Terry Ball runs elaborate mollusc-based tax avoidance schemes that are costing London councils millions of pounds. Yet when London Centric tracks him down, an even stranger story emerges.
Thanks Jo - it genuinely does pay for this stuff, which takes months to put together. But hopefully it also convinces you to remain a subscriber, which means more stories like this can come in future!
This is a great read, but it's pleasing to be able to almost see the grin on Jim's face when he realised he could get "shell companies" right into the lede.
I've been tempted to subscribe for a few months, but this is just unmissable content - "take my money". I'm sure I'm not the only newbie today. Cracking stuff.
Thanks for subscribing and directly paying the costs of reporting it! No overheads or investors…. the pounds go on research, freelance fees, graphics, train tickets for speculative trips to snail farms, etc…
Aspects of this remind of Michelle Mone story. Particularly a company owning money and emptied of assets to enable it not to have to pay. Surely the solution should be to stop the facade that zero liability is the be and end all of entrepreneurial enterprise and just make company directors personally liable in certain circumstances.
Yet again, outstanding journalism! This has absolutely started my weekend off well!!
This is one of the few subscriptions I genuinely believe I get value from. In some ways it is such a fantastical story, and yet, in others sadly it is a reminder that our tax system is so full of complications and exceptions that it enables this sort of business to be enabled. And yet again, the law, the government and the councils are seriously behind the curve in being able to fix it.
I just read this to my partner over our Saturday morning pot of coffee, and we cackled throughout. Hurray for the story and TerryBall (His real name… sounds like ‘terrible’?! ahahaha) but also, Jim, hurray for your writing. That last line 👏🏼 Please ensure you enter it for all the industry awards 🏆
Ah, the lovable rogue trope! I can just see casting directors checking Toby Jones' availability. Although I suspect the reality may be a bit grimmer.
I think it must count as the first time I've seen HMRC suggested as a sort of social service, supporting the mental health of older people.
In my younger days, I lived in places where it wasn’t unusual to find snails (even if they were unwelcome). I wonder if we should have tried to get a tax break.
Genuinely delighted my subscription pays for work like this. Thanks Jim.
Also: this is mad, almost fantastical. And no doubt true.
Thanks Jo - it genuinely does pay for this stuff, which takes months to put together. But hopefully it also convinces you to remain a subscriber, which means more stories like this can come in future!
This is a great read, but it's pleasing to be able to almost see the grin on Jim's face when he realised he could get "shell companies" right into the lede.
I particularly liked “snail shell companies” on the graphic
Exactly. Definitely earns 2 marks.
This is the best thing I’ve read all year. Brilliant story. Have to say I quite liked the guy; would make a cracking tv miniseries
Agree! Netflix deal or film rights should be acquired!
"Giuseppe is a very good judge of character" - this the same guy who was ratted out by his friend and went to jail for 4 years?
Hah no one is perfect!
Baffling to read pre-coffee
I've been tempted to subscribe for a few months, but this is just unmissable content - "take my money". I'm sure I'm not the only newbie today. Cracking stuff.
Welcome aboard! Your subscription fee will be going straight out of the door to hire more journalists...
What a brilliant read and great piece of writing! I was gripped! Thank you for doing this work and sharing.
Thanks for subscribing and directly paying the costs of reporting it! No overheads or investors…. the pounds go on research, freelance fees, graphics, train tickets for speculative trips to snail farms, etc…
Great journalism again.
Aspects of this remind of Michelle Mone story. Particularly a company owning money and emptied of assets to enable it not to have to pay. Surely the solution should be to stop the facade that zero liability is the be and end all of entrepreneurial enterprise and just make company directors personally liable in certain circumstances.
Yet again, outstanding journalism! This has absolutely started my weekend off well!!
This is one of the few subscriptions I genuinely believe I get value from. In some ways it is such a fantastical story, and yet, in others sadly it is a reminder that our tax system is so full of complications and exceptions that it enables this sort of business to be enabled. And yet again, the law, the government and the councils are seriously behind the curve in being able to fix it.
Great writing, what a story. Can the people behind The Gold make the TV drama please?
One question - what happens to all the snails..?
They get plastered in garlic and parsley of course.
they cannibalise themselves and die
What a scoop Jim!! And I can’t help liking the guy.
Brilliant stuff, have shared on socials. Counting down the minutes until the Mail rips off this story.
I just read this to my partner over our Saturday morning pot of coffee, and we cackled throughout. Hurray for the story and TerryBall (His real name… sounds like ‘terrible’?! ahahaha) but also, Jim, hurray for your writing. That last line 👏🏼 Please ensure you enter it for all the industry awards 🏆
I can only imagine how you felt getting on that train at Preston. Amazing work!
Shell shocked?
I’ll get my coat…
Ah, the lovable rogue trope! I can just see casting directors checking Toby Jones' availability. Although I suspect the reality may be a bit grimmer.
I think it must count as the first time I've seen HMRC suggested as a sort of social service, supporting the mental health of older people.
In my younger days, I lived in places where it wasn’t unusual to find snails (even if they were unwelcome). I wonder if we should have tried to get a tax break.