Mark worked as route manager for United Trucks Private Ltd in Queensland from 2003-17. A term of his contract was that if he should leave the company, he could not engage in the trucking industry in Queensland for five years.

In 2018 he registered a company called Sunshine Trucks Private Ltd. Mark owns 99% of the shares in the company. The other 1% is owned by his brother, Greg, whom he elected as sole director and CEO. Sunshine Trucks operates from Townsville and carries goods all over Queensland. Greg also signs a contract on behalf of the company, taking out a loan of $ 2 million from Grasping Bank in 2018 as start-up capital.The company did well during 2018, 2019 and the first half of 2020, but in July 2020 was not able to repay a loan instalment of $ 100 000 owing to Grasping Bank Ltd.

Mark comes to you for advice after receiving two letters: One from United Trucks Pty Ltd requiring Sunshine Trucks Ltd to cease operating in Queensland, the other from Grasping Bank Ltd threatening to sue him for $ 100 000. Advise him, citing all relevant legal authority.

Please note that you shouldletthat the restraint of trade clause in the contract that Mark had with United Trucks is valid under the law of contract.You should therefore not discuss that issue.