Former NHS estates chief found guilty of fraud
A former head of estates at the National Health Service has been found guilty of defrauding the health service. Hasan Tahsin, 54, of Essex, received a 12-month suspended sentence and 200 hours of unpaid community work, following an investigation by the NHS Counter Fraud Service. The former head of estates and capital projects at Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust was found to have fraudulently earned £245,246 between March 2004 and March 2009, after making false claims about his credentials.
Sweet deal for Sugar firm
Sir Alan Sugar’s property company, Amsprop, has secured its first tenant at 215 Great Portland Street, W1. Computer Futures, a subsidiary of recruitment firm S3, has taken 8,350 sq ft, paying £47.50 per sq ft. Edward Charles & Partners and Jones Lang LaSalle are letting agents; Hardwicke & Co acted for Computer Futures.
Fryer Holt splits operations
Fryer Holt, the Thames Valley agent formed in 2006 by the merger of Fryer Gilbert Jepps and Holt Walters, has split its operations. The agent will operate as Parkinson Holt from its Reading offices. Fryer Gilbert Jepps founder Simon Fryer will trade from Bracknell as Fryer Commercial. Fryer will remain a consultant to Parkinson Holt, whose director Darren Parkinson will be a consultant to Fryer Commercial.
Leeds arena gets go-ahead
Plans for a new indoor arena in Leeds have been given the go-ahead. The 13,500-seat city centre Leeds Arena, on Claypit Lane, is being developed by Leeds city council with Jacobs as strategic partner. SMG Europe has signed a 25-year lease to operate the venue. Construction is scheduled to start this year, with completion in 2012. Ove Arup & Partners is advising on planning.
