Three of the East Midlands’ top professional firms have played key roles in the project to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the start of World War One by “planting” over 800,000 ceramic poppies at The Tower of London.
The Blood Swept Lands And Seas of Red exhibition, by Derby-based artist Paul Cummins, involves 888,246 handmade ceramic poppies, one for each British and Colonial death during the conflict. The final poppy will be installed on Armistice Day on November 11.
The poppies, which were available to purchase through the official “Tower of London Remembers” website http://poppies.hrp.org.uk/, have now all been sold, raising millions of pounds for six service charities; The Royal British Legion, Help for Heroes, Cobseo, Combat Stress, Coming Home and SSAFA.
Three professional firms from the East Midlands, accountants Mazars and lawyers Geldards LLP and Howes Percival LLP represented most of the key parties involved in bringing the project together.
Bob Johnson of accountants Mazars in Leicester, is representing Paul Cummins and his company and at Mazars’ London office James Smalley is providing ongoing accountancy services for the Community Interest Company (CIC) “Paul Cummins Ceramics Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red CIC”.
The CIC is the body responsible for selling and despatching the poppies once the installation is closed and ultimately distributing the proceeds of the exhibition to charity.
Chris Rees and his team at Howes Percival LLP in Leicester are the lawyers acting for the CIC and Sarah Hooker, Simon Davers, Michelle Craven-Faulkner and a wider team at Geldards LLP in Derby, are the lawyers representing Paul Cummins and his company.
Bob Johnson, partner in the Leicester office of international accountants and business advisers Mazars said: “I am very proud of the role Mazars have played in successfully bringing together an event of such national and international significance. Seeing it come to fruition has been very exciting.
“Although the project has been two years in the making I have worked closely with Paul Cummins since April and it has been an interesting and rewarding experience to help a renowned and talented local artist bring his concept to reality.
“Mazars will continue to provide accounting support services to the CIC that has been established to collect the income from the sale of the poppies and ensure that as much money as possible is passed on to charity.”
Law firm Geldards LLP provided advice on a number of legal aspects relating to the project.
Sarah Hooker, a Senior Associate in the firm’s Commercial team, explained: “A number of the firm’s specialist legal teams have been working closely with Paul Cummins over the past few months and we’re delighted to have been able to help and support this ambitious and inspiring installation.
“We look forward to continuing to work alongside Paul and as he identifies other exciting opportunities in the future.”
Chris Rees, who heads Howes Percival’s’ Corporate and Commercial Team in Leicester, is the Partner leading the team of specialist lawyers who have provided round-the-clock support to the new CIC.
He commented: “It is such a privilege to be involved in this project, especially as it is for such a good cause and honours the sacrifice made by all the British and Colonial servicemen and women who died throughout the First World War.
“The project also showcases that the East Midlands has a great professional community capable of working on large projects like this one which are recognised on the World stage. Howes Percival, Geldards and Mazars are all based in the East Midlands and have undertaken core advisory roles ensuring the success of this ambitious installation.”
Artist Paul Cummins praised the contribution of the professional team working on the financial and legal aspects of the project.
“Mazars, Geldards and Howes Percival have provided wide-ranging expert support to this project which has culminated in a successful launch supported by the British Royal Family and reported on by media all over the World.
“There’s a lot of behind the scenes work to do on a project of this scale and the teams were on call finalising preparations even in the early hours of the morning of the official launch on the 5th of August. I would like to thank all of the individuals and companies involved for their contribution in helping this remarkable project come together.”
When the exhibition closes each ceramic poppy will be carefully cleaned and packaged before being sent to those who have bought them as touching mementos of this 100 year anniversary. All net proceeds plus a guaranteed 10% from every poppy sold will be shared equally amongst the six service charities. Historic Royal Palaces, the CIC and Paul Cummins Ceramics will not profit from the sale of the poppies.
