Baroness Michelle Mone and her husband Doug Barrowman are among individuals being sued in an attempt to recover some of the millions owed to the government by his collapsed company, PPE Medpro, the BBC understands.

The government was awarded £122m plus interest from PPE Medpro last year, after a court ruled the firm had breached a contract to supply sterile surgical gowns during the pandemic.

The joint liquidators from the firm Interpath Advisory have launched a case against six individuals and five companies linked with the firm, after PPE Medpro was put into liquidation.

Mone and Barrowman have been approached for comment.

PPE Medpro was set up in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic as the government struggled to secure supplies of protective equipment to protect health workers during the acutest phase of the outbreak.

It won its first government contract to supply masks through a so-called ‘VIP lane’, after a recommendation by Baroness Mone, who sat in the House of Lords as a Conservative peer.

However by the end of 2022, the government sued the firm, claiming the medical gowns supplied did not comply with relevant healthcare standards.

Last year the High Court found in the government’s favour, ruling that PPE Medpro had failed to prove whether or not its surgical gowns, which were to be used by NHS workers, had undergone a validated sterilisation process.

While the government had won its case, it wasn’t immediately clear how it would get its money back. The company itself had less than £1m on its balance sheet, and was put into liquidation in December 2025.

But the Health Secretary at the time, Wes Streeting, accused PPE Medpro of putting “NHS staff and patients in danger with substandard kit whilst lining their own pockets with taxpayers’ money at a time of national crisis.”

He pledged to pursue the company with “everything we’ve got” to recover the money.

Barrowman and Mone were not directors of PPE Medpro – and for a long time they denied any connection with the firm.

However in 2023 Barrowman confirmed in a BBC interview that he was the ultimate beneficial owner of the company.

In the same interview, Mone admitted that she was a beneficiary of a trust which had received some of the profits from PPE Medpro.

The list of people being sued includes four former directors of PPE Medpro, including Arthur Lancaster, an accountant who is also a business associate of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Lancaster has been approached for comment.

News of the case was first reported by the tax expert Dan Neidle.

It emerged last year that HMRC also put in a claim for £39m against PPE Medpro, for tax it says the company owed.

The Department for Health and Social Care said that the recovery of funds was a job for the appointed liquidators, and that it would not be appropriate for ministers to intervene – but that the government had been clear that it expects robust action to be taken. Interpath declined to comment.

The National Crime Agency is also conducting a separate, criminal investigation into PPE Medpro.

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NEW YORK — Meta Platforms Inc. on Tuesday unveiled a new line of smart glasses starting at $299, aiming to broaden access to AI-powered wearable technology as competition intensifies in the emerging market.

The Meta Glasses represent the company’s first in-house designed eyewear without Ray-Ban or Oakley branding, though they maintain a partnership with EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of those brands. The lower price point undercuts the entry-level second-generation Ray-Ban Meta glasses by at least $80.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has prioritized wearables as part of the company’s strategy to establish a hardware platform in the artificial intelligence era. While virtual reality headsets have remained niche, smart glasses have shown stronger consumer adoption, with millions of units sold since the initial Ray-Ban Meta launch in 2021.

The new glasses lack a display screen but feature a camera, open-ear speakers, and integration with Meta’s AI assistant. Users can ask the AI for real-time translations, object recognition, reminders, or to capture photos and videos. Content can be easily shared to Instagram or WhatsApp.

The glasses come in three new designs with multiple variations, including options for prescription lenses. A dedicated charging stand accompanies the product. Battery life reaches up to eight hours, according to company specifications.

Meta executives highlighted the accessible pricing as key to expanding the market. “Our partnership with EssilorLuxottica is about putting powerful AI into frames people actually want to wear,” Zuckerberg said in a statement. “I believe glasses are going to be a main way people access personal superintelligence — and with Meta Glasses, we’re going to make that accessible to a lot more people.”

Market Strategy and Competition

Meta and EssilorLuxottica currently hold more than 80 percent market share in smart glasses, according to industry estimates. The new models aim to build on that lead by appealing to a broader audience with stylish designs and lower costs.

