A businessman has denied sunning it up on a luxury Mexican break after his company was wound up - leaving over 100 people out of work.

Temp Network recruitment agency in Tunbridge Wells was closed without notice on December 11, leaving over 100 people without work just before Christmas.

Former employees claimed the company in Camden Road still owed them hundreds of pounds.

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Just five days later managing director Mike Waterton, who is also an author and motivational speaker, posted photos on his blog of the CasaMagna Marriott resort in Cancun with copies of his books and cocktails in view.

The images sparked accusations that he had jetted off to Mexico to stay in the hotel which charges up to £960 a night - while his former employees were left in the lurch.

Today, 43-year-old Mr Waterton, has denied the claims and said the closure of the agency was "regrettable". He also stated the person in the pictures was not him but a friend holidaying at the resort.

Many of the agency workers were from Poland and claimed they had to cancel trips home to visit their families for Christmas due to unpaid wages.

An advert for Temp Network posted on YouTube by Mike Waterton

Today Mr Waterton, 43, has profusely denied claims he was holidaying days after the demise of his company.

In a statement released on his website the motivational speaker said: "The sudden and quick demise of Temp Network is regrettable. Despite our best intentions, we were unable to reach an agreement with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in which we could keep trading.

"Even with the prospect of putting over 100 people out of work just before Christmas, our hands were tied.

"Due to the massive volume of companies being forced to cease trading by HMRC and the festive break, there is no further update until January 23 - and we hope for some positive news then."

With regard to the luxury holiday in Mexico the businessman said "at no time whatsoever" was he on a trip in December 2014.

"Nor was I ever in Mexico," he added.

He claims the photographs of Mexico published on his website and in both local and national newspapers, were taken by a friend who was on vacation in Cancun.

"The photographs were showcasing my latest book "50 Grades of Pay" and were posted on my website as a promotion.

"In no way, shape of form was this intended to offend anyone and I apologise for any offence taken.

"I was in the UK during this time sorting out business."

HMRC has been approached for a comment.