Stolen NZ VCs recovered
The Victoria Crosses stolen in New Zealand in December 2007 have been recovered with the help of Lord Ashcroft's reward, offered for information leading to their safe return. To view Lord Ashcroft's TV interview with NZTV on the medals recovery click here or to view a full newspaper article of the story click here.
Carlisle Group announces possible merger with Corporate Services Group
To see the full press release please click here.
BB Holdings Limited announces 3Q results
To see the full press release please click here.
Ashcroft Foundation Scholarship students graduate
Students on The Ashcroft Foundation Scholarship Programme at the Ashcroft International Business School, Anglia Ruskin University celebrate the successful completion of their degrees with graduation ceremony. Click here for full story.
Ashcroft offers reward for stolen NZ VC's
Lord Ashcroft offers reward for information leading to the recovery of the Victoria Crosses stolen in New Zealand on 02 December 2007. Click here for full story.
Crimestoppers Most Wanted website features NZ VC theft
Click here to visit the site for full story.
Arc Fund Management announces issue of new ordinary shares
To see the full press release please click here.
Carlisle Group announces 2Q results
To see the full press release please click here.
OneSource proposes cancellation of admission to trading on AIM
To see the full press release please click here.
FT article on Ashcroft business portfolio
To read the full article please click here.
Global Health Partner announces interest in two new companies
GHP announces interest in The Priory Group and SFIK. To see the full press releases please click the relevant company name.
BB Holdings Limited announces second quarter results
To see the full press release please click here.
OneSource announces proposed dividend
For latest news please click here.
Labour wants to hamstring Tories who threaten its MPs
Lord Ashcroft speaks out about those calling for restrictions on constituency campaigning between elections. Click here for full story.
OneSource announces sale of company
For latest news please click here.
Defending VC Gurkha hero
The Home Office have now granted Mr Tul Bahadur Pun an entry visa for the UK. Click here to see how Lord Ashcroft feels this situation should never have happened and indeed how military experience in the British Army is a strong qualification for citizenship.
Safeguarding Whales
For latest news please click here.
Defending VC Gurkha hero
Lord Ashcroft steps in to help veteran war hero banned from living in the UK. Click here for more information.
Safeguarding Whales
In conjunction with the Environmental Investigation Agency, a leading campaigning organisation, Lord Ashcroft has commissioned an unprecedented television advertising campaign to persuade six small Caribbean nations - Antigua and Barbuda; Dominica; Grenada; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - not to back Japanese-inspired plans to overturn the ban on commercial whale hunting. Click here for more information.
Victoria Cross Heroes published
Michael Ashcroft's new book on Victoria Cross Heroes was published in November 2006 (paperback edition due out 03 May 2007). With a foreword by HRH, The Prince of Wales, it commemorates the 150th anniversary of the world's most famous award for valour, with a detailed account of how over 150 courageous individuals won the medals which form part of The Ashcroft VC Collection - the largest ever assembled.
From famous nineteenth century battles to more recent conflicts like the Falklands war, Michael Ashcroft's gripping stories are a personal tribute to the holders of this country's greatest honour for military courage. All the forces - Army, Royal Navy and the RAF - are represented.
"We owe extraordinary debts to these inspiring individuals. Although only 1,355 medals have been awarded, the VC symbolises our national virtues. The courage and sacrifice enshrined in the history of the VC makes us ask questions about ourselves and the future we face.
Ever since I bought my first VC twenty years ago I have wanted to express my admiration and appreciation of those who all too often gave their lives for this country and their comrades. Their story deserves to be told. Their bravery must never be forgotten."
TV Series
A special three-part documentary TV series to accompany the book was broadcast in November 2006 on Channel Five. Each episode was introduced by HRH the Prince of Wales and includes moving interviews with some of the living medal holders. The producers have had exclusive access to Lord Ashcroft's collection.
A boxed DVD set of the programmes - which also features a lengthy interview with Lord Ashcroft - is also now available.
A copy of the DVD will be sent to every secondary school in the UK with a classroom resources pack during 2007.
How to buy
The Book
Victoria Cross Heroes by Michael Ashcroft £20 hardback from leading booksellers or from victoriacrossheroes.com
The DVD box set
Victoria Cross Heroes from all good DVD retailers price £16.99 or direct from DD Home Entertainment.
Other news
BCA Sold
Michael Ashcroft has sold his substantial shareholding in British Car Auctions (BCA) as part of a £450 million transaction involving Montague Private Equity. Following Lord Ashcroft's initial investment in the company in 1996 BCA grew to become Europe's largest car auction business with annual sales of nearly £3.3 billion and pre-tax profits (2004) of £24 million.
New Businesses
Recent investments by Michael Ashcroft include stakes in:
Digital Marketing Group: a multi-media electronic marketing group of companies.
London Town plc: an AIM listed company that currently owns 181 leased and tenanted pubs.
Strand Partners Ltd a specialist corporate investment company.
