I start this blog with reference to God. That is the art of scoring. One of Liverpool’s best natural goal scorers. But Robbie Fowler has been reported In The Times today, former Liverpool footballer Robbie Fowler is under scrutiny due to his connection with the beleaguered St Anne’s Gardens development in Liverpool.
A summary of the article alleges that the development, owned by Elatus Homes, initially promised 325 homes, but persistent construction delays resulted in the site owner entering receivership.
Fowler, who served as an ambassador for the project, has asserted that he was uninformed about any financial losses and had only become involved at the request of a friend. He is said to have emphasised his lack of participation in business dealings related to the development, clarifying that he received no payment for his role.
Despite Fowler’s claims, concerns over the project persist. The delays, attributed by Elatus Homes to various factors such as the impact of Covid, challenges in the supply and pricing of building materials, planning intricacies, and a bereavement suffered by one of the company’s directors, have raised questions about the feasibility of the St Anne’s Gardens development.
Mark Hyland, leading property investment firm Track Capital, revealed an initiative proposing a joint legal action group for investors affected by the setbacks. This move demonstrates a commitment to assisting those who purchased units in the troubled development. Meanwhile, The Times attempted to contact Elatus Homes owner, but no response was received, leaving the situation clouded in uncertainty.
The St Anne’s Gardens development saga underscores the complexities and challenges inherent in major construction projects, shedding light on potential consequences for public figures like Fowler associated with such ventures. It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold.
Lessons to be learnt?
When a celebrity associates their name with a brand, the symbiotic relationship can be lucrative but comes with risks, as seen in instances where the endorsed brand faces liquidation. The fallout can tarnish not only the brand’s reputation but also impact the celebrity’s image. The lesson here is the importance of due diligence before entering such partnerships. Celebrities should scrutinise the financial health and management of the brands they endorse, ensuring alignment with their personal values. Learning from instances where brands have faced liquidation, celebrities can safeguard their reputation by choosing associations wisely, emphasising transparency, and actively monitoring their brand partnerships to mitigate potential fallout.
In the realm of celebrity endorsements, due diligence is paramount. Celebrities must delve into meticulous assessments, examining not only the brand’s values but also its financial stability and management integrity. A thorough understanding of these elements safeguards against unforeseen challenges, such as financial troubles or ethical lapses, that could tarnish both the brand and the celebrity’s reputation. By aligning themselves with brands that share their values and maintaining an ongoing commitment to monitoring these affiliations, celebrities can foster enduring partnerships that stand the test of scrutiny and ensure mutual benefit for both the public figure and the endorsed brand.
Robbie Fowler has said that he has not received any financial reward. But even here, any endorsement with friends and and or family can put a celebrities reputation at risk even if no payment or reward is made. For celebrities reputation is everything. My advice would be never to endorse any product or service unless you obtain full and detailed risk assessment, a thorough due diligence account by an expert and thereafter seek legal advice. We all know that friends and family can you let you down even with the best of intentions. But don’t let your guard down for one moment.
Has anyone lost any money due to an association with a footballer?
I have!!! At the start of the Premier League I invested in the a fund fronted by Alan Hanson no less, one of my hero’s. The fund was called from memory the Singer and Friederland fund, it lost money and eventually the fund was unwound!
I met Alan Hanson on a train back to Liverpool from London Euston and joked with him about his advice. He said not to worry it will come good. Well it didn’t. Luckily it was money I could afford to lose.
