Latest news with #YieldGallery
Daily Mail
17-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
TONY HETHERINGTON: Gallery that had two disqualified directors on its staff is wound up
Tony Hetherington is Financial Mail on Sunday's ace investigator, fighting readers corners, revealing the truth that lies behind closed doors and winning victories for those who have been left out-of-pocket. Find out how to contact him below. An art investment company that The Mail on Sunday revealed had employed two barred directors – one with a jail record for fraud – has been wound up after the High Court heard evidence from the Insolvency Service of numerous 'matters of concern'. Artwork Holdings used the name 'Yield Gallery' and advertised works by Banksy, Andy Warhol and Tracey Emin. In 2023, I warned that one of its bosses, described as the gallery's creative director and named as Jon Sullivan, was actually Jonothan Piper. In 2016, Piper was given five-and-a-half years after admitting fraud, money-laundering and tax offences. He cheated clients of his company Embassy Wine UK out of £300,000 which should have bought wine as an investment. He was banned from acting as a company director until 2026. Yield Gallery employed Anthony Allen as a salesman. He is banned from being a director until 2031 after his firm Global Neutral sold near-worthless carbon credits as investments. It was ordered into liquidation by the High Court and Allen was described as unfit to be a director. Investors lost £386,000. Insolvency Service investigators found Yield's accounts were 'inaccurate', with suspicions of underpaid VAT and corporation tax. When they saw its bank accounts for one period, they identified deposits of just over £2million, yet sales brought in £4.2million, which suggested that more than half its income did not go into its bank accounts. In 2020, Yield obtained a Covid bounce-back loan of £50,000. To qualify, it needed turnover of at least £200,000, but according to the Insolvency Service its accounts showed a turnover of zero. Director David Izzard said the loan was legitimate as the accounts were wrong. But when investigators queried £100,000 the business appeared to owe in tax, he said he was 'unable to comment on the accuracy of the accounts'. Edna Okhiria, chief investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: 'Unreliable and inconsistent accounts were uncovered which did not provide a fair representation of the company's business. The company and its director also failed to sufficiently co-operate with our investigations.' The Official Receiver has been appointed liquidator and will prepare a report on the conduct of the director. The Insolvency Service's court success in shutting Izzard's company may have a knock-on effect at the Financial Conduct Authority. The watchdog's public register shows Izzard is approved by the FCA as the director of Essex firm Loyal Finance. But company records show he quit in January and signed Loyal Finance over to his daughter Bridie. She also works for her father's art business, where her job includes overseeing Yield Gallery's compliance with money-laundering laws. The art world is vulnerable to money-laundering and dealers must register – yet the Insolvency Service says the gallery failed to sign up. Will last Monday's court case affect Izzard's FCA approval? A spokesman declined to comment directly about Izzard, but added: 'We will consider the findings of other regulators and enforcement agencies in deciding whether someone is fit to be approved. We expect the firms we regulate to consider them too.' The gallery business and its art sales are continuing, still under the name Yield Gallery but owned by another company, YG Group, run by David Izzard. His solicitor said an appeal may be lodged against the winding up order. In a letter to the Insolvency Service, the lawyer accused it of suggesting on its website that Yield Gallery has sold works by Banksy and Andy Warhol that are not genuine. He said unless Insolvency Service officials remove the claim, they may be sued for defamation. BA owed me over £1,000 for a delayed flight 7 months ago B.T. writes: Our British Airways flight last October was delayed 24 hours. BA told us we are due £1,040 as a result. We have now supplied our bank details eight times but we have still received nothing. Tony Hetherington replies: BA never questioned that your flight was delayed and never questioned that you were entitled to £1,040 to make up for this, but inexplicably the money never reached your Nationwide account. After I contacted BA, the airline called you. Someone there had recorded your bank sort code wrongly! The £1,040 has now landed in your account and BA has given you £400 in Avios points to make up for the delay. If you believe you are the victim of financial wrongdoing, write to Tony Hetherington at Financial Mail, 9 Derry Street, London W8 5HY or email Because of the high volume of enquiries, personal replies cannot be given. Please send only copies of original documents, which we regret cannot be returned.
