Latest news with #BCP
Hamilton Spectator
a day ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Dragons' Den star Arlene Dickinson sued for $17.5 million
Celebrity entrepreneur and Dragons' Den star Arlene Dickinson is being sued for $17.5 million. The suit was filed earlier this year by former shareholders and employees of Argyle Communications, a Toronto-based public relations company which was one of four firms which merged with Dickinson's Venture Communications in 2022 to create a communications 'superfirm.' The $17.5 million claim includes $15 million for misrepresentation and unjust enrichment, and $2.5 million in punitive damages. None of the allegations have been proven in court. In a written statement, Dickinson's lawyer blasted the lawsuit, calling it 'nonsense,' and said her legal team is seeking to have the suit tossed out of court. 'An aspect of being a highly successful public figure is that they face nonsense such as this. Arlene will have none of it. These allegations are plainly false and have no basis in fact,' said Jeremy Devereux, a partner at Norton Rose Fulbright. 'Our courts are not the place to pursue petty PR tactics by attempting to diminish Arlene's sterling reputation. We are bringing a motion in the court for an order to dismiss these allegations.' In a statement posted to her social media accounts Monday afternoon, Dickinson also denied the allegations, calling them 'baseless.' 'I understand that being a public figure makes me a target. That comes with the territory. But it's still disappointing that people do this,' Dickinson wrote in her post. 'I want to call this out for what it really is, which is a shameless PR tactic, from a well resourced PR firm, poorly dressed up as a lawsuit. It's a manipulation tactic designed to pressure, distract, or harm my reputation.' The suit accuses Dickinson of overstating Venture's financial health in the lead-up to the takeover of Argyle, then running the merged company — known as Believeco:Partners (BCP) — so badly that cash infusions from a private equity company were required. According to the suit, those cash calls caused the value of the Argyle investors' stake in BCP to drop from 20 per cent to just three per cent, with the merged company losing more than 95 per cent of its original value. (Believeco:Partners changed its name to Changemakers in October.) 'Ms. Dickinson's conduct is egregious, high handed, and deserves condemnation by this Court,' the suit argues. The suit also accuses Dickinson of misusing company funds, including selling her personal furniture to BCP for $175,000, which was later valued at $20,000. 'As 'payment' for this furniture, Ms. Dickinson directed BCP to pay her $165,000 personal credit card debt incurred for a luxury vacation, including the purchase of Chanel bags and watches,' said a statement of claim filed by the Argyle shareholders and employees on May 13. The suit also says that after convincing Argyle shareholders of the wisdom of the deal, Dickinson also convinced several Argyle employees to invest in the combined company. 'The Argyle Employees each invested between $50,000 and $65,000 into BCP. To make these investments, the Argyle Employees dipped into savings, spent inheritance money, and mortgaged their homes,' the suit says. 'Although the Argyle Employees did not know it at the time, the Employee Representations were false. Ms. Dickinson made them intentionally, for the purpose of inducing the Argyle Employees to invest in BCP.' According to the suit, Dickinson also withheld vital information from the former Argyle employees and shareholders, and made 'inappropriate and/or excessive' payments to lawyers and staff, including having a family member on BCP's payroll 'whose role was principally promoting Ms. Dickinson's personal brand.' Argyle's shareholders turned down a competing bid for the firm from a U.S. company, according to the suit. Lawyers representing Dickinson filed a 'Notice of Intent to Defend' with the Ontario Superior Court on Jun. 10. A statement of defence hasn't been filed with the court yet. Last August, BCP sued Dickinson after she resigned as interim CEO of the company. That suit also accused Dickinson of overstating Venture's finances, and argued that caused BCP to overpay for Venture. Dickinson countersued, saying the allegations were designed to sideline her from BCP, as part of an attempt to give private equity firm Canadian Business Growth Fund control of the company. She also denied Venture's finances were misrepresented. ' BCP's late-breaking claims are a pretext to defeat … legitimate employment and shareholder entitlements … and as part of a broader strategy to allow CBGF to assume control over BCP,' Dickinson's counterclaim said. In her counterclaim, Dickinson said she 'provided transparent information to BCP's board regarding Venture's business, and both CBGF and BCP had the opportunity to conduct their own due diligence.'
