Fraudster sentenced for £1.5m renewable energy and home safety scam
A fraudster who conned elderly and vulnerable residents out of £1.5m for renewable energy and home safety products has been sentenced to seven years imprisonment alongside a 10-year directorship ban.
Robin MacDonald, aged 45, of Park Row, Bretby, Burton-on-Trent, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation along with charges of fraudulent trading following a five-month trial at Nottingham Crown Court where more than 200 victims gave evidence.
Between 2014 and 2015, MacDonald repeatedly mis-sold victims products including solar panels and emergency medical buttons through his businesses Sunpower Renewables Ltd and Stirling Technologies Ltd trading as Proshield Alarms.
The defendant was prosecuted following an investigation led by the National Trading Standards Regional Investigations Team East Midlands, hosted by Nottinghamshire County Council, and supported by Derbyshire County Council Trading Standards.
Sunpower Renewables sold renewable energy products to customers and sales representatives often bullied and pressured victims into signing contracts for works which were then completed to a poor standard, with some creating structural instability in homes.
Proshield Alarms promised customers round the clock safety through products which would allegedly alert emergency services in the event that their alarm systems were triggered, with victims being misled through the deliberately false statements made by sales representatives and the marketing brochures.
A second defendant was found not guilty by the jury on the same charges.
Roy Hancher, aged 54, of Light Ash Lane, Coven, Wolverhampton, pleaded guilty to fraudulent trading prior to the trial and was sentenced to one year and eight months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months and a six-year directorship ban. Nicola Mather, aged 44, of Spindletree Drive, Derby, pleaded guilty to money laundering prior to the trial and was sentenced to one year imprisonment suspended for one year as well as 200 hours of unpaid community work.
Mark Walker, Interim Service Director for Place at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “I’d like to thank and recognise all of the victims who came forward and worked with our investigators to bring this case to trial and these individuals to justice.
“These sentences show that the dishonest selling of products will not be tolerated.
“There is a saying that if something seems too good to be true, then it probably is and sadly scammers hope to exploit this for their own gain.
“We would always advise residents to be alert to cold calling and to never buy at the door. If residents have any concerns or if something doesn’t feel right, then it probably isn’t, and nobody should ever be afraid to close the door.
“Scammers may turn up out of the blue offering something you didn’t think that you needed, but by working together to spot their behaviour we can make sure that they don’t take advantage of friends, loved ones and neighbours.
“If you think you’ve fallen victim to a rogue trader, you can report this to the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline by calling 0808 223 1133. You can also contact them for advice prior to entering into a contract to purchase goods or services.”
Lord Michael Bichard, Chair, National Trading Standards, said: “MacDonald and his associates preyed on and took advantage of vulnerable people – stopping at nothing to get what they wanted.
“Lingering in the homes of their victims for hours, they bullied customers – many of them elderly – into signing contracts at vastly inflated prices for products they didn’t want or need.
“I hope that the sentences handed down today will provide some solace to the victims and serve as a powerful deterrent to anyone hoping to make money from fraudulently selling renewable energy and home safety products.”
Derby businesses fear uncertainty will hit investment in potential vote of no confidence
Derby City Council is being called upon to reconsider holding a potential vote of no confidence in its leader, Councillor Baggy Shanker, in an emergency meeting it is understood is due to be held in secret this evening.
Organisations representing thousands of businesses, including the Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) for the Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter, plus Marketing Derby, as well as investors, such as St James Securities and Wavensmere Homes, have submitted letters expressing deep concern about the introduction of political instability at a crucial time for Derby.
At immediate risk is a huge sum of up to £500 million of investment with genuine fears that instability will further affect investor confidence costing the city jobs and investment.
Wavensmere Homes, which has already built over 900 new homes in the Nightingale Quarter, with a further 500 homes in the immediate pipeline, has said it may now consider re-evaluating a further £250 million of investment in Derby.
St James Securities said that negotiations on the next phase of the £230 million Becketwell scheme were at a very sensitive stage and feared this might be threatened.