What's On
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
12 fantastic new things to do in Dubai this May
New month, new things to do in Dubai… Dubai never hits pause, and May is packed with everyday excitement and new things to do across the city. With the cooler weather fading and early summer setting in, it's the perfect time for poolside relaxation, lively music concerts, art galleries, new restaurant openings, and pop-ups. Here are 12 fantastic new things to do in Dubai this May. INA INA is here – the highly-anticipated fire-cooking concept at J1 Beach just touched down, and it's bringing the renowned Chef Glen Ballis to Dubai to bring the venue to life. INA will complete the circle of 13 restaurants at J1, a beachfront destination unlike any other in the city. This is the perfect time to open the venture, as guests will be able to enjoy the full potential of the restaurant with outdoor seating built for the winter months, with an open-air retractable roof, from where they will be able to view the industrial-style grill directly, located off of the main dining space. INA, J1 Beach. @ London's Yield Gallery One of London's standout contemporary art spaces has officially landed in Dubai. Yield Gallery has set up shop in One Central with a compact new space showcasing works by the likes of Andy Warhol, Banksy, Richard Hambleton, Hockney, and more. Known for mixing blue-chip names with rising talent, Yield's Dubai launch is a smart stop for art lovers, collectors, and anyone looking to escape the heat with something a bit more inspiring. Yield gallery, Ground Floor, One Central, Dubai World Trade Centre. Visits are by appointment only – to book, contact (0)54 746 2112. @yield_gallery NETTE, Al Barari The much-loved café from Al Quoz has just dropped its second location – this time in the middle of the lush, green oasis that is Al Barari. Think matcha in the garden, French-Japanese flavours with a twist, and a vibe that makes you want to stay way past lunch. Expect the same creativity that made the original a cult favourite, now served with a side of nature. The all-day menu is stacked with hits like the Katsu Beef Burger, Okonomiyaki Omelette, and French Onion Ramen (yes, that's a thing – and yes, you need to try it). There's also a fresh drop of NETTE merch in-store, so you can take a piece of the café home with you. Between the breezy garden seating, good coffee, and slow-living energy, this one's definitely worth the drive. NETTE, Al Barari. Tel: (0)4 329 4800. Music Loves Company Music Loves Company is a café by day, bar by night, and a live entertainment hotspot all in one. Expect everything from chilled coffee catch-ups to late-night comedy and gigs, with great food and drinks to match. The vibe is a laid-back, social space where music lovers, coffee enthusiasts, and comedy fans can hang out. Whether you're here for a relaxed afternoon or to catch a live show, the vibe is always lively. The menu features coffee, fresh juices, hearty wraps, colourful salads, and sweet treats like stuffed cookies and banana bread. The cocktail list is fun, with drinks inspired by classic song lyrics. Music Loves Company, Expo City Dubai. @wearemlc_ Dubai Restaurant Week Running from 9 to 25 May, Dubai Restaurant Week is a solid excuse to eat your way around the city without blowing the budget. Over 100 restaurants are in on it this year, each offering limited-time menus – think two-course lunches for Dhs125 and three-course dinners for Dhs250. Whether you're in the mood for sleek Cantonese, laid-back British comfort food, or buzzy Japanese bites, the line-up covers a lot of ground. It's also a good chance to finally book that spot you've been meaning to try. We'll be sharing our guide to the spots worth checking out, so stay tuned. Solomun, Rampa, and more at Playa Pacha Solomun If you know house music, you know Solomun, a name that needs no introduction. And when Solomun steps behind the decks, you already know what's coming – deep, melodic sounds and the kind of atmosphere that only a Pacha event does well. This Friday, May 2, the maestro himself is taking over Pacha ICONS at Playa Pacha, FIVE LUXE JBR. Pacha ICONS at Playa Pacha, FIVE LUXE, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Friday, May 2, tickets starting at Dhs200. Tel: (0)4 455 9989. @playapachadubai. Rampa If you've been waiting for a reason to get dressed up, stay out late, and dance all night – this is it. Pacha ICONS at FIVE LUXE is bringing out the big names this Saturday, May 3, and the lineup is not playing around: Rampa (Keinemusik royalty), Benji B (your favourite DJ's favourite DJ), and Anrey (deep, emotional – all the good stuff). Playa Pacha, FIVE LUXE, JBR. Saturday, May 3, 7pm onwards, tickets: starting at Dhs500 for dancefloor access, VIP tables from Dhs2,500. KŌR Pilates KŌR Pilates is launching soon at InterContinental Dubai Marina – and it's more than just a workout. Expect precision-focused reformer sessions designed to build strength and balance, with a touch of luxury woven in. Post-class, you can hang back for refreshments and a bit of calm. It's a polished new spot for anyone who simply loves movement. KŌR Pilates, InterContinental Dubai Marina. @korpilatesdubai Pai Thai's floating market, Jumeirah Al Qasr Something seriously cool is floating into town. Every Saturday until May 3, Pai Thai is turning the waterways of Jumeirah Al Qasr into a full-blown Thai floating market—think Bangkok energy, Dubai style. Hop on an abra, cruise through lush canals, and snack your way through live cooking stations serving up proper Thai street food, tropical drinks, and sweet bites. It's not just about the food either – expect traditional performances, vibrant décor, and all the market vibes without leaving Madinat. A solid way to spend your Saturday. Pai Thai, Jumeirah Al Qasr, every Saturday until May 3, from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. @paithaidubai Caribbean Beach Festival Shoot the breeze and kick back like Bob Marley at Reggae Beachfest, the region's longest-running Caribbean Beach Festival back at Barasti Beach. Enjoy a laid-back 12-hour celebration with music, food, and the perfect dose of Caribbean calm. Pool and beach access included. Barasti Beach, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark, May 3, tickets from Dhs150. Moon Slice This one's for the pizza lovers. Moon Slice, the cult-favourite pizzeria, just landed in Dubai Mall's new District wing, bringing its signature pizzas with it. Cool, low-key and all about quality. Expect authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas, fresh pastas, and more. The District, Dubai Mall. @moonslicepizza The Coterie, Bingo Brunch New brunch concepts galore and The Coterie combines brunch will bingo every Saturday. Feast on signature dishes like Marmite roasties, glazed chicken poppers, and fish 'n' chips, while playing for massive prizes, including a luxury vacation to Istanbul, Phuket, Tbilisi, or Baku. The Coterie, every Saturday, House packages start at Dhs325. @ Images: Supplied/Instagram
