Serious Fraud Office announces investigation into Gavin Woodhouse

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) is investigating suspected fraud and money laundering in relation to hotel and care home entrepreneur Gavin Woodhouse, as well as individuals and companies associated with him.

The conduct under investigation relates to investments offered in care homes and hotels between 2013 and 2019.

The SFO has asked UK-based investors into the suspected fraudulent schemes to complete a questionnaire by 30 September.

It said the information provided would help it to establish the circumstances of the investments offered, identify and pursue new information, and to progress the investigation as quickly as possible.

The SFO invited those who believe they have been a victim of the suspected fraud to check this page for updates and information on support services.

Gavin Woodhouse founded Northern Powerhouse Developments (NPD) to focus on investment in the leisure and tourism industry, including the Afan Valley Adventure Resort development. The group operated a funding system whereby investors forward-bought rooms in hotels, and this money was used to purchase and develop the properties.

Following an investigation by The Guardian and ITV into the finances of Woodhouse's companies, interim managers were appointed to NPD in 2019 "to secure the assets of the company while enabling a detailed assessment and forensic investigation into where many millions of pounds have gone".

A spokesperson for NPD at the time said the group strenuously denied any wrongdoing.

NPD's 10 hotels later fell into administration and have since been closed, put up for sale. The group's Esplanade hotel in Scarborough was acquired by Daish's Holidays.