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{{COI|date=January 2019}}

{{Infobox company {{Infobox company
| name = EcoHouse Group Developments Ltd | name = EcoHouse Group Developments Ltd<br>(in compulsory liquidation)
| logo = ] | logo = Ecohousegrouplogo.png
| caption = | caption =
| type = ] | type = ]
| industry = Construction<br>Housing Development | industry =
| foundation = {{Start date|2009}} | foundation = {{Start date|2012|12|11|df=yes}}
| founder = ] | founder = Anthony Armstrong Emery a/k/a Anthony Armstrong
| defunct = <!-- {{End date|YYYY|MM|DD}} --> | defunct = {{End date|2015|02|16|df=yes}}<br>(Liquidation commenced)<br>{{End date|2018|01|08|df=yes}}<br>(Liquidation concluded)<br>{{End date|2022|11|24|df=yes}}<br>(Dissolution date)
| location_city = ] | location_city =
| location_country = Brazil | location_country =
| locations = <!-- Number of locations, offices -->
| area_served =
| key_people =
| products =
| production =
| services =
| revenue =
| operating_income =
| net_income =
| assets =
| equity =
| owner =
| num_employees =
| parent =
| divisions =
| subsid =
| homepage =
}}
{{Infobox company
| name = EcoHouse Developments Ltd
| logo =
| caption =
| type = Private
| industry =
| foundation = {{Start date|2010|05|28|df=yes}}
| founder =
| defunct = {{End date|2015|01|15|df=yes}}<br>(Liquidation commenced)<br>{{End date|2018|02|14|df=yes}}<br>(Dissolved)
| location_city =
| location_country =
| locations = <!-- Number of locations, stores, offices &c. --> | locations = <!-- Number of locations, stores, offices &c. -->
| area_served = | area_served =
| key_people = ] (founder and ]) | key_people =
| products = | products =
| production = | production =
Line 21: Line 52:
| assets = | assets =
| equity = | equity =
| owner = ] | owner =
| num_employees = | num_employees =
| parent = | parent =
| divisions = | divisions =
| subsid = | subsid =
| homepage =
| homepage = <!-- {{URL|ecohousedevelopments.com}} -->
}} }}


'''EcoHouse Group Developments Ltd''' and '''EcoHouse Developments Ltd''' are defunct ], registered in ].<ref>https://entvita.de/ Family estate liquidation alliance</ref>
'''EcoHouse Group Developments Ltd''' is a ] ] company based in ] with operations in ], ], ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/diyinvesting/article-2545822/Why-land-slums-long-term-bet-invest-emerging-markets.html|title='Forget shares, we want to profit from helping Brazil house millions in poverty': Why a land with slums is a top long-term bet - and how to invest in emerging markets|author=Toby Walne|publisher=Mail Online|accessdate=14 March 2014}}</ref> The company specialises in the construction of ] through the ] government's ] programme. As of 2013, the group had offices in ], ], ], ] and ] and more than 1000 employees. According to the ''Financial Times'' it is "one of the largest property and construction companies in northeast ]";<ref name="Financial Times">{{cite web |url=http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/2/08cc73da-9ae4-11e3-946b-00144feab7de.html#axzz2wX4mMTIx |title=Why developer Anthony Armstrong Emery is hated by some in Brazil |last1= Levonian-Cole |first1=Teresa |date=March 7, 2014 |website=www.ft.com |accessdate=}}</ref><ref name=telegraph>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/brazil/10613056/EcoHouse-Group-founder-Anthony-Armstrong-Emery-making-mark-in-Brazilian-football-with-Alecrim.html|title=EcoHouse Group founder Anthony Armstrong Emery making mark in Brazilian football with Alecrim|author=Jim White|work=The Telegraph|accessdate=14 March 2014}}</ref><ref name=estate>{{cite news|title=I'm an Englishman In Brazil showing up the locals|date=8 June 2013|work=Estates Gazette}}</ref> however, they do not appear on the 2013 Inteligência Empresarial da Construção list of the hundred largest construction companies in Brazil.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imobinews.com.br/as-100-maiores-construtoras-do-brasil/|title=As 100 maiores construtoras do Brasil}}</ref>


