Business

1 Stop directors made millions

Published

11 years ago

April 25, 2014

THE PEMBROKESHIRE HERALD can reveal that 1 Stop Financial Services directors Timothy Hughes and Andrew Rees obtained massive incomes while mis-selling pensions products to nearly 2,000 customers across the UK.

Mr Hughes’ total declared income received during the period October 2010 to November 2012 was £1,511,846, while Mr Rees benefited to the tune of £1,181,437 at the same time.

After obtaining further information from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Pembrokeshire Herald is able to expand and clarify its article concerning the activities of Haverfordwest financial advisors Tim Hughes and Andrew Rees, who formerly traded as 1 Stop Financial Services.

The Herald can reveal that, while the pair were cleared of dishonesty by the FCA, elements of the conduct that led to the pair being ordered to pay penalties to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme in the region of £500,000, are capable of being construed as sharp practice.

In particular, the FCA highlights how the pair managed to rake off referral fees for themselves from a separate and unregulated company, EGI, of which they were both directors and shareholders.

Mr Rees and Mr Hughes not only obtained commission as introducers of business but fees from their customers in the region of £3,000 a time.

This receipt of financial benefit created a conflict of interest, as 1 Stop advised customers to transfer their pensions into a SIPP in order to purchase an underlying investment when Mr Rees and Mr Hughes had also a financial interest in facilitating the sale of that investment to the customer (through EGI). However, the pair failed to disclose, manage and mitigate adequately this conflict of interest.

Even when a declaration was placed into customer documentation recording the link between 1 Stop and EGI, it failed to mention the financial interest of Mr Rees or Mr Hughes in EGI.

As a result of their actions, 1,959 of 1 Stop’s customers were at risk of having invested a total of £112,331,229, mostly from pension funds including some final salary schemes, into SIPPs which may not have been suitable for them.

The FCA also found that customers’ wishes to securely invest their pension savings in secure products were ignored and risky investments entered into instead. In the case of one customer who wished to adopt a low-risk strategy, their final salary pension fund was channeled into an unsuitable and very risky investment.

In addition, customers including a joiner, builder and a publican were all certified by Messrs Rees and Hughes as having a high level of understanding of risky “wrapper-type” investments involving complex property transactions. The FCA did not believe the records created by 1 Stop in this regard.
49% of those customers affected were encourage to invest in overseas property developments operated by Harlequin Properties. None of those customers received any advice from 1 Stop on the suitability of that overseas property investment.

The Harlequin group of companies are engaged in the development and distribution of overseas property investments and resorts.

On January 18, 2013, the FCA issued an alert to financial advisers about investments in overseas properties bought through Harlequin Property. In March, the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) announced that it, together with Essex Police, was looking into complaints in relation to the Harlequin group. Investors who have invested in specific resorts were asked to contact the SFO.

On May 3, 2013 administrators were appointed for Harlequin Properties.

1 Stop customers who invested in risky investments on the advice of Mr Rees and Mr Hughes have been placed at significant risk of potentially losing all of their money.

In light of their personal liability for the negligent and incorrect advice tendered to their customers, Mr Rees and Mr Hughes were both banned from performing any significant influence function in relation to any regulated activity, carried on by any authorised person, exempt person or exempt professional firm.

In both cases, the FCA decided to impose that penalty neither Mr Rees nor Mr Hughes were judged a fit and proper person in terms of competence and capability.

Harlequin Property are the primary agent for Harlequin Hotels and Resorts, who they say create luxury five star resorts in various locations across the Caribbean. Their mission statement is to,
‘deliver excellent long term returns on clients’ investment by selecting property developments in the most desirable locations’.

The Serious Fraud Office told The Herald that: “The SFO, together with Essex Police, continues to investigate the Harlequin group of companies. We are not able to comment on the on-going investigation nor are we able to comment on an individual’s particular investment.”

In 2013 Harlequin were caught up in a mortgage scandal that saw investors in their properties put at risk of losing around £400 million of deposits.

Investors in Harlequin’s various property ventures and hotel resorts were required to pay a deposit of 30% of their property’s price to secure their investment. Where investors needed to take out a mortgage to pay for the remaining 70% of the property purchase, Harlequin offered to provide a loan which the investors could pay back upon completion.

However, investors were then asked to find around £157,150 each to pay for the properties without the aid of Harlequin’s ‘value guaranteed mortgage’.

Gareth Fatchett, partner at Regulatory Legal speaking in New Model Advisor, said, “Only 2% or respondents could complete without a mortgage, which means 98% of people will go into breach of contract, and Harlequin is saying if they don’t complete their payment they’ll lose their deposit. Advisers should have known from the outset there was not a mortgage available. I’d go so far as to say we’ve seen no evidence of a mortgage relating to a Harlequin property. I suspect the 10% or 15% commissions may have made advisers not check. It’s a huge mis-selling [scandal]. Advisers knew the people they were taking into these contracts couldn’t afford to complete, so therefore the mortgage was by far the most vital thing.”

Business

Fresh flavours at new eatery in St Davids

Published

5 hours ago

November 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A NEW brunch spot has opened its doors in St Davids, promising a delicious twist on classic dishes in a welcoming and vibrant setting.

