to help defenders hold back Vladimir Putin‘s hordes when war broke out a year ago. His company – called Tanks A Lot – went on to legally supply scores of vehicles to the front line in deals cleared by the Department of Trade and Industry. Villagers caught in the middle of the mayhem have even clubbed together to buy his bullet and bomb-proof vehicles to ferry fighters into battle – and wounded civilians away from danger. But Barclays bosses have now deemed Mr Mead’s business “high risk” and shut down his business, savings and online accounts after 40 years. A stern letter sent by bank bosses refuses to explain why the accounts are being axed, despite turnover rocketing a staggering 40-fold to £8 million in 12 months thanks to the Ukraine trade. And his flourishing firm’s supply of military hardware has now stalled as he faces ruin – because no other British bank will now take his account. Mr Mead told The Sun: “It made me laugh to see all those politicians applauding Volodymyr Zelensky in parliament after they agreed to send 14 Challenger tanks. “I’ve sent 100 vehicles to Ukraine over the past year, including tanks with guns, but I’m being driven out of business by a bank. “I’ve been banking with Barclays for 40 years and have never bounced a cheque but they haven’t even got the decency to explain their decision. “I’m told I’m on a Russian hit list for the work I’m doing and I’m prepared to accept the risk to help Ukraine defend itself. “But banks worry more about the risk to their balance sheets. “All I want to do is get help to where it’s needed and give our Ukrainian friends what they’re crying out for – but my hands are being tied.” Mr Mead has so far supplied a war fleet including 35 Spartan armoured personnel carriers which Ukrainians have used to ferry anti-tank crews into battle and evacuate civilians. He has also sent around 25 armoured “snatch” Land Rovers and Pinzgauer Vector six-wheeled utility vehicles. The wheeler-dealer, who employs nine staff on his sprawling site at Helmdon, Northants, buys used British Army vehicles at auctions and refurbishes them before sale. Another batch of 15 Spartans, seven armoured personnel carriers and two tank recovery vehicles are due to be dispatched to the front line within days. But he will be unable to move more tanks and trucks from his stock of 300 vehicles without a business account in place. And he may even be forced to fly to Singapore to open an account to keep his business afloat. Demand for fighting vehicles has rocketed across Europe and prices for vehicles like the popular Spartan have rocketed from £30,000 to £85,000 in recent months. But Mr Mead stressed he was not profiteering from the conflict. He said: “I could make a fortune if I sat tight and waited for the value of my vehicle stock to go up further and sold it in six months or a year’s time. “But all I want to do is help Ukraine now – and the bank is stopping me while our government drags its feet.” Father-of-three Mr Mead was sent a letter by Barclays Leicester Branch notifying him his cheque book and overdraft had been axed and that his account would close on February 20. British peer Lord Atlee on Thursday took up the case and blasted Barclays in the House of Lords. He said: “Since there are so few in the UK with the capability to supply these armoured vehicles to Ukraine, Barclays action will result in fewer Ukrainian soldiers benefitting from the protection. “It is quite likely that some Ukrainian soldiers will die as a result. “At the strategic level, Barclays actions must surely be entirely counter to the intent of HM government, which is to do whatever we can do to prevent Ukraine from being defeated. “It is not acceptable for a bank to withdraw banking services from a business which is helping the UK and Ukrainian Governments achieve their strategic objectives withoutgiving any reason.” A Barclays spokeswoman said: “Decisions to close customer accounts are only made after very careful consideration and based on all the facts available to us at the time.  “We apply higher levels of due diligence in order to manage and mitigate risk, especially where third parties are involved.” UkNewsinPicturesNick says he faces ruin as no other British bank will now take his account[/caption] UkNewsinPicturesHis company – called Tanks A Lot – legally supplied scores of vehicles to the front line[/caption]