The companies claimed to have been specialising in the construction of ] through the ] government's ] programme; however, in August 2014 the Brazilian Embassy in Singapore (where Ecohouse attracted many investors) stated that the company had no relationship with the Brazilian government.<ref name="channel1">{{cite web|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/brazil-denies-links-with/1313584.html |title=Brazil denies links with property firm EcoHouse |accessdate=2014-11-06 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106201752/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/brazil-denies-links-with/1313584.html |archivedate=2014-11-06 }}</ref><ref name="channel2">{{cite web|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/singapore/brazilian-embassy-casts/1321136.html |title=Brazilian Embassy casts doubt on authenticity of EcoHouse letters |accessdate=2014-11-06 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106201757/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/singapore/brazilian-embassy-casts/1321136.html |archivedate=2014-11-06 }}</ref><ref name="channel3">{{cite web|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/brazilian-ambassador/1319646.html |title=Brazilian Ambassador calls on EcoHouse to prove links |accessdate=2014-11-06 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106201746/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/brazilian-ambassador/1319646.html |archivedate=2014-11-06 }}</ref>
== History ==


In November 2014 it appeared the company was not on the government's list of participants in the scheme, and the companies are subject to ] investigations by the Brazilian police.<ref name="FT2">{{cite web |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/8cbbc49c-7190-11e4-b178-00144feabdc0.html |title=Brazilian police probe British property developer EcoHouse |author=Joe Leahy and Thalita Carrico |date=November 23, 2014 |website=www.ft.com |accessdate= |archive-date=January 28, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128092611/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/8cbbc49c-7190-11e4-b178-00144feabdc0.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="EyeDec2014">{{cite news|title=Ecohouse Recycled|newspaper=Private Eye|date=12 Dec 2014|pages=36}}</ref>
Launched in 2007 by Englishman ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/brazil/10613056/EcoHouse-Group-founder-Anthony-Armstrong-Emery-making-mark-in-Brazilian-football-with-Alecrim.html |title=EcoHouse Group founder Anthony Armstrong Emery making mark in Brazilian football with Alecrim |last1=White |first1=Jim |date=February 2, 2014 |website=telegraph.co.uk |accessdate=}}</ref> EcoHouse Group claims to be the only ] company authorised to build developments under Minha Casa, Minha Vida ("My House, My Life"), a social housing project launched by the Brazilian Government.<ref name="Homes and Travel EcoHouse">{{cite web|title=EcoHouse launches its largest Brazilian Government backed social housing development to offer investors returns of 20 per cent per year|url=http://homesandtravel.co.uk/2013/03/08/ecohouse-launches-its-largest-brazilian-government-backed-social-housing-development-to-offer-investors-returns-of-20-per-cent-per-year/|publisher=Homes and Travel|accessdate=28 May 2013}}</ref> Minha Casa, Minha Vida is a public-private partnership that started in 2009 in an attempt to create affordable housing for Brazilians currently living in ].<ref name="Homes and Travel EcoHouse"/>


==Background==
In April 2012, EcoHouse's developments were discussed by Brazil's Minister of Social Security, Garibaldi Alves Filho, who described the company as having attention to detail and determination to offer comfort. He made these remarks at an event which the company had invited him to attend.<ref name="Garibaldi EcoHouse youtube">{{cite web|title=Garibaldi Alves Filho praises ECOHOUSE (Fully subtitled version in English)|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pT_B9SwOS20|accessdate=9 January 2014}}</ref><ref name="Intercontinental Finance EcoHouse">{{cite journal|title=Anthony Armstrong Emery: Delivering for Communities and Investors in Brazil|journal=Intercontinental Finance|date=May 2013|issue=117}}</ref>
Launched in 2007 by Anthony Armstrong Emery,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/brazil/10613056/EcoHouse-Group-founder-Anthony-Armstrong-Emery-making-mark-in-Brazilian-football-with-Alecrim.html |title=EcoHouse Group founder Anthony Armstrong Emery making mark in Brazilian football with Alecrim |last1=White |first1=Jim |date=February 2, 2014 |website=telegraph.co.uk |accessdate= |archive-date=January 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190122150454/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/brazil/10613056/EcoHouse-Group-founder-Anthony-Armstrong-Emery-making-mark-in-Brazilian-football-with-Alecrim.html |url-status=live }}</ref> it offered investors 20% return on their £23,000 investments after 12 months. <ref name="insolvency">{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/14-year-ban-for-brazilian-social-housing-investment-boss--2|title=14-year ban for Brazilian social housing investment boss|website=The Insolvency Service|date=9 May 2019}}</ref>


