Director ban for Signature Group property founder
Summary
Lawrence Kenwright, founder of the collapsed Signature Group, has accepted a five-year director disqualification after the Insolvency Service found he failed to ensure proper stewardship and governance at Signature Works Gold Limited. The company had distributed misleading investment material implying investors would obtain a legal interest in three Liverpool properties, despite not holding registered freehold or leasehold interests in them.
Why it matters
The case highlights the risks posed by misleading property investment promotions and the importance of verifying title and ownership claims. Surveyors may encounter clients, investors or marketing material that overstates property rights, making due diligence and clear reporting especially important.
Key points
- Five-year director ban imposed on Lawrence Kenwright
- Investors lost more than £4.8 million
- Marketing material falsely implied a registered legal interest in three Liverpool properties
- Signature Works Gold Limited did not own registered freehold or leasehold interests in the properties
- Insolvency Service cited failures in stewardship and corporate governance
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