The BIDs are especially concerned about losing city centre regeneration momentum and today Marketing Derby has written to the Mayor of Derby, Councillor Ged Potter, reiterating these concerns and urging a different approach be taken to solve any political problems.
All submissions have stressed they are non-party political and supportive of the four-year electoral cycle introduced last year. This being broken could lead to three years of uncertainty.
The vote of no confidence from opposition leaders relates to the conduct and actions of Cllr Shanker regarding the failed Sinfin Waste Treatment Plant.
Shanker was quoted by the BBC saying the motion was “a desperate act of political opportunism.”
A statement from Shanker added: “It is no coincidence that two of the signatories to the motion happen to be standing against me in the general election to become the next MP for Derby South.”
Excor snaps up Teal Park warehouse
Supply chain solution provider Excor Services, part of Park Logistics Group, has acquired a new warehouse property in Nottingham to service their ongoing expansion requirements.
The deal agreed between agents FHP and Innes England saw the acquisition of the brand new 26,409 sq ft facility with a large secure yard at the Teal Park scheme, which provides a 20-unit warehouse and trade park scheme totalling 160,000 sq ft owned by national investors, Northwood Urban Logistics.
Iain Taylor, director at Northwood Urban Logistics, said: “We are very pleased to welcome our latest occupier to Teal Park demonstrating that it is appealing to a wide range of occupiers who will be able to adapt the units for a variety of uses.”
Mark Tomlinson, director at FHP who acted on behalf of Northwood, said: “It is great to welcome another good quality Tenant to the scheme. There are very few units which offer such good quality space around the city and there are now only 4 units remaining of this 20-unit development.
“The remaining warehouse units are of a very high quality on large secure fenced plots with substantial yard depths. There are just 2 trade units remaining sitting alongside established occupiers… Screwfix, Howdens, Toolstation, Paintwell and Karcher.”
Craig Straw, director at Innes England who acted on behalf of the tenant, said: “We have advised Park Logistics for many years and are delighted to have assisted Excor Services in their latest acquisition. Securing a Grade A warehouse close to their existing base at Colwick was key so Teal Park offered the perfect solution.”
Phillips Sutton and JLL act as joint agents on the scheme.
Leicestershire philanthropist receives Uganda Red Cross Society award
The Chairman of a Leicestershire-based charitable foundation has received the Henry Dunant Award from the Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS).
Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL was invited to receive this year’s award because of the collaborative work between the society and the Randal Charitable Foundation to open a manufacturing plant for sanitary pads in Uganda. This plant, through its operation of producing affordable reusable sanitary pads, will significantly improve the lives of up to 50,000 Ugandan girls and women each year.
The plant was officially opened in the summer of 2023 by Dr Kotecha and is now working towards its goal of manufacturing 100,000 re-usable sanitary pads annually – directly helping to tackle missed educational opportunities for girls, who may miss 18% of the academic year, because of poor sanitary protection during their menstrual periods.
It is also creating locally based, skilled employment opportunities for vulnerable girls and women who are being trained to make and market the pads and ensure the long-term sustainability of the facility.
Speaking virtually at the Uganda Red Cross Society’s National Council Meeting (General Assembly) in Kampala, Dr Kotecha, said: “Thank you very much for this award. It is a privilege to receive this on behalf of our Foundation. Many of you will know that Uganda was my birthplace and my home as a child. A place that I have been to many times, and of which I’ve got some very fond memories.
“Especially the time when I visited last year to open this incredible manufacturing facility, which I’m very humbled to have had the opportunity to collaborate with the Uganda Red Cross to create.
“It’s amazing how life comes together – it was over 50 years ago in 1972 when my family left Uganda during the time of Idi Amin, and it was the Red Cross that helped and supported us to leave, settle and start a new life in the United Kingdom.
“So, it’s an honour to be presented with this award and to support the Uganda Red Cross Society to save and significantly improve the lives of so many girls and young women.”
Named after the founder of the International Red Cross, the award acknowledges and rewards outstanding humanitarian services and actions by an individual, and is the highest award given by the Uganda Red Cross Society each year.