EcoHouse stopped selling Brazilian properties in Singapore after investors filed against the company for failing to return investment money on time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sg.news.yahoo.com/ecohouse-starts-play-catch-003047592--sector.html|title=EcoHouse plays catch-up, stops selling in Singapore|website=sg.news.yahoo.com|date=9 January 2014 |accessdate=21 March 2019|archive-date=5 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905111642/https://sg.news.yahoo.com/ecohouse-starts-play-catch-003047592--sector.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="EcoHouse frustrations start to surface">{{cite web|title=EcoHouse frustrations start to surface|url=http://www.propertyguru.com.sg/property-management-news/2013/11/36900/ecohouse-frustrations-start-to-surface|access-date=2013-11-12|archive-date=2013-11-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112164456/http://www.propertyguru.com.sg/property-management-news/2013/11/36900/ecohouse-frustrations-start-to-surface|url-status=live}}</ref>
In January 2013, the group reached a joint investment agreement with Conisa Constructions, a company founded in 1996 specialising in the construction of premium homes in Rio Grande do Norte. EcoHouse has also secured an option to buy a controlling interest in the company.<ref name="Jornal de Hoje Conisa">{{cite web|title=Fusão entre Conisa e Ecohouse já tem VGV de R$ 700 mi em 2013|url=http://jornaldehoje.com.br/fusao-entre-conisa-e-ecohouse-ja-tem-vgv-de-r-700-mi-em-2013/|publisher=Jornal de Hoje|accessdate=28 May 2013}}</ref>


In August 2014, after Ecohouse closed its Singapore offices suddenly, the Brazilian Embassy there denied any relationship between the Brazilian government and Ecohouse, stating that there is "no link whatsoever" and that they "feel sorry for these investors". Ecohouse was apparently not regulated by the ].<ref name="channel1" /><ref name="channel2" /><ref name="channel3" /> The Brazilian tax authorities in 2014 stated that the company had been under investigation for 8 months.<ref name="FT2" />
In early 2014, EcoHouse stopped selling Brazilian properties in Singapore after investors filed against the company for failing to return investment money on time.<ref>http://sg.news.yahoo.com/ecohouse-starts-play-catch-003047592--sector.html</ref><ref name="EcoHouse frustrations start to surface">{{cite web|title=EcoHouse frustrations start to surface|url=http://www.propertyguru.com.sg/property-management-news/2013/11/36900/ecohouse-frustrations-start-to-surface}}</ref> A story in ] expressed "serious doubts about the ability of Ecohouse to deliver on such promised short-term high returns"; observing that the company is not regulated by the ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Guardian angles|newspaper=Private Eye|date=15 Nov 2013|pages=33}}</ref>


In 2019 the directors were banned from being involved in the running of companies for 14 years.<ref name="insolvency"/>
== Developments ==


{{-}}
=== Social Housing ===


==References==
EcoHouse’s first two social housing projects have been Arco Iris and Casa Nova, consisting of 220 and 515 homes respectively.<ref name="Clients - EcoHouse Group">{{cite web|title=Clients - EcoHouse Group|url=http://www.gbmonline.net/feature-contributors.cfm?theCID=F3736226-B1A8-EAD9-B54D2D1AA5056D12|publisher=GMB Online|accessdate=28 May 2013}}</ref><ref name="EcoHouse Group: Our Developments">{{cite web|title=EcoHouse Group: Our Developments|url=http://www.ecohousegroup.com/developments.php}}</ref> The second, Casa Nova, is located near ],<ref name="MCMV Developments">{{cite web|title=Minha Casa Minha Vida Brazil {{!}} EcoHouse Developments|url=http://www.minhacasaminhavida.co.uk/developer.php|accessdate=28 May 2013}}</ref> which is set to open in April 2014.<ref name="Portal Noar Sao Goncalo">{{cite web|title=Aeroporto de São Gonçalo receberá primeiro voo em 1° de abril de 2014|url=http://portalnoar.com/aeroporto-de-sao-goncalo-recebera-primeiro-voo-em-1-de-abril/|publisher=Portal Noar|accessdate=28 May 2013}}</ref> In 2013, construction began on EcoHouse's third development, Residencial Bosque, which is also located near São Gonçalo do Amarante<ref name="OPP Brazil social housing">{{cite web|title=Brazil social housing investment ‘makes a difference’|url=http://www.opp-connect.com/index.php?option=com_postwebsites&view=postnews&id=949|publisher=OPP Connect|accessdate=28 May 2013}}</ref> and is intended to consist of around 2,200 homes.<ref name="Clients - EcoHouse Group"/> Alongside all developments, EcoHouse is planting thousands of Indian ] to help combat the threat posed by ].<ref name="Clients - EcoHouse Group"/>
{{reflist|2}}

