Medisafe Systems was incorporated in March 2010 and traded as a hospital fittings and equipment supplier.

But seven years later, the company began to struggle, and Medisafe Systems entered administration in November 2017, which brought them to the attention of the Insolvency Service.

Investigators established that Loughlin Michael Shannon (74), from Newcastle-on-Tyne was appointed a director of the company in March 2010 but resigned in January 2012.

Just over a year later, Loughlin Shannon voluntarily accepted a three-year disqualification undertaking in March 2013. This was in relation to his conduct as a director of Aycliffe Analytical Service Limited where he was banned for trading to the detriment of the tax authorities.

This meant Loughlin Shannon was banned from managing Medisafe. But his restrictions did not deter him, and Loughlin Shannon continued to act as a director in direct breach of his disqualification for just under two years between December 2014 and September 2016.

On 8 July 2020 the Secretary of State accepted a disqualification undertaking from Loughlin Michael Shannon, after he did not dispute that he acted as a director of Medisafe Systems Ltd whilst disqualified from doing so.

Effective from 29 July 2020, Loughlin Shannon is banned for 9 years from directly or indirectly becoming involved, without the permission of the court, in the promotion, formation or management of a company.

Rob Clarke, Chief Investigator for the Insolvency Service, said:

Loughlin Shannon thought he could get away with disregarding his ban when he continued to act as a director of Medisafe Systems. However, his actions caught up with him when the company went into insolvency and his misconduct came to light.

A nine-year ban is a significant amount of time to be disqualified and should serve as a stark warning to other directors to respect the terms of any undertaking you sign.

Loughlin Michael Shannon is of Newcastle on Tyne and his date of birth is November 1945.

Medisafe Systems Ltd (Company number 07199293).

Aycliffe Analytical Service Limited (Company number 06461813)

Disqualification undertakings are the administrative equivalent of a disqualification order but do not involve court proceedings.

Persons subject to a disqualification order are bound by a range of restrictions.

Further information about the work of the Insolvency Service, and how to complain about financial misconduct.

You can also follow the Insolvency Service on:

Funding to help communities in urban and deprived areas plan their local neighbourhoods will almost double, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has announced (Monday 10 August).

From today, Government grants to individual neighbourhood planning groups in both urban and deprived areas will increase to £18,000. This follows funding increasing from £9,000 to £10,000 in May to help with the effects of coronavirus.

The funding boost will strengthen the voice of local communities in some of the most disadvantaged areas in England.

The Government also announced it is providing these groups with access to additional technical expertise free of charge, such as for assessing their area’s housing needs, or developing masterplans.

Today’s changes follow last week’s launch of Planning for the Future – the Government’s overhaul of the outdated planning system to deliver the high-quality, sustainable homes communities need.

At the heart of the proposed reforms are measures to ensure local communities are consulted from the very beginning of the planning process. By harnessing the latest technology through online maps and data, the whole system will be made more accessible.

Housing Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said:

The Government is overhauling the country’s outdated planning system to deliver the high-quality sustainable homes the country needs.

Under the new system local communities will be in the driving seat deciding what is built and where. I want to ensure all communities have a strong voice in this process which is why I am doubling the funding available in some of the most deprived parts of the country to help residents in these areas shape the future of their neighbourhoods.

Cllr Sue Baxter, Chairman, National Association of Local Councils said:

England’s local (parish & town) councils are at the forefront of neighbourhood planning and make up the vast majority of the 2,600 places using this important tool in the planning system to shape development and housing in their areas.

This additional grant funding for disadvantaged communities is particularly welcome and will provide a vital extra boost to help hundreds of areas prepare a plan.

NALC would encourage local councils in those areas to use this additional funding to get started on neighbourhood planning to help build back better communities.

Communities with an adopted neighbourhood plan in unparished areas are able to fast track the process to set up a local council so they can also benefit from local leadership and support the wider benefits and ambitions of neighbourhood planning.

Tony Burton, Convener of Neighbourhood Planners. London said:

With the planning system undergoing major reform it has never been more important that communities take advantage of their right to plan their neighbourhood.

We welcome the new and additional support to neighbourhood forums across London and other urban areas.

This will help put local communities on the front foot in planning the future of their areas.

• Neighbourhood planning groups are local people who shape planning decisions in their area – such as the location of new homes, shops, offices and green spaces – through the production of neighbourhood plans.
• Neighbourhood planning enables communities to play a much stronger role in shaping the areas in which they live and work and in supporting new development proposals. A neighbourhood plan forms part of the development plan and sits alongside the local plan prepared by the local planning authority, as the starting point for planning decisions.
• Neighbourhood planning groups who wish to seek funding and technical support can do so by applying through Locality’s website: neighbourhoodplanning.org
• The criteria for falling in to an ‘urban’ area is being non-parished; the criteria for falling in to a ‘deprived’ area is being amongst the 20% most deprived areas in England in accordance with the Index of Multiple Deprivation; and therefore areas that are either non-parished, amongst the 20% most deprived areas, or both non-parished and amongst the 20% most deprived areas, would be eligible for the additional grant and technical support.