Asahi Shimbun
2 days ago
- Health
- Asahi Shimbun
9,600 hospitals, care centers in Nankai Trough flooding zone
Some 2,300 medical institutions and 7,300 welfare facilities are at risk of flooding in a tsunami triggered by the long-expected Nankai Trough megaquake, according to a new analysis. In this zone are 12 disaster base hospitals that must now factor in the possibility their operations could be disrupted, according to The Asahi Shimbun's analysis of the government's predicted tsunami flood area announced in March. Each of the hospitals is designated by their respective prefectural government and responsible for providing medical care during major calamities. 30-PERCENT INCREASE The central government revised its Nankai Trough earthquake damage projections for the first time in a decade in March. This revision recalculated tsunami height, arrival time and flood zones across 11 scenarios based on epicenter location and other factors. It predicts a maximum area of 1,151.5 square kilometers, spanning from Fukushima to Okinawa prefectures, is likely to be flooded by a tsunami at least 30 centimeters tall. This represents a 30 percent increase compared to previous estimates after integrating updated topographical data. The Asahi Shimbun analyzed the flood zone map for the 11 scenarios by overlaying it with geolocations from the land ministry's 'Digital National Land Information' data that includes the locations of medical facilities, nursing homes and facilities for people with disabilities. The overlay indicates 2,347 medical facilities in Tokyo and 20 prefectures are located in areas at risk of flooding in at least one of the government's 11 scenarios. This accounts for 3.2 percent of all medical facilities in Tokyo and the 20 prefectures. By prefecture, Tokushima has the highest number of affected medical facilities, with 260 representing 31.6 percent of the prefectural total. Kochi follows with 252 facilities, or 38.2 percent of its total, trailed by Wakayama with 242 facilities comprising 21.8 percent of its total. An even greater number of welfare facilities dedicated to elderly care and individuals with disabilities fall within the predicted flood zone. The combined total for Tokyo and 22 prefectures is 7,270. Among these, Kochi Prefecture has the highest number with 1,286 facilities at 33.4 percent of its welfare facilities. This was followed by Tokushima with 1,199 facilities comprising 28.1 percent of its total and Ehime with 925 facilities making up 13.2 percent of its total. Being caught in tsunami waters of 30 cm or higher is life-threatening, according to the Cabinet Office. Additionally, not only could an earthquake-tsunami combination result in large numbers of injuries, but resulting power outages may endanger the lives of hospital patients. To counter this, the health ministry requires all medical institutions to be prepared to continue operations even after a disaster. However, as of fiscal 2022, only 60 percent of disaster base hospitals and emergency medical centers had established a Business Continuity Plan (BCP). The government's basic countermeasure plan for the Nankai Trough earthquake mandates that hospitals and welfare facilities in areas expected to see flooding of 30 cm or more must create evacuation plans, particularly those with high visitor numbers. Eighty-one percent had done so by 2023. EVACUATE UP, NOT OUT Nanko Hospital in Osaka's Suminoe Ward is one of the medical institutions that found itself at risk of flooding in the government's latest Nankai Trough earthquake damage projections. 'This is a region that has lived in tandem with water,' Tadashi Ito, senior hospital official said. 'So, the risk of tsunami flooding is something we've always anticipated. We will continue to strengthen our countermeasures.' Osaka's hazard map indicates the five-story hospital lies in an area that could experience flooding between 50 cm and 3 meters deep triggered by the Nankai Trough megaquake. The hospital was built in 1971 and does not meet current earthquake standards, but a new six-story facility is under construction nearby. Until then, Ito said the hospital's emergency plan for the current building entails moving patients to higher floors. Staff members are to divide the labor and implement an 'all-hands-on-deck approach' to reduce the evacuation time. Workers would need to evacuate the hospital's 36 inpatients from the second floor and all outpatients from the first floor up to the third floor or higher depending on how severe flooding is. Based on past drills, it takes four staff members about 10 minutes to carry one patient up the stairs to the next floor. This plan will not be as crucial at the new building—the first-floor ceiling is higher and all hospital beds will be located on the third floor and up. (This article was compiled from reports by Shoko Rikimaru, Kanato Ishii, Shun Niekawa and Yasukazu Akada.)
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Plans for 62-bed care home and assisted living village at former garden centre
PLANS have been lodged to build a 62-bed care home with 48 assisted care properties at an abandoned garden centre. Care South, a not-for-profit care provider, has applied to BCP Council to approve a full planning application seeking the redevelopment of the former Oaks Garden Centre as a care village. Located off Queen Anne Drive in Merley, the plans include older persons accommodation with specialist residential care and dementia care facilities. A design and access statement prepared by Corstorphine & Wright, on behalf of Care South, said: 'The redevelopment would make the best use of a brownfield site within the green belt to help fulfil the urgent need for specialised older persons' accommodation in the local area. 'The site would also meet the definition of a 'grey belt' site as defined in the latest version of the National Planning Policy Framework." Care South acquired the former Oaks Garden centre site in 2023 with the purpose of redeveloping it to provide a range of accommodation for older people with care to serve the local area. The care provider has an existing portfolio of 15 care homes, eight of which are located in the Bournemouth, Poole and the Ringwood area. The site is located on the southern side of Queen Anne Drive adjacent to the urban area of Merley. It connects to Gravel Hill to the west and Ringwood Road to the east. The site covers 1.64ha hectares and is categorised as previously developed land within the green belt The site has two existing vehicular accesses from Queen Anne Drive, which previously served the garden centre. The site has a lengthy planning history, with past permissions for uses including retail, business, scaffolding storage, and various structures now deemed lawful through long-term use. In recent years, unauthorised activities such as car sales, coach repairs and vehicle washing led to complaints and enforcement action. Care South purchased the site in 2023, and it is now vacant. The applicant says the proposed redevelopment offers a chance to meet local need and improve the appearance of the area. Adding: 'The proposal will provide much needed accommodation and will improving the aesthetic approach to Merley.'
