Money launderers get jail terms after probe by Yorkshire trading standards officials

Stuart Pearcey
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Money launderers get jail terms after probe by Yorkshire trading standards officials

Five money launderers who ran a £1m fraud involving bogus computer service companies have been sentenced to 9 and a half years imprisonment at Leeds Crown Court after after work by tiding standards officers in York and North Yokshire.

The fraudsters had laundered money conned from victims, many of whom were elderly and vulnerable. The sentences were handed out yesterday (3 June 2024).

The sentences follow an investigation led by the National Trading Standards eCrime Team, based at City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council, supported by officers from West Midlands, Staffordshire and Wiltshire police services. Between May 2015 and November 2019, Amanda Grigg (66) of Truro, Cornwall, Jose Kuriakose (50) of Deal, Kent, Gena Harrington (39) of Handsworth, Birmingham, Bindu Devasia (49) of Deal, Kent, and Nicholas Alcide (40) of Birmingham, transferred over £1,289,837 to two India-based brothers behind a network of companies posing as well-known firms (including HP, Microsoft Norton, and Epson) to defraud consumers. The fake companies posted adverts online to lure victims before leading them to believe there were issues with their computers, when in fact there were not. Victims were told that false problems could be fixed for a fee and were persuaded into allowing remote access to their computers. The group laundered the money via a series of UK-based firms which existed only to receive payments from consumers, before forwarding it on to the fraudsters in India. They set themselves up as company directors and, in return, kept a percentage of the money for themselves. One victim paid a total of £4,427.96 to people who he believed worked for HP to resolve a supposed issue with his computer. Someone calling himself Henry, posing as an HP representative, informed him that his computer had been hacked and demanded an immediate payment of £803.98 to fix it. The victim agreed to send a cheque the next day. Despite not noticing any other issues the victim received numerous calls informing him there were further issues with his computer and he was persuaded to make additional payments. The cycle of calls persisted for several months until he grew suspicious and made a report to Trading Standards. The sentences handed down were as follows:
  • Amanda Grigg – 3 years imprisonment, disqualified from being a company director for 6 years.
  • Jose Kuriakose – 50 months’ imprisonment, disqualified from being a company director for 6 years.
  • Gena Harrington – 30 months’ imprisonment, disqualified from being a company director for 6 years.
  • Bindu Devasia – 8 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 2 years. Disqualified from being a company director for 6 years and ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work.
  • Nicholas Alcide – 15 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 2 years. Disqualified from being a company director for 2 years and ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work.
Amanda Grigg, Gena Harrington, Bindu Devasia, Nicholas Alcide and Jose Kuriakose were found guilty of entering into a money laundering arrangement contrary to the to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. A further defendant will be sentenced later, following a Newton Hearing, and another faces trial separately in 2025. Lord Michael Bichard, Chair of National Trading Standards, said: “This group of money launderers had no qualms about enriching themselves off the back of vulnerable and elderly victims – deviously setting up a vast web of companies to hide their criminality. “I commend the National Trading Standards eCrime team for their unwavering efforts to successfully bring prosecutions and disrupt a sophisticated global scam targeting UK consumers. I hope that the sentences handed down today will serve as a powerful reminder to all money launderers that they risk prosecution – regardless of how well-coordinated their operations may seem.”

Yorkshire insurance broker makes Scottish acquisition

Tess Egginton
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Yorkshire insurance broker makes Scottish acquisition
TL Dallas, the independent insurance broking and risk management company, has reached an agreement to acquire Marsh Commercial’s business in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Terms of the transaction, which is expected to close in August 2024, were not disclosed. Bradford-headquartered TL Dallas is a fourth-generation family firm, owned by its management and staff, and it has been in business for more than 100 years. The company has a team of over 165. As part of the agreement, TL Dallas will acquire Marsh Commercial’s teams in Elgin, Inverness and Kirkwall, adding to its existing business in the Highlands and Islands. Polly Staveley, Group Managing Director, TL Dallas, said: “The acquisition of Marsh Commercial’s business in Elgin, Inverness and Kirkwall represents a significant milestone for TL Dallas, as we continue with our strategy to serve local businesses with local teams, whatever their size. We see this as a major growth region for our business.” Alistair Fraser, CEO, Commercial and Corporate, Marsh, added: “I am pleased that TL Dallas, with its strong presence in Scotland’s Highlands and Islands where it serves personal customers and SMEs, will be the new custodian of our offices there. “As the UK’s leading risk and insurance specialist serving SME clients in over 40 offices, Marsh Commercial will continue to serve SME clients in Scotland through its offices in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Oban, and Perth.”