The company's financing model relies on retail investment, rather than securing bank loans like other developers under the Minha Casa, Minha Vida program.<ref name="Inside Housing">{{cite web|last=Duxbury|first=Nick|title=Building a new Brazil|url=http://www.insidehousing.co.uk/home/analysis/building-a-new-brazil/6529721.article|publisher=Inside Housing|accessdate=6 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/style/homes_and_gardens/overseas_property/article1372174.ecex | title = A knockout deal | work = The Sunday Times | accessdate = 5 June 2014}}</ref> The company claims that investors' money is placed in an escrow account overseen by a lawyer in the UK, released to the developer once the land has been bought, before construction begins.<ref name=estate/><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.independent.co.uk/property/is-it-worth-taking-a-sporting-bet-on-property-inbrazil-9116963.html | title = Is it worth taking a sporting bet on property in Brazil? | author = Kate Hughes | work = The Independent | accessdate = 5 June 2014}}</ref>

== Other Projects ==

EcoHouse Group sponsors ] in Natal, which signed ], cousin of ] in February 2013.<ref name="Tribuna do Norte Stefano Seedorf">{{cite web|title=Alecrim apresenta Stefano Seedorf, primo da estrela holandesa|url=http://tribunadonorte.com.br/noticia/alecrim-apresenta-stefano-seedorf-primo-da-estrela-holandesa/243650|publisher=Tribuna do Norte|accessdate=28 May 2013}}</ref> EcoHouse also sponsors Alecrim Rugby Club, which won the 2013 Brazilian Cup after finishing runner-up the previous year.<ref name="Portal do Rugby">{{cite web|last=Kolle|first=Luis|title=Alecrim vence BH Rugby e está no Super10 de 2014|url=http://www.portaldorugby.com.br/noticia/25-brasil/8105-alecrim-vence-bh-rugby-e-esta-no-super10-de-2014|publisher=Portal do Rugby|accessdate=6 January 2014}}</ref><ref name="International EAT Anthony">{{cite web|title=60 second interview: Anthony Armstrong-Emery of EcoHouse|url=http://www.internationaleat.com/news_features/anthony-armstrong-emery-ceo-ecohouse-group|publisher=International Estate Agent Today|accessdate=28 May 2013}}</ref>

In April 2013, the group was invited to participate in MAIS RN,<ref name="EcoHouse Group chosen to sit on industry body">{{cite web|title=EcoHouse Group chosen to sit on industry body|url=http://www.ecohousegroup.com/EcoHouse-Group-chosen-to-sit-on-industry-body.htm}}</ref> a partnership between the Rio Grande do Norte state government and the Federation of Industries of Rio Grande do Norte (Fiern), which will conduct a full evaluation of the ], ] techniques and ] needs of Rio Grande do Norte.<ref name="Governo lança projeto que norteará desenvolvimento econômico no Estado">{{cite web|last=Marques|first=Ciro|title=Governo lança projeto que norteará desenvolvimento econômico no Estado|url=http://portalnoar.com/governo-do-estado-lanca-projeto-norteara-desenvolvimento-economico-no-rn/|publisher=Portal Noar|accessdate=13 May 2013}}</ref>

In July 2013, the group opened the Escola Corporativa Elilde Armstrong, named after the wife of the company founder, at its Bosque Acacias project. The school, which is run in partnership with Rio Grande do Norte's Industrial Social Serices (SESI), is free to attend and provides 20 EcoHouse construction workers with elementary and middle school education. Students at the school receive t-shirts and all necessary books free of charge and are presented with official Ministry of Education certificates on completion of their course.<ref name="Escola Elilde Armstrong">{{cite web|title=No canteiro de obras também se aprende a LER|url=http://www.fiern.org.br/revista_industria/03/files/assets/basic-html/page17.html|publisher=Revista da Industria/RN|accessdate=6 January 2014}}</ref><ref name="OPP Elilde Armstrong School">{{cite web|title=Brazilian developer opens school for workers|url=http://www.opp-connect.com/brazilian-developer-opens-school-for-workers/|publisher=OPP|accessdate=6 January 2014}}</ref>

== Awards ==
=== 2014 ===
*MIPIM Best Brazilian Project 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=MIPIM 2014 Winners|url=http://www.mipim.com/the-programme/awards/|publisher=MIPIM|accessdate=8 April 2014}}</ref>

=== 2013 ===
*Winner - AIPP Best Developer outside the United Kingdom 2013.<ref name="AIPP Awards 2013">{{cite web|title=The AIPP Awards 2013|url=http://www.aipp.org.uk/the-aipp-awards-2013/|publisher=AIPP|accessdate=28 May 2013}}</ref>
*Winner - AIPP Most Transparent Marketing Campaign 2013 <ref name="AIPP Awards 2013"/>

