Our director disqualification specialists comment on this case
Former sports presenter Alan Bentley has received an 11-year director disqualification ban following an Insolvency Service (IS) investigation into the collapse of his company, Bentley Global (UK) Limited. The company entered administration owing investors more than £10 million, having continued to accept funds despite no evidence of trading activity.
What led to this director disqualification?
Bentley Global (UK) Limited was set up to run a football betting investment scheme, offering investors returns of up to 20% through an artificial intelligence algorithm called Algol88. Between late 2019 and mid-2020, the company raised over £1.5 million from investors under a bond scheme, despite having no turnover and already suffering heavy losses.
By August 2018, the company had recorded losses of more than £4 million, followed by a further £5 million in losses by August 2019. Despite this, Bentley Global continued to attract investment, even though there was no evidence of any betting activity or trading income.
The company went into administration in May 2022, leaving investors with losses exceeding £10 million.
What did the Insolvency Service find?
The IS found that Alan Bentley had caused serious financial harm by continuing to raise funds when there was no realistic prospect of repaying investors. Kevin Read, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, commented:
“Alan Bentley’s company secured more than £1.5 million from hundreds of investors under a bond investment scheme during a nine-month period in 2019 and 2020 when there was no evidence of any trading. Bentley knew the company had made huge losses and was unable to pay its debts.
Directors have a responsibility to be honest and transparent with investors, especially when handling their money. This case sends a clear message that those who abuse their position and mislead investors will not be able to continue to act as company directors.”
Alan Bentley, aged 63 and from Kelvedon Hatch, Essex, is now banned from acting as a company director until 2036. His director disqualification prevents him from being involved in the promotion, formation, or management of any company without court approval.
His brother, Brian Bentley, was also disqualified as a director in 2024 for misconduct during his time at Bentley Global. Brian Bentley, 62, of Doncaster, received a six-year ban, effective until April 2030.
What does this mean for other company directors?
Neil Davies, Director at Neil Davies & Partners Solicitors, commented:
“This case highlights the serious consequences that can follow when directors fail to act with transparency and integrity. The fact that Alan Bentley continued to raise funds from investors despite knowing the company’s dire financial position was a clear breach of his duties. It seems that there could be no other outcome in this case.
Our advice to any director facing scrutiny from the Insolvency Service is to seek legal advice at the earliest opportunity. The IS will not hesitate to pursue director disqualification where misconduct is found, but with the right representation, it is sometimes possible to challenge or mitigate the outcome.
We have successfully persuaded the IS to drop investigations in numerous cases by presenting a detailed and accurate picture of the director’s conduct – take a look at some of our testimonials and case studies. If you are under investigation, don’t delay -speak to a specialist.”
What lessons can be learned from this director disqualification?
The director disqualification of Alan Bentley is a clear warning to directors about the importance of acting responsibly when managing investor funds. Continuing to trade while insolvent or misleading investors can result in serious consequences, including lengthy bans, reputational damage, and further legal action.
If you are facing investigation by the Insolvency Service, speak to our director disqualification specialists. Contact us or call 0121 200 7040. The initial consultation is free and without obligation.