Scoop
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Gold For NZ Black Dragons At The World Dragon Boat Championships In Berlin
The NZ Black Dragons have launched their biggest international campaign yet with a golden start claiming victory in the 2000m Senior B Mixed Small Boat race on Day One of the 17th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships held in Brandenburg an der Havel, Berlin, Germany. The emotional win was marked by a stirring haka, celebrating a moment of pride, unity, and cultural strength on the world stage. A 90-strong squad is representing Aotearoa across thirty-eight race divisions, supported by coaches, managers, and a passionate crew of whānau. This year's event is the largest in IDBF history, featuring record global participation and the debut of the Breast Cancer Paddlers (BCP) division - a milestone for inclusivity in the sport. Veteran paddler Audrey Wikiriwhi was given the honour of flag bearer at the Opening Ceremony. Audrey first represented Aotearoa in dragon boating in 1993 and over 30 years later, she is still going strong, leading the team onto the world stage in Germany. She was proudly supported in the parade by Chef de Mission Marina McGrath; their youngest squad member Jenna Rope, and the twenty-six athletes representing the BCP category - a powerful symbol of resilience and unity. Chef de Mission Marina McGrath said: 'He kaupapa nui ake tēnei i te whakataetae, he whakanui i te kotahitanga - this campaign is more than just racing; it's a celebration of kotahitanga, the unity that binds us as paddlers, whānau, and a nation. Every stroke we take in Berlin carries the mana of our communities back home. The team have trained with heart, with purpose, and with each other. Now, we stand together; 90 strong, ready to represent Aotearoa with pride, passion, and the spirit of champions.' The team has trained through winter, uniting paddlers from across the motu - from the alpine waters of Queenstown to the heart of Kirikiriroa (Hamilton) in a campaign built on kotahitanga, pride, and purpose. The NZ Black Dragons continue racing throughout the week, flying the silver fern high and aiming to bring home more medals, memories, and momentum for the sport's future in New Zealand.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Impact of cost rises on high street restaurants
As high streets and town centres evolve, local businesses are making changes to adapt. Moving to a suburb in Bournemouth means less overheads according to the owner of Ojo Rojo, which is located on the high street. Another food outlet, Vegivores, has closed as an eatery and is re-opening for pre-booked event space. Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) were given the power to auction the lease of empty shops in December as part of a national trial to revive town centres. "This isn't a goodbye to Ojo Rojo. It's the beginning of a new chapter"; wrote the managing director, Trevor Hill, in a social media post that announced the closure of the venue. Mr Hill told the BBC the company had dealt with difficult times over the last 10 years; "with costs going up and the footfall dropping, unfortunately we haven't been able to marry those two together. "We are looking to move to a suburb where a lot more independents are based and get a smaller building to manage." "Moving out of the town centre will have a big impact" Mr Hill said. "There's not a lot of places left outside of the big chains and a few people have said to us 'why would I come in now?' and it's a shame because I remember eight years or 10 years ago Bournemouth town centre was bustling." Kevin Farrell opened Vegivores in Bournemouth in 2024, five years after launching a restaurant in Reading. Mr Farrell said the journey has been up and down "people are going out less, they're thinking more about where they spend their disposable income so customer frequency is dropping. "From a business perspective the cost of employing people has risen exponentially with the most recent increases in April. "So all of that has made it a very challenging environment to maintain any margins and that's before you get into inflation of ingredients." As well as running the restaurant Mr Farrell has an events business that caters for weddings and birthday parties. "We are still using our location in Bournemouth to do that and we have a lot of loyal customers in Bournemouth that we want to maintain a relationship with. "Instead of being open seven days a week and taking those costs on the chin, we are hosting pop up evenings here to only open for specific things." BCP Council is working to tackle empty units on the high street by working with landlords through the Government's High Street Rental Auctions scheme. Councillor Richard Herrett, portfolio holder for destination, leisure, and commercial operations said it is "in collaboration with the BIDs, and taking a pro-growth planning approach, which has seen number of large redevelopments reimagining the high street. "There is a growing confidence in Bournemouth town centre. In recent months we've seen new businesses including The Ivy, The Botanist, JD Gym, and Savers open. "The space vacated by the WHSmith will soon return to use; whilst Bobby's continues to grow from strength-to-strength." You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Right to rent scheme for empty shops in seaside town More streets set to benefit from gum clean-up BCP Council