• Shoppers are being urged to hit the high street and support their local businesses during Shop Local Week (10-16 August)
• shopping local helps support the local economy, creates jobs and boosts local communities
• businesses have brought in a wide range of measures, such as plastic partitions at tills and hand sanitiser stations, to protect customers

Shoppers across the UK have been urged to do their bit and take part in Shop Local Week (10-16 August) to help local businesses rebuild from the coronavirus pandemic.

Shop Local Week is part of the government’s Enjoy Summer Safely campaign, encouraging people to get back to the way of life they have missed, while following safety guidelines.

From popping into a local family-run bakery for a loaf of bread, or buying a quirky gift from an independent shop, by shopping locally people can help local business owners and local communities get back up and running.

To help kick off Shop Local Week, here are eight reasons why customers should visit the high street this week:

1. Help the high street and support the local economy

Shopping at local businesses pumps money into the local economy, and by spending money in their local shop, restaurant, café or pub, shoppers can do their bit to aid our national recovery across the country.

2. Save jobs – and create even more

Supporting our high streets creates jobs in local communities, supporting often young and disadvantaged people to find employment. Helping to grow the number of jobs in our local areas makes for a better place to live and work, which then creates a healthy economy for the community.

3. Great deals

People might be surprised to see just how competitive the prices are in your local shops. Independent retailers often reward regular customers, while others often provide great deals that can’t be found in major outlets – meaning people save money as they spend. Consumers can also save money eating out – the Eat Out to Help Out discount scheme is being provided by the government, saving diners up to £10 per head on eat-in meals on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in one of the 73,000 participating businesses.

4. A safe way to shop

Businesses across the country have been following government guidance and implementing a range of measures to ensure people are safe while they shop, such as customer limits inside the store, plastic partitions at tills and hand sanitizing stations.

A thriving high street is key to boosting the potential of a village or town where people can socialise as well as shop. Local businesses also generate revenue to support council services such as libraries, parks and roads that benefit communities across the UK.

6. Spoilt for choice

Small and local businesses often stock items which are made locally and aren’t available elsewhere else, providing a great range of choice and unique products that bring much-needed originality and variety into communities – including rare finds and items that aren’t mass produced.

7. A better shopping experience

Small businesses are often run by people who live nearby. As the UK continues to recover from the pandemic, the experience of buying locally from a friendly face offers a dose of normality that many people may have missed.

8. Help the environment

Local shops often source their goods locally, helping to reduce their carbon footprint. When shopping local, people are also more likely to walk or cycle to get there – doing their bit to reduce air pollution, reduce traffic and improve the quality of the nation’s high streets.

Business Secretary Alok Sharma said:

From corner shops and florists, to newsagents, cafes and pubs, our high streets are at the heart of every community in every corner of the UK.

Business owners have done an incredible job so far to welcome shoppers back safely, and I hope people across the country will do their bit this week to help our high streets bounce back to protect jobs and support local communities.

Small Business Minister Paul Scully said:

The last few months have been incredibly hard for businesses across the country, which is why the government put in place an unprecedented package of measures to support them.

As small businesses get back on their feet and reopen with new safety measures in place, consumers can lend a hand by shopping local – supporting local companies and jobs.

Michelle Ovens, Director of Small Business Saturday UK and Founder of Small Business Britain said:

Small businesses are the beating heart of communities and town centres up and down the country, and they will be at the centre of the recovery. These small firms – from the local greengrocer, to the neighbourhood gift ship – were there for the nation during lockdown and now they need our support to get back on their feet.

Shop Local is an important campaign to encourage more people to return to shopping locally, in a way that is safe and gives them confidence. The British high street is confronting seismic changes, which have been accelerated by Covid-19. Small businesses are facing a really tough time, but they are also at the forefront of responding to this challenge and evolving these much-loved centres into places that enrich communities and add value to people’s lives. Now is the time to show your local area some love.

Federation of Small Business National Chair Mike Cherry said:

It’s vital now more than ever that we do what we can to support our local small businesses. The past few months have been among the most difficult that businesses have ever had and as we slowly reopen, the public can help by supporting their local businesses. Whether it’s your local grocer, decorators or florist, they all need the support of their communities in order to survive this crisis and thrive.

Even those businesses who haven’t been able to reopen their stores, or members of the public who are continuing to shield, then shopping online is a great way to still do your part. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy nationwide, but crucially are the cornerstones of our local communities.

Notes to editors

• Shop Local Week resources, including digital assets for businesses, consumers and associated organisations, are being distributed to small businesses.
• The Eat Out to Help Out scheme is running from 3 to 31 August. More information is available here
• Shop Local Week will run from 10 to 16 August 2020 as part of the government’s Enjoy Summer Safely campaign
• As part of Shop Local Week, the government is providing resources and support to small businesses to help them to engage local customers with the shopping experience in store and online, including template digital content to share with their followers
• Customers are also encouraged to share their positive experiences of returning to local businesses on social media.
• Details of the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, including participating businesses, can be found on the Gov.uk website

• Nursing careers made more accessible through ‘earn and learn’ route
• Up to 2,000 nursing apprentices to be trained every year for the next 4 years

Nursing careers in England will be made more accessible through a new government package worth up to £172 million, which will enable healthcare employers to take on up to 2,000 nursing degree apprentices every year over the next 4 years.