Businesses called to commit to arts and culture with Creative Charter pledge

Tess Egginton
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Businesses called to commit to arts and culture with Creative Charter pledge
Businesses across Hull and East Yorkshire are being urged to pledge their commitment to arts and culture by signing up to a pioneering Creative Charter. The Hull and East Yorkshire Creative Charter is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, connecting businesses and other organisations to the power of cultural creativity. Cultural partnership HEY Creative has issued a rallying call to leaders of private, public and third sector organisations to commit to supporting arts and culture by signing the Charter. Arts and culture contribute over £35m to the economy in Hull and East Yorkshire and bring together communities in more than 250 venues around the region. The Creative Charter aims to build on this and provide a long-term boost to the region’s vital culture and arts sector, which was energised by Hull’s year as UK City of Culture in 2017 but has been impacted by the pandemic and economic pressures in recent years. HEY Creative Chief Officer Max May launched the Creative Charter on the opening day of the region’s annual celebration of business and enterprise. He announced that several leading businesses and organisations had become Founding Signatories of the Creative Charter and urged others to follow their lead. He said: “We passionately believe in the power of arts and culture to unite people from all corners of our region, driving growth, sparking ideas and innovation and promoting wellbeing. “The arts sector delivers so much for our region, but it can’t do it all on its own. That’s why we’ve launched the Creative Charter, to encourage businesses and organisations to support and advocate for culture. “Collaborating with the creative sector can spark fresh ideas which unlock growth opportunities and change the way companies approach challenges. We’re fortunate to have a rich and varied cultural scene across the region and the Creative Charter opens up opportunities for businesses and other organisations to tap into it.” There is no cost or direct financial commitment required to join the Creative Charter. It is simply a declaration to collaborate with the arts sector for collective good. Signatories can work with arts and cultural groups in a wide variety of ways, from simple acts like displaying local artwork on office walls to celebrating culture on their social media channels. Other suggested actions include hosting a business breakfast to connect with arts and culture, donating staff time to support events, sponsoring activities and offering spare training course spaces to creatives free of charge. Founding Signatories of the Creative Charter include Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, the University of Hull, Hull College, Future Humber, For Entrepreneurs Only, the Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, HullBID, Rollits LLP, The Deep and Hull Truck Theatre. Dominic Gibbons, Chair of HEY Creative and Managing Director of Wykeland Group, another of the Founding Signatories of the Charter, said: “Together, through the power of arts and culture, we can unleash valuable potential for individuals, communities, businesses and the wider region. “Arts and culture make us happier, healthier people. It brings our communities together, attracts and retains talent for business, and generates upwards of £35m a year for the region. “We’re asking businesses and organisations, through the Hull and East Yorkshire Creative Charter, to join us in championing our region’s incredible arts and culture, for the benefit of everyone.”

Keyland expands team with Land and Development Manager appointment

Tess Egginton
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Keyland expands team with Land and Development Manager appointment
Keyland Developments Ltd, the property trading arm of Kelda Group and sister-company to Yorkshire Water, has continued its growth plans with the appointment of Joe Boothman as Land & Development Manager. Joe joins from Yorkshire Water where he was a Lead Surveyor in the Land and Property Team, having initially joined Keyland on secondment to cover maternity leave in January 2024. Joe will work closely with Yorkshire Water to identify and promote development opportunities within their portfolio, looking at traditional developments as well as newer Renewables opportunities. This will be done alongside a focus on further growing Keyland’s successful Planning Promotional Agreements (PPA) initiative, which is designed to enable both private and public sector landowners to maximise the development potential from their land risk free. Joe has gained a strong understanding of the Kelda Estate after spending over six years working for Yorkshire Water’s Land and Property team. During this time he gained specialist knowledge on utilities and specifically Telecoms, which he will bring to this role. Luke Axe, Land & Planning Director, Keyland Developments Ltd, said: “Joe has become a valued member of the Keyland team during his recent secondment. His appointment aligns with our growth strategy and his sector specific expertise is a great addition to our collective skillset.” Joe Boothman commented on his appointment: “This role will enable me to bring value to Kelda’s wider estate and grow the promotion side of the Keyland business.”

Staff vote to strike at Sheffield Hallam University

Tess Egginton
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Staff vote to strike at Sheffield Hallam University
UCU (University and College Union) members at Sheffield Hallam University have voted to strike over what it calls “drastic cuts” and the “erosion of terms and conditions.”
87% of members who voted have supported industrial action, on a turnout of 53%. Dates for strikes will be announced in due course. UCU has accused the university of pushing ahead with expensive building projects and satellite campuses, while launching a wholesale attack on staff and students through an unprecedented cuts programme, severely breaching the post-92 contract and national framework, and destroying working conditions. The university has said a further 400 professional services jobs will be axed, with staff facing compulsory redundancy. Around 140 academics have already left following the opening of a voluntary severance scheme in December (2023) and the university has gone ahead with further job losses. UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: “Our members do not take the decision to strike lightly but Sheffield Hallam staff have voted for action because they cannot stand by and let management force though these outrageous cuts which would see teaching, research and academic standards torn to shreds. “It is disgraceful to see that rather than reviewing its spending on new buildings and a satellite campus halfway across the country, management would rather slash jobs, jeopardise academic standards, and tear up our hard-won terms and conditions. If university management do not stop these attacks on staff, they will face unprecedented disruption.” A university spokesperson told the BBC that external pressures had led to “tough decisions.”