During the ceremony, Robert Kwesiga, Uganda Red Cross Secretary General, read a Citation to the members of the National Council (General Assembly). He said: “We are pleased to present the Henry Dunant Award to Dr Kotecha, for his outstanding contribution towards the establishment of the Uganda Red Cross Reusable Pads Manufacturing plant, at our Youth Training Centre in Namakwa, Mukono.
“This project is helping us to improve and touch lives, especially vulnerable girls in rural communities. The Pads are a point of regaining dignity of the girls who drop out of school due to lack of Pads. The same project is contributing to the economic welfare of girls and women in the communities who sew the Pads and find this as a point of psychosocial support for their emotional and mental wellbeing.
“This is the noblest award we give in the Red Cross, and we are excited to present it to Dr Nik Kotecha, for his outstanding contribution towards the National Society development.”
The award was accepted on Dr Kotecha’s behalf at the National Council Meeting by Business and Investment Ambassador, Grace Muliisa, who is also the Managing Director of EcoBank Uganda.
Rachael McCormack, Chief Operating Officer of the Randal Foundation, added: “We were delighted to be invited to join the National Council Meeting 2024 for the Uganda Red Cross Society, marking 60 years of celebrating humanity in Uganda – at their meeting in Kampala.
“Presenters spoke of how the work of the society has been hugely supported by partners to enable them to go further. Throughout the year, their work has included activity which puts their teams at risk – but despite this, in the service of others, they deliver, with commitment and a focus on serving the most vulnerable.”
Andrew + Ashwell makes leadership team promotions
Andrew + Ashwell, a property consultancy firm in Leicestershire, has promoted two surveyors within its leadership team.
Kelvin Wilson, a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in the industry, has been elevated to the position of director, having previously served as an associate director. Additionally, Joe Dodd, a dedicated member of the team, has been promoted to the role of associate director.
Kelvin Wilson, who has been an integral part of Andrew + Ashwell for several years, has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, expertise, and a deep commitment to delivering outstanding service to clients.
His promotion to director is a well deserved recognition of his hard work, dedication, and proven track record of success within the company. In his new role, Kelvin will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the firm, driving growth, and ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality service to clients.
“I am honoured and excited to take on the role of director,” said Kelvin. “Having been at the firm 10 years this year, starting as a fresh faced graduate in 2014, I have seen the company continue to evolve and I look forward to building on our long term reputation of excellence and to continue driving the company forwards.”
Joe Dodd, who has shown exceptional commitment in his role at the company, has been promoted to the position of associate director. Joe’s promotion is a testament to his hard work, expertise, and commitment to delivering exceptional results for clients.
In his new position, Joe will continue to play a key role in supporting the company’s growth and success, working closely with the leadership team to drive innovation and excellence in service delivery for clients, whilst helping the younger members of the team to progress.
“I am very proud to be given a new role and responsibilities as associate director at A+A,” said Joe. “I have been fortunate to gain guidance from a team with a wealth of experience and I am committed to continuing to deliver the highest standard of service to new and existing clients and contributing to the ongoing success of the company.”
Manchester Airports Group seek planning permission for new manufacturing park
Manchester Airports Group is seeking planning permission to turn land near East Midlands Airport into a new hi-tech logistics and manufacturing park as part of the East Midlands Freeport.
It relates to a site just south of the A453 alongside the airport, and if approved could result in more than 2,000 new jobs once fully operational and employ up to 174 people during a two-year construction period.
It’s estimated the new development could contribute up to £132m per year in GVA to the East Midlands economy, along with almost £9m in additional annual business rates contributions.
The land has been designated a tax site as part of East Midlands Freeport to help attract new investment and jobs to the region. The draft local plan also identifies it as a potential location for strategic distribution, located in the heart of the country close to the M1 and major road network, the UK’s number one dedicated cargo airport, and the East Midlands Gateway rail freight hub and logistics park – all within what’s known as the UK’s logistics ‘Golden Triangle.’