=== 2012 ===
*Winner - OPP Awards for Excellence Best Affordable Development 2012<ref name="OPP Award Winners 2012">{{cite web|title=OPP Award Winners 2012|url=http://www.opp-connect.com/index.php?option=com_postgroup&view=singp&id=79|publisher=OPP Connect|accessdate=28 May 2013}}</ref>
*Winner - OPP Awards for Excellence Best Estate Agency ] 2012<ref name="OPP Award Winners 2012"/>
*Runner Up - OPP Awards for Excellence Best Developer ] 2012<ref name="OPP Award Winners 2012"/>


=== 2011 === ==Further reading==
*
*New Europe Magazine Fast 50 Award, 2011 <ref>{{cite web|title=The Fast50 Business Award Winners 2011|url=http://www.thefast50.com/the-fast50-2011-winners.html|publisher=The Fast50|accessdate=13 May 2013}}</ref>
*

== References ==

{{reflist|2}}
*
*


] ]
]
]
]

Latest revision as of 01:32, 19 December 2023

A major contributor to this article appears to have a close connection with its subject. It may require cleanup to comply with Misplaced Pages's content policies, particularly neutral point of view. Please discuss further on the talk page. (January 2019) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
EcoHouse Group Developments Ltd
(in compulsory liquidation)
Company typePrivate
Founded11 December 2012 (2012-12-11)
FounderAnthony Armstrong Emery a/k/a Anthony Armstrong
Defunct16 February 2015 (2015-02-16)
(Liquidation commenced)
8 January 2018 (2018-01-08)
(Liquidation concluded)
24 November 2022 (2022-11-24)
(Dissolution date)
Website
EcoHouse Developments Ltd
Company typePrivate
Founded28 May 2010 (2010-05-28)
Defunct15 January 2015 (2015-01-15)
(Liquidation commenced)
14 February 2018 (2018-02-14)
(Dissolved)
Website

EcoHouse Group Developments Ltd and EcoHouse Developments Ltd are defunct UK companies, registered in England and Wales.

The companies claimed to have been specialising in the construction of social housing through the Brazilian government's Minha Casa, Minha Vida programme; however, in August 2014 the Brazilian Embassy in Singapore (where Ecohouse attracted many investors) stated that the company had no relationship with the Brazilian government.

In November 2014 it appeared the company was not on the government's list of participants in the scheme, and the companies are subject to fraud investigations by the Brazilian police.

Background

Launched in 2007 by Anthony Armstrong Emery, it offered investors 20% return on their £23,000 investments after 12 months.

EcoHouse stopped selling Brazilian properties in Singapore after investors filed against the company for failing to return investment money on time.

In August 2014, after Ecohouse closed its Singapore offices suddenly, the Brazilian Embassy there denied any relationship between the Brazilian government and Ecohouse, stating that there is "no link whatsoever" and that they "feel sorry for these investors". Ecohouse was apparently not regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. The Brazilian tax authorities in 2014 stated that the company had been under investigation for 8 months.

In 2019 the directors were banned from being involved in the running of companies for 14 years.

References

  1. https://entvita.de/ Family estate liquidation alliance
  2. ^ "Brazil denies links with property firm EcoHouse". Archived from the original on 2014-11-06. Retrieved 2014-11-06.
  3. ^ "Brazilian Embassy casts doubt on authenticity of EcoHouse letters". Archived from the original on 2014-11-06. Retrieved 2014-11-06.
  4. ^ "Brazilian Ambassador calls on EcoHouse to prove links". Archived from the original on 2014-11-06. Retrieved 2014-11-06.
  5. ^ Joe Leahy and Thalita Carrico (November 23, 2014). "Brazilian police probe British property developer EcoHouse". www.ft.com. Archived from the original on January 28, 2015.
  6. "Ecohouse Recycled". Private Eye. 12 Dec 2014. p. 36.
  7. White, Jim (February 2, 2014). "EcoHouse Group founder Anthony Armstrong Emery making mark in Brazilian football with Alecrim". telegraph.co.uk. Archived from the original on January 22, 2019.
  8. ^ "14-year ban for Brazilian social housing investment boss". The Insolvency Service. 9 May 2019.
  9. "EcoHouse plays catch-up, stops selling in Singapore". sg.news.yahoo.com. 9 January 2014. Archived from the original on 5 September 2014. Retrieved 21 March 2019.
  10. "EcoHouse frustrations start to surface". Archived from the original on 2013-11-12. Retrieved 2013-11-12.

Further reading

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