“We are disappointed UCU has voted to take action,” a spokesperson added. “Our priority during any industrial action will be to do everything possible to minimise the impact on our students and wider community.”

Cash boosts for Shipley and Keighley businesses

Tess Egginton
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Cash boosts for Shipley and Keighley businesses
Cash boosts for businesses from the Keighley and Shipley Towns Funds are still available and have already made a huge difference across the district. Up to March 2024, 22 businesses in Keighley have been awarded more than £973,000, and 15 businesses in Shipley have received more than £604,000 with the expectation of 151 jobs being created across both areas as a result. The Capital Assistance to Business Growth Programme is part of the Government-funded Towns Fund and there is £4m available to support local businesses in the Keighley and Shipley areas, with approximately £2m allocated to each. Businesses can use the grant to invest in premises, machinery, equipment or property to fit out and bringing disused buildings back into use. Funding has so far been spent on a wide-range of projects by businesses across the district such as expanding and modernising facilities, as well as replacing older equipment with more efficient, up-to-date systems. Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, explained: “It’s so positive to see how this funding is already making such a significant impact. It has directly translated into growth for the businesses who have received it so far and the welcome creation of new jobs for the area. “Grants ranging from £1,500 to £315,000 are still available for businesses within – or looking to move to – the Keighley and Shipley Towns Fund Areas, and other businesses are invited to apply.” Adam Clerkin, chair of Shipley Towns Fund, said: “The process of securing a grant is straightforward and the team at Bradford Council will advise businesses throughout. This kind of support for local businesses is crucial in the current economic climate and we want to make sure that everyone who is eligible, has access to it.” Chair of Keighley Towns Fund, Tim Rogers, added: “Keighley has a proud industrial heritage and a thriving business community. There is funding available for businesses who would benefit and we’re keen to support them. I would encourage anyone interested in applying to get in touch.” The Towns Fund Capital Assistance to Business Growth Programme Funding is available up to March 2026.

BCC launches digital revolution report to enhance secure future for UK firms

Stuart Pearcey
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BCC launches digital revolution report to enhance secure future for UK firms
The British Chambers of Commerce has launched its Digital Revolution report outlining a framework to create a connected, dynamic and secure future for UK businesses. Among the recommendations are:
  • Government should appoint an AI champion for SMEs who will help spearhead a programme to improve business use of artificial intelligence.
  • Government should explore social tariffs for lower-income areas, to enable more people to access broadband services – including small businesses.
  • Wireless Network infrastructure should be strengthened through a pro-investment policy framework supported by a planning regime that unlocks the UK’s 5G ambitions.
  • The government should work with the insurance industry to create a reinsurance pool that underwrites cyber risk for business.
The Digital Revolution report is a key part of the BCC’s Election Manifesto focusing on the ‘Future of the Economy’. It draws on expertise from businesses of all sizes, academia, Chambers and think-tanks. The report outlines a series of clear asks from policymakers on broadband, wireless connectivity, cyber security and AI. Martha Lane Fox, President of the British Chambers of Commerce and Chair of the Business Council, said: “The pace of technological change is speeding up, not slowing down. That’s a fantastic opportunity for business. “Our report calls on the next government to put energy into the further modernisation and digitisation of the UK. Not just for the few but, for everyone. “We need rocket boosters under high-speed broadband rollout. A fast, reliable and affordable connection is now fundamental for every company. They also need support to deal with cyber security which is both a daunting prospect and a pressing risk for companies. “We need a sustained commitment from all politicians to make sure that the UK – through its amazing businesses – keeps pace in the fast-moving digital world.” Priya Guha MBE, Venture Partner at Merian Ventures and Chair of the Digital Revolution Challenge Group said: “Our report focuses on four related areas – broadband, wireless connectivity, cyber security and AI. “Every company now needs to be digital, and these four areas are the foundations for competitive and productive businesses. And they are also areas where the government can play an important role in helping firms. “Without the basics of fast broadband, connectivity on the move and cyber risk protection – businesses won’t even be equipped to start exploring how they can benefit from the exciting world of AI. “The ever-changing world of technology is of huge strategic importance to business. Both for their own future, and the future of an innovative economy in the UK where all companies thrive.”

