Insider blows the whistle on multi-million pound tax avoidance 'factory'

clock

Failed tax avoidance business Welbeck hired young actors to push schemes onto City big earners, and reaped millions in commissions that fuelled lifestyles of fast cars and exotic holidays, according to a whistleblower who worked at the firm.

Welbeck Solutions sold pensions and financial products, but it specialised in tax avoidance schemes such as Icebreaker and Liberty, which have since been banned by HMRC and tax tribunals. Celebrities including Take That's Gary Barlow and Mark Owen used the schemes, and have in some cases have been forced to repay hundreds of thousands of pounds. But Welbeck's biggest targets were City investment bankers, according to a whistleblower who spoke to the Independent newspaper. The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) has agreed to deal with tax avoidance cases where there is an...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Tax planning

Tax year-end/tax year-start: Unfounded fears and enormous upside

Tax year-end/tax year-start: Unfounded fears and enormous upside

'Clients are tuned in to tax efficiency'

Phillip Wickenden
clock 27 March 2025 • 5 min read
Treasury set to benefit from a £2.4bn boost from IHT

Treasury set to benefit from a £2.4bn boost from IHT

Will raise £14.3bn after pensions come under the IHT umbrella

Isabel Baxter
clock 26 March 2025 • 2 min read
Spring Statement 25: Labour throws down the gauntlet on tax evasion

Spring Statement 25: Labour throws down the gauntlet on tax evasion

Aims to raise extra £1bn per year through crackdown

Jen Frost
clock 26 March 2025 • 2 min read