Family of former Vodafone manager calls for new franchising law
10 reported
The family of a former Vodafone store manager who was found drowned days before his new franchise was to open is urging the UK government to introduce a new franchising law named after him. The call follows a confidential settlement between Vodafone and 62 former franchisees who alleged the company “unjustly enriched” itself by up to £85m. The agreement was reached 19 months after the claim was filed at the high court, with no admission of liability. Adrian Howe’s case was raised in parliament in January, prompting then-Prime Minister Keir Starmer to pledge a review of franchising laws. Howe’s daughter, Kirsty-Anne Holmes, met a representative of the Department for Business and Trade earlier this month to discuss her father’s case and proposed new regulations under the banner of “Adrian’s law.” Vodafone did not provide fresh comment on Howe’s case this week, but previously rejected suggestions that it put franchisees under undue pressure.
What’s reported
Adrian Howe, 58, was found drowned on 27 August 2018, days before his Vodafone franchise was to open on 2 September.
Howe’s family says he killed himself after becoming convinced his new franchising deal would prove financially ruinous.
Vodafone settled a legal claim by 62 former franchisees who alleged the company “unjustly enriched” itself by up to £85m; the settlement was confidential and without admission of liability.
The 62 claimants represented almost 40% of the total 167 Vodafone franchisees.
Howe’s case was raised in parliament in January, prompting then-PM Keir Starmer to pledge a review of franchising laws.
Howe’s daughter, Kirsty-Anne Holmes, met a Department for Business and Trade representative earlier this month to discuss “Adrian’s law.”
Howe had been told he needed to take on a second franchise in Kilmarnock, which had struggled; a personal guarantee put the family home at risk.
A notepad entry found at Howe’s home read: “1st September nice to have death,” according to the postmortem report.
The pathologist’s report noted a “history of anxiety and depression (1995)” but relatives said that episode was short-lived and never recurred.
Vodafone said last year it “wholly rejects” any suggestion it knowingly put franchisees under unreasonable pressure.
Key figures
Adrian Howe: former Vodafone store manager, found drowned in 2018.
Kirsty-Anne Holmes: Howe’s daughter, advocating for “Adrian’s law.”
Nathan Howe: Adrian Howe’s youngest son.
Keir Starmer: then-Prime Minister who pledged to review franchising laws.
Vodafone UK spokesperson: previously commented on the case.
Sources: The Guardian