Scunthorpe United splits ownership

Tess Egginton
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Scunthorpe United splits ownership
Scunthorpe United has announced a split of ownership between four of the club’s Directors. Chairperson Michelle Harness has allocated shares to Roj Rahman, George Aitkenhead and Ian Sharp, with the quartet now assuming equal joint ownership of Scunthorpe United Football Club with immediate effect. Speaking about the decision to divide the club, Michelle said: “Nine months ago, I took 92% of the shares of the football club from the previous owner and had Roj, George and Ian at my side from day one. “Since September, we have all worked extremely hard to battle the debt we inherited and work towards a more sustainable model. We’re not there yet, but we have made significant strides, and are on course to achieve this in the coming months. “While we are at the stage where we can run from day-to-day on this sustainable model, I simply cannot grow the football club on my own, and I must also look to safeguard the business should anything happen to me, and should the football club need some additional support. “Roj, George and Ian have shown a massive amount of commitment to this football club, and have made a big impact in helping us get to where we are today. Having them in joint ownership with myself will only help us progress further as we look to grow our reputation back to the well-run business that we can remember from years gone by. “I’d also like to thank all the staff at the football club for their tremendous work ethic, determination and drive to bring us through the last nine months, and to the other members of my Board of Directors, who have all done some incredible work in assisting us to get to this stage. “I have no doubt you will show your unwavering support to Roj, George and Ian, like you have shown to me so far.” Vice Chairman Roj Rahman added: “What Michelle has achieved in the last nine months is nothing short of sensational. She will always be our Iron Lady, and everyone associated with Scunthorpe United will forever have the upmost admiration for what she has done to ensure there is, and will always be, a football club within our community. “We’re all just custodians of this football club at the end of the day, and nothing will change as a result of this joint ownership. Scunthorpe United is a club that will always be for the supporters, for the community, and that will not change, regardless of who has the majority of the shares. “Having had to go through an awful lot in nine months, Michelle wished to further safeguard the future of Scunthorpe United by welcoming George, Ian and I as joint owners. It’s something we’re all delighted to accepted. The hard work doesn’t stop, it only continues to grow, as we work to provide a football club for us all to be proud of.” Following the splitting of the club’s ownership, Michelle Harness will continue as the club’s Chairperson, while Roj Rahman will continue as Vice Chair.

Rolls-Royce SMR picks Sheffield for first-of-a-kind supplier conference

Stuart Pearcey
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Rolls-Royce SMR picks Sheffield for first-of-a-kind supplier conference
Rolls-Royce SMR is to hold its first Supplier Conference on 19 June at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre’s Factory 2050. This is the first event of its kind will be an important part of creating a diverse and resilient supply chain, essential in deploying Rolls-Royce SMR’s ‘factory-built’ nuclear power plant. Existing and potential new suppliers are invited to attend and engage with senior representatives of Rolls-Royce SMR where they can discuss how to become involved in this generational opportunity. Rolls-Royce SMR’s Chief Finance Officer, Peter Morton, said: “Our suppliers, and the wider supply chain, will be critical to the success of Rolls-Royce SMR and in maximising social value. “We want to understand the breadth and depth of the capability and capacity within the supply chain, building on the great conversations we’ve had over the last few years, so we can move forward together at pace. “We’re reaching out to small, medium and large organisations from the UK and further afield – with and without nuclear experience – to ensure we have an inclusive and exciting event with a diverse mix of suppliers.” The Rolls-Royce SMR is the first nuclear power station to be designed and built in the UK for over a generation and offers a radically different approach to delivering new nuclear power. Each ‘factory-built’ nuclear power station will provide enough low-carbon electricity to power a million homes for more than 60 years and will create thousands of long-term, high-skilled jobs. Last year, Rolls-Royce SMR launched a supply chain portal to build new relationships with organisations that have products and services to offer and help them in becoming a Rolls-Royce SMR supplier. More than 700 suppliers have already registered, helping build a strong and resilient supply chain and underpinning Rolls-Royce SMR’s social value commitment.

Heating firm works with City Council to test heat pumps in action in council homes

Stuart Pearcey
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Heating firm works with City Council to test heat pumps in action in council homes
Hull-based Ideal Heating is installing four heat pumps in council homes in the city’s Nornabell Street where they’ll allow Hull City Council to monitor performance and cost as part of a net-zero campaign. Councillor Paul Drake-Davis, the portfolio holder for housing, said the idea was to improve energy efficiency while providing comfort and affordability for residents”. “We have a duty to tackle climate change,” he added. “A significant part of that commitment is the way homes across the city are heated.” Air source heat pumps work by sucking in outdoor air and passing it over tubes containing refrigerant fluids, in order to produce heat. Four neighbouring flats will receive new gas-powered combi boilers, in order to compare their performance with the heat pumps. John Jackson, of Ideal Heating, said the trial could have a real impact on the way homes in the city are heated, as well as reducing bills.
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