The plans laid before North West Leicestershire District Council describe the outline proposals as several units up to 25m tall, providing up to 135,000 square metres of floorspace for general industrial and storage or distribution uses, along with offices. The largest units would be located closest to the A453, with smaller units along the southern end of the site. This would help towards meeting a need identified by North West Leicestershire District Council for 2.5m square metres of additional warehousing in the area by 2041.
EMA’s MD Steve Griffiths said: “This is a prime site for a development of this kind, given its proximity to major road and rail networks and the UK’s number one express air cargo hub. Given its status as a Freeport tax site, we are confident that if approved, we will have little difficulty in attracting businesses, bringing much-needed jobs to the region during its construction and operation.
“The proposals we have submitted to the council outline how we have carefully considered the opportunities and constraints of the site, seeking to strike the balance between the need for such a development against the potential impact on the environment and local residents. We have met and will continue to meet members of Diseworth Parish Council and community groups and have aimed to address their concerns in our proposals.”
Tom Newman-Taylor, Chief Exec of East Midlands Freeport, said: “Our mission is to act as a catalyst for economic regeneration across the East Midlands to create thousands of jobs boosting skills for local workers, and accelerating the region’s commitment to decarbonisation through sustainable development and low-carbon energy investments.
“We support moves by our key partners to develop the Freeport’s strategically important sites which offer unparalleled connectivity to the rest of the UK. We also welcome the consultation the airport has carried out with the local community and the steps they have taken to address their concerns as part of the process.”
Gain exposure amongst the property & construction industry at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
Raise the profile of your business by submitting a nomination for Business Link’s prestigious East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024!
Toasting the region’s property and construction industry, its people, and exceptional developments, the annual awards attract leaders from across the region and are the perfect way for firms to promote the work they are completing and create more buzz.
The awards provide an opportunity to put on display outstanding new commercial and residential developments, as well as those putting sustainability at the forefront and illustrating design excellence; recognise the region’s developers, architects, contractors, and agents making great impact over the past year; showcase significant deals and those involved, and ensure responsible businesses get their moment in the spotlight.
A highlight in the business calendar, winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 3rd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening of celebration and networking with property and construction professionals from across the East Midlands.
To nominate your (or another) business/development for one of our awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Award categories include:
Tickets can now be booked for the 2024 awards event, click here to secure yours.
Taking place in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground on Thursday 3rd October, from 4:30pm – 7:30pm, connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region.
Attendees will also hear from keynote speaker Paul Southby, partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema, trustee of Clean Rivers Trust, chair of Nottingham Partners, board member of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, and former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire.
Dress code is standard business attire.
Thanks to our sponsors:
- Most active agent
- Commercial development of the year
- Responsible business of the year
- Residential development of the year
- Developer of the year
- Deal of the year
- Architects of the year
- Excellence in design
- Sustainable development of the year
- Contractor of the year
- Overall winner (this award cannot be entered, with the winner, and recipient of a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000, selected from those nominated for the event’s other awards)
Nominations end Thursday 5th September
Tickets can now be booked for the 2024 awards event, click here to secure yours.
Taking place in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground on Thursday 3rd October, from 4:30pm – 7:30pm, connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region.
Attendees will also hear from keynote speaker Paul Southby, partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema, trustee of Clean Rivers Trust, chair of Nottingham Partners, board member of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, and former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire.
Dress code is standard business attire.
Thanks to our sponsors:
To be held at:
Global Brands expands spirits portfolio with Irish acquisition
Chesterfield-based Global Brands has announced a further expansion of its spirits portfolio, thanks to its recent partnership with Shanky’s Whip, the original Irish black liqueur and whiskey blend.
The partnership will see Global Brands take full UK distribution for Shanky’s Whip across on and off trade, online and cash and carry channels. The strategic alliance comes on the back of Global Brands’ recent spirits focus, having recently announced their off trade partnership with Red Leg Rum and the launch of Take, their own flavoured Tequila.
