Business

Amigo Loans’ James Benamor Banks £3 Million Pay Day

Published

5 years ago

January 14, 2020

James Benamor, the founder of highly criticized sub-prime lender Amigo Loans has enjoyed a very wealthy start to 2020. The self-confessed former petty criminal who was born Rachid James Benamor, the son of Tunisian immigrants, has banked for himself a £2.9m dividend payout despite being a difficult year a difficult year for Amigo Loans and James Benamor.

Having previously left the board, Benamor, who owns 61% of the company through his vehicle Richmond Group, made a spectacular comeback at the end of the year, returning to the board, and prompting Chief Hamish Paton, chairman Stephan Wilcke and pay committee chairperson Clare Salmon to depart from the troubled lender.

This is a year which saw the Amigo Loans share price more than half, profit warnings, a massive spike in customer complaints and heightened fears of a regulatory crackdown. Yet, despite all this, profits at his holding company inched higher to £70.8m in the year to the end of last March, from £66.9m the year before. The dividend payout was a result of those figures, although 2020 results will most likely tell a different story.

Customer complaints have soared throughout the last 12 months, with more and more disgruntled clients winning cases against Amigo Loans and receiving an Amigo Loans refund. By the end of November 2019, Amigo Loans there were 222,800 borrowers, up 34,000 from the same time last year. However, complaints about Amigo Loans more than doubled in the same period with the to the Financial Ombudsman Service ruling in favour for 59% of the complaints, forcing the Bournemouth based loans company to set aside £10.4m to cover refunds, compensation claims and customer payouts.

The company has also come under heavy criticism from members of parliament. Wes Streeting, a former member of the Treasury select committee and Labour MP for Ilford North, said: “I think it’s worrying that people are turning to short-term, high-interest lenders in greater numbers, but also that the number of complaints is rising. These complaints suggest the problem is not going away. It’s something that needs looking at urgently by the committee.” Meanwhile, Stella Creasy, the Labour MP for Walthamstow said: “These legal loan sharks are trapping people in debt and need to be cracked down on.”

As the complaints and regulatory headwinds around the sub-prime lender gather momentum, the £2.9m dividend payout enjoyed by Benamor may will be his last. Despite Amigo’s loan book standing at £730.7m in December, up 8.8 per cent on the year, approximately £54m of Amigo’s loans were at least 31 days overdue at the end of Q3 in 2019, up from £33m a year ago, which means further complications for the UK’s largest sub-prime lender. Watch this space.

Business

September Joy: HomeCare Bosses United®’s Second CareGrowth AI™ Workshop

Published

2 days ago

September 4, 2024

Matthew Wiles

Sue and Enock Denis, co-founders of HomeCare Bosses United®, are the top industry-leading pair in the non-medical homecare space. Sue Denis began her journey after leaving the nursing world and jumping with both feet into the homecare industry by founding her own homecare agency. Next, she taught those in her local community and online how to do the same in a private Facebook group she created for the purpose. Now, that group has over 13k members.

She and Enock’s latest venture — the CareGrowth AI™ software developed specifically for homecare agencies — is but the next step in their transformative, inspiring journey, heralding a new era for homecare agencies by turning them into Intelligent HomeCare Agencies™. After their very successful launch event, the Systemize to Scale With AI Workshop, Sue and Enock are back with an encore for those who missed the first one — or those who want more HomeCare Boss magic!

The 2nd Launch Event: Systemize to Scale With AI Workshop

Scheduled from September 8-12, 2024, at 8 PM EST each day, the Systemize to Scale With AI Encore will introduce CareGrowth AI™ to the next wave of attendees. The five-day virtual event revolutionizes how homecare agencies operate, offering insights and tools to streamline operations, reduce errors, and enhance efficiency.

“We’re not just offering another software; we’re helping agencies transform into Intelligent Homecare Agencies,” Enock explains. “With AI, these agencies can become more efficient, productive, and ultimately more profitable.”

So true. Intelligent Homecare Agencies™ that implement the software harness the power of AI to elevate their operations, making them more efficient, productive, and capable of delivering higher quality care and achieving greater profitability.

A Community-Centric Approach

With nearly 13,000 members in their private Facebook group, HomeCare Bosses United® has created a robust community of homecare professionals. Its supportive network is a cornerstone of the organization, offering courses, consulting, and a thriving online space where members can share experiences and learn from one another.

“Community is the backbone of our success,” Sue shares. “It’s incredible to see agency owners support each other and grow together.”

Core Values Driving Success

At the heart of HomeCare Bosses United® lies a set of core values: Empowerment, innovation, community, integrity, excellence, and faith. These principles guide their mission and shape their approach to business, ensuring that each agency owner feels equipped to navigate the industry’s challenges.

“Empowerment is key,” says Sue. “We want agency owners to feel confident and capable, knowing they have the power to succeed.”

Innovation is another critical aspect of their work. With the launch of CareGrowth AI™, the Denises are setting new standards in the industry, paving the way for homecare agencies to become part of the Intelligent Homecare Agency™ category.

“With CareGrowth AI, we’re keeping up with the AI revolution… by leading it!” Enock emphasizes.

Integrity and Faith: The Foundation

Honesty, transparency, and ethical practices are fundamental to HomeCare Bosses United®’s business model. Enock and Sue’s commitment to integrity ensures that clients receive honest and transparent guidance, fostering trust and reliability.

Their faith also plays a pivotal role in their business philosophy.

“Our faith is at the center of our business,” Enock says. “It guides us and gives us strength, helping us make a positive impact in the lives of others.”

Looking Ahead

As HomeCare Bosses United® continues to grow, their mission remains steadfast: To help homecare agency owners thrive. Through their comprehensive support platform, they provide the tools, knowledge, and community needed to start, grow, and scale homecare businesses.

The upcoming Systemize to Scale With AI Encore is an opportunity for homecare professionals to join this journey and embrace the future of the industry. Registration is available at https://CareGrowthAI.com for just $37, including access to the live workshop and the exclusive HomeCare Bosses United® community.

About HomeCare Bosses United®

HomeCare Bosses United® helps you grow your homecare agency, impact the world, and live life on your terms. Co-founded by Enock and Sue Denis, the company offers courses, consulting, and live events for homecare agency owners at every stage of their journey. Their mission is to simplify the process of starting, growing, and scaling homecare agencies, providing the tools and support needed for success, including their revolutionary CareGrowth AI™ solution. For more information, visit: https://CareGrowth AI.com and https://homecarebossesunited.com