The news comes as interest in health careers has surged, with the number of people looking for information on nursing on the NHS careers website rising by 138% between March and June.

Nursing degree apprenticeships provide a route into nursing where people can train to nationally recognised standards and earn as they learn, benefiting those for whom a full-time university course is not practical or preferred.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said:

I’m thrilled to see a rising interest in nursing careers, but we must ensure this fantastic career is truly diverse and open to all.

Nursing apprenticeships allow students to earn as they learn and this new funding will enable healthcare employers to hire thousands more, helping us to deliver 50,000 more nurses by the end of this Parliament.

Gillian Keegan, Apprenticeships and Skills Minister said:

Nursing apprenticeships are a brilliant way to start a truly rewarding career with our fantastic NHS.  Nurses are at the heart of our NHS and their care, compassion and support of patients save and transform lives across the country every day.

This multi-million pound funding boost will help to support thousands of apprentices to gain the skills they need, and earn while they learn. Apprenticeships are an excellent way for anyone, regardless of their background, to kick start their career or to progress.

NHS and other healthcare employers will receive £8,300 per placement per year for both new and existing apprenticeships. Nursing degree apprentices already receive a salary and have their tuition costs paid for through the apprenticeship programme. The funding will enable employers to meet the costs of taking on apprentices, including staffing costs while apprentices are undertaking education and training.

The nursing degree apprenticeship is a 4-year course with placements available in the 4 fields of adult, children, mental health and learning disability, after which students can qualify as fully registered nurses. NHS and social care employers currently train around 1,000 nurse apprentices every year.

In addition to this funding, employers in England will also benefit from a new payment announced last month of £2,000 for each new apprentice they hire aged under 25, and £1,500 for each new apprentice they hire aged 25 and over, up until 31 January 2021.

The news comes the week after the NHS People Plan was published setting out how the NHS will put staff wellbeing at its heart with a new recruitment, retention and support package. It sets out practical support for wellbeing such as safe spaces to rest and recuperate, wellbeing guardians and support to keep staff physically safe and healthy.

Case studies

Adam Cramp, 29, completed a Nursing Degree Apprenticeship at Broadmoor Hospital, part of West London NHS Trust, said:

This scheme has given me an opportunity that I would never have thought possible. I left school without any A-Levels and worked in retail, security and as a healthcare assistant, where I realised I wanted to support patients and I am now a registered nurse.

Without this apprenticeship, I would not have been able to get the qualifications I needed due to barriers in attending university, especially as a mature student but now believe that this is the best route into a nursing career regardless of your personal situation.

The support I’ve received from my trust, my university and my managers is incredible and I even won the Apprentice of the Year Award in 2018. I encourage anybody interested to apply, I’m so thankful that I did.

Sophie Hurcombe, 31, a second-year Nursing Degree Apprentice from South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Trust, said:

I joined the trust as a healthcare assistant in 2015 and witnessed first-hand the fantastic opportunities and job satisfaction that my qualified nurse colleagues had. When I saw that the trust was advertising nursing apprenticeships, I knew that this would be an amazing opportunity to progress my career.

As a more mature student, full-time university was not financially realistic for me, so being able to study alongside my role as a healthcare assistant has allowed me to develop my skills and confidence whilst earning a wage.

The support I have received from colleagues has been invaluable and I would recommend a nursing apprenticeship to anyone thinking about getting their foot on the NHS career ladder.

Dennis Little, Head of Workforce Development and Education at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Trust, said:

We introduced the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship to allow experienced healthcare professionals at our trust to train as registered nurses at the University of Sunderland. The programme has allowed our apprentices to utilise the knowledge and experience they have gained through providing high-quality patient care in their nurse training.

Apprenticeships are a great opportunity for people to develop, who may find it difficult to pursue a traditional university route towards nursing, but demonstrate a natural ability to deliver compassionate care to our patients.

We are proud to support our current apprentices and look forward to further developing our skilled nursing workforce in the future.

Becky White, 30, a Nursing Degree Apprentice from West London NHS Trust. said:

I have always wanted to support others with their mental health, and my interest in this grew, working on the rehabilitation wards at Broadmoor Hospital. When they began offering nursing degree apprenticeships, I realised this was the perfect opportunity to develop my career and become a successful mental health nurse.

I now split my time between gaining further on-the-job experience, university, and placements. My role is incredibly varied, and I’m delighted to be in a position where I can achieve and encourage others towards, success.

Background information

The nursing degree apprenticeship funding will be made available at the start of this academic year 2020 to 2021 for existing apprentices or when the apprentice starts their placement with the employer.

The additional apprenticeship funding was announced on 8 July as part of HMT’s ‘A Plan for Jobs 2020’. The payments will be in addition to the existing £1,000 payment the government already provides for new 16 to 18 year-old apprentices, and those aged under 25 with an Education, Health and Care Plan – where that applies.

Details on ‘A Plan for Jobs’ additional funding for employers of apprentices under the age of 25 is available on GOV.UK.