Summary of investigation – Prospermill Limited

Tuesday 12th March 2024

February – March 2024

Organisation or person investigated

Prospermill, Prospermill Limited and Mr Andrew Mills (together: “Prospermill”)

Matter(s) investigated

Whether Prospermill conducted unregistered consultant lobbying.

Registrar’s decision

Based on assurances provided, Prospermill has not conducted unregistered consultant lobbying in relation to the matter under investigation.

Summary of rationale for decision

Based on substantive and unequivocal written information provided, Prospermill has not conducted unregistered consultant lobbying.

Under the Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party Campaigning and Trade Union administration Act 2014 (“the Act”), a registrable communication is made by a VAT registered company or individual communicating with a Minister, Permanent Secretary (or equivalent) on behalf of a paying client.

Prospermill provided assurance that communications were with officials, not at Minister, Permanent Secretary (or equivalent) level.

Chronology

Date	Action
28 Feb	Formal letter from the Registrar to Andrew Mills at Prospermill giving background on the requirement for registering and asking if the company’s activities fall within the criteria to be registered with particular reference to, but not limited to, reports that Andrew Mills brokered a deal for Ayanda Capital Limited and received payment for this to Prospermill.
2 March	Email response from Mr Mills on behalf of Prospermill confirming that the companies and the individual referenced had not carried out, nor intend to carry out, any lobbying activities that fall within the terms of the Act; and providing a link to a Judicial Review judgment.
7 March	Letter from the Registrar, with some additional questions
7 March	Email from Mr Mills on behalf of Prospermill responding to all questions.
12 March	Letter from the Registrar concluding his investigation.

12 March 2024

Office of the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists

office@orcl.gov.uk