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.
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.”