Owned by importer and distributor Biggar & Leith, Shanky’s Whip is a unique Irish whiskey liqueur, blended with vanilla and caramel, made to shot, sip, or mix. Shanky’s current major listings include Greene King, Amazon, Costco and Whitbread, amongst other regional groups and venues.
Global Brands, whose portfolio includes VK, Hooch, and Franklin & Sons, is set to leverage its robust distribution network, and market insights to enhance the market prominence of Shanky’s Whip, propelling its growth by positioning the brand as a challenger against mainstream competitors.
Julian Atkins, MD at Global Brands, said: “Becoming the UK distributor for Shanky’s Whip marks another milestone in our ongoing spirits strategy as we continue to diversify the business into new categories through a combination of NPD and working with established industry partners. Elwyn Gladstone and Mark Teasdale have an amazing track record of creating and building brands and we are delighted to be working with them.”
“Shanky’s authentic provenance, unique brand proposition and iconic flavour is fast becoming a consumer favourite, and we’re looking forward to leveraging our capabilities to support the brand.”
Elwyn Gladstone, Founder of Biggar & Leith, added: “This partnership with Global Brands will help to expand our distribution footprint across the UK. We have enjoyed tremendous growth for Shanky’s Whip overseas and see real opportunity here in the UK.”
“Global Brands will play a key role in our UK growth, and we look forward to seeing the results of the partnership come to fruition over the coming months, on our journey of achieving key grocery listings.”
30,000ft² of warehouse space let on Sherwood Park
Acting on behalf of longstanding clients, Tim Gilbertson of FHP Property Consultants has let a substantial warehouse at Sherwood Park just off Junction 27 of the M1 motorway.
In this latest letting on the park, a long lease has been agreed to expanding local occupier Staytite, who have taken over 30,000ft² of accommodation set on a large site.
Tim Gilbertson, director of FHP, said: “Once again it has been a pleasure acting on behalf of our longstanding clients to dispose of another unit for them here, this is the latest in a number of lettings we have undertaken over the last few years and it has been a pleasure once more to act on their behalf.
“Equally, it has been enjoyable to work with Staytite and see their expansion and relocation from slightly further north taking benefit of this excellent building which sits adjoining the M1 motorway.
“In a market where demand remains healthy, supply levels are really dropping now but we continue to see disposals happen in this mid-range sector, and this latest letting of 30,000ft² takes more space from our market so I applaud Staytite in securing this building so quickly.
“From our client’s perspective, it’s been a great deal as not only have we given them a new occupier but also done so in double quick time leaving virtually no void period between the departure of the former tenant and the arrival of the new one.
“My best wishes to both parties and I’d be delighted to speak to clients both old and new for any industrial or distribution space that they have coming available in the East Midlands as we continue to experience decent levels of demand and very limited supply in all locations and sectors.”
Andrew Black, Managing Director of Staytite, said: “This fantastic facility quadruples our previous storage capability and will allow Staytite to expand in line with the needs of our manufacturing and rail customers.
“Its strategic location offers swift delivery of expertise to the Midlands and North of England, ensuring we meet our clients’ demands with enhanced efficiency and reduced lead times.”
Refurb will have pub open again by end of next month
Building work has started on a £243,000 revamp of The Crown on the market square in the centre of Rugby with a view to its re-opening at the end of next month, having created six new jobs.
Every element of the interior will benefit from the investment including the installation of new furniture, wide planked timber floors, a feature fire place, carpet and lighting and redecoration of the toilets.
Local resident Joe Wild will be taking on the management of the pub, and says: “I am looking forward to opening the doors, meeting customers, and getting to know them. I want The Crown to offer relaxed top-quality drinks, good company, and great service – the sort of place I would like to go.
Nathan Darby, Star Pubs Business Development Manager, said: “The Crown is a lovely characterful pub in a prominent location in the town. In has become tired looking in recent times and so fallen out of favour. With its upgrade, new look and with Joe at the helm I am sure it will become a popular town centre local once again. I wish him and his new team every success.”
The refurbishment at The Crown is part of a £39m investment that Star Pubs & Bars is making in 621 pubs in 2024.