The Brunch House, a passion project by hospitality duo Hannah Bowie and Adam Sawyer, opened at Oriel Y Parc Visitor Centre on Saturday (Nov 16), drawing over 250 visitors on its first day.

With more than two decades of combined industry experience, Hannah and Adam have transformed the space through extensive renovations, creating an inviting environment for locals and visitors alike.

Hannah, who previously ran 35 Main Street in Solva, shared her excitement: “Brunch is my favourite meal of the day, and bringing The Brunch House to life has been a dream come true. We’re thrilled to offer something fresh and unique to St Davids.”

The menu features an inspired blend of Middle Eastern flavours from Hannah’s heritage alongside brunch staples like the Full Welsh and Pancake Stack. Standout dishes, such as chicken and waffles drizzled with house-made hot maple sauce, have already earned rave reviews.

Ben Richardson, one of the first customers, said: “The chicken and waffles were absolutely delicious. We’re already planning our next visit.”

The eatery’s warm atmosphere and quality cuisine have struck a chord with the community. Bethany Ellison, a local customer, remarked: “What Hannah and Adam have created here is phenomenal. The ambience, combined with the exceptional food, makes this place truly special. I wish them every success.”

Adam added: “We’ve worked hard to make The Brunch House our own, and the support from locals and holidaymakers has been incredible. It’s been amazing to see so many people walk through our doors already.”

The Brunch House is open daily from 9:30am to 4:00pm, with food served until 3:00pm.

Pictured above – Brunch with a twist: The Brunch House in St Davids run by Adam Sawyer and Hannah Bowie is the newest spot to enjoy freshly made dishes

Business

Deposit Return Scheme diversion ‘illogical’ says Pembrokeshire brewery

Published

21 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

TENBY HARBOUR BREWERY and local Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz have urged the Welsh Government to reconsider its decision to withdraw from a UK-wide Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) due to its insistence on including glass.

Earlier this week, Climate Change Secretary Huw Irranca-Davies announced that the Welsh Government would no longer participate in the development of a UK-wide DRS, citing issues arising from the UK Internal Market Act 2020. This decision is believed to be influenced by the Welsh Government’s plan to include glass in its scheme—a factor that contributed to the collapse of Scotland’s DRS in 2023.

The move has been met with frustration and anger from numerous organisations, who argue that this divergence will increase costs for Welsh producers and consumers.

Commenting on the matter, Samuel Kurtz said: “This decision is deeply frustrating, and to diverge from a UK-wide scheme shows that it is not one made with the best interests of Welsh consumers and producers at its core.

“The UK market is so interlinked that any decision which places Welsh businesses at a competitive disadvantage should not proceed. These calls from a range of industry and business representatives have been ignored by the Welsh Government.

“For the sake of our businesses and consumers, I urge the Welsh Government to reconsider its decision, align itself with the UK-wide scheme, and provide proper support to Welsh businesses.”

Industries, especially the micro-brewery sector, would be especially hit hard in Wales by the Welsh Governments choice.

Speaking following this announcement, Richard Johnson, Head Brewer at Tenby Harbour Brewery said:

“The brewing industry has had to tread a path through covid lockdowns, energy price increases, a cost of living crisis and rising wage and national insurance bills, making it increasingly difficult for brewers get good returns and re-invest in their businesses.

“Wales is a recycling nation, so a blunt ‘one size fits all’ approach creates additional logistical and financial burdens on the smallest producers, when the very largest producers are generating the majority of the recycling demand.

“It also seems illogical to diverge away from a UK wide scheme which will put Welsh brewers and drinks producers at a disadvantage.

“The UK and Wales has a proud brewing heritage, but adding in measures such as DRS to small brewers means that their time and money are directed to these activities, instead of using their time for innovation and R&D, of which the UK brewing scene is known and revered for.”

Business

Bluestone crowned ‘Best Small Company for UK Parks and Lodge Holidays’

Published

22 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

BLUESTONE is celebrating a major win after being named the Best Small Company for UK Parks and Lodges Holidays at the prestigious British Travel Awards 2024.

The announcement was made at the prestigious awards ceremony this week, marking yet another significant achievement for the popular West Wales destination.

This award recognises Bluestone’s commitment to providing exceptional family holiday experiences at its 500-acre resort in the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this award,” said Bethan Rees, Head of Marketing at Bluestone. “It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, who create magical and memorable experiences for families all year round. We are incredibly grateful to every single one of our guests who voted for us and who choose to visit us year on year.

“When you look at the array of other finalists, the award demonstrates why we’re so proud of winning it. This is due to our continued investment, team, and commitment to environmentally sustainable tourism.”

This award builds on Bluestone’s impressive track record. It has consistently received high praise for its family-friendly facilities, commitment to sustainability, and dedication to providing outstanding customer service. Earlier this year, Bluestone was again recognised by Which? as one of the UK’s top holiday destinations and the best rated in Wales.

The British Travel Awards are the largest consumer-voted awards programme in the UK. Winning this award highlights Bluestone’s position as a leader in the family holiday market and reinforces its reputation as a top choice for unforgettable family getaways.

Bluestone, which employs over 800 people and is one of the largest employers in West Wales, is also committed to investing in its people and local community. It provides extensive training and development through its People Services team and the Bluestone Academy. In addition, it supports a wide range of local projects and initiatives through the Bluestone Foundation.