The announcement comes amid growing competition. Google recently revealed plans for new computerized eyewear in partnership with Warby Parker, powered by its Gemini AI. Snap Inc. last week introduced Specs, premium smart glasses priced at $2,195 that its CEO positioned as a potential smartphone successor.

Meta’s approach emphasizes lightweight, fashionable frames without bulky screens for everyday use. The company previously launched Ray-Ban Display glasses with built-in screens at $799, targeting more advanced augmented reality experiences.

Analysts see smart glasses as a stepping stone toward more sophisticated AR devices. Meta views them as a way to own consumer hardware interactions in the AI era, reducing reliance on smartphones for certain tasks.

Features and Privacy Considerations

The Meta Glasses include a 12-megapixel camera for capturing moments and AI capabilities for contextual assistance. Open-ear audio allows users to listen to music or receive information without isolating themselves from surroundings.

Privacy remains a key concern with camera-equipped wearables. Meta has implemented indicators when recording is active, but critics continue raising questions about always-on capabilities and data collection. The company maintains that user controls and transparency features address these issues.

Availability begins immediately through Meta’s website, Best Buy, Amazon, and select eyewear retailers. Prescription options expand accessibility for users needing vision correction.

One limited-edition model features collaboration with influencer Kylie Jenner, including her voice for AI interactions. Pricing for special editions reaches $399.

Zuckerberg’s Wearables Focus

Zuckerberg has championed wearables since Meta’s rebranding from Facebook in 2021. While VR investments through the Reality Labs division have faced profitability challenges, smart glasses have delivered commercial success and positive consumer feedback.

The company sold millions of Ray-Ban Meta units last year alone. The new lineup aims to accelerate growth by addressing price sensitivity while maintaining premium features.

Meta continues investing heavily in AI development. Integration of its latest models into the glasses allows for more natural interactions, such as visual search and real-time assistance during conversations or travel.

Industry observers note that success in wearables could help Meta diversify beyond its core social media advertising business. Hardware platforms also create opportunities for app ecosystems and services.

Future Outlook

Meta has signaled plans for more advanced glasses with displays in coming years. The current models serve as an accessible entry point while the company refines AR technology for mainstream adoption.

The smart glasses market remains relatively small but shows strong growth potential. Analysts project increasing consumer interest as AI capabilities improve and devices become more seamless in daily life.

Competition will likely intensify with major technology players entering the space. Success will depend on balancing style, functionality, battery life, and privacy protections.

For Meta, the $299 starting price represents a strategic move to capture market share before rivals establish stronger footholds. Early reviews highlight the stylish designs and practical AI features as strengths.

As wearable technology evolves, Meta’s glasses position the company at the forefront of blending fashion with intelligent computing. The initiative underscores Zuckerberg’s vision for AI-integrated hardware becoming a primary computing interface.

Oakwood Care Group has acquired Forest Gate Healthcare

Oakwood Care Group has completed the acquisition of Forest Gate Healthcare adding three care homes and 105 bedrooms to its expanding portfolio.

The acquisition, supported by a multi-million-pound debt facility from the Development Bank of Wales , sees Oakwood Care Group taking ownership of Oakdale Manor, a 31-bed care home in Blackwood; Ty Ross Care Home, a 38-bed care home in Treorchy; and Woffington House, a 36-bed care home in Tredegar.

The deal, the value of which has not been disclosed, significantly expands the group’s presence in Wales, increasing its workforce to approximately 200 people from around 70. It also strengthens Oakwood Care Group’s ability to provide residential care across multiple communities while safeguarding jobs and supporting future investment in care provision.

Founded by chief executive Kuljit Grewal, Oakwood Care Group’s portfolio now spans five care homes across Wales, including Bryngwy Care Home in Powys and Williamston Nursing Home in Pembrokeshire, alongside the three newly acquired homes.

The Development Bank of Wales has supported Oakwood Care Group, which is headquartered in Maidenhead, throughout its growth journey. In 2024 it provided a loan to support the purchase of Williamston Nursing Home and last year a further debt facilitate the purchase of Bryngwy Care Home.

JCP Solicitors’ Corporate and Commercial Property teams, advised Oakwood Care Group on the Forest Gate Healthcare acquisition.

Mr Grewal said: “This acquisition is a major milestone for Oakwood Care Group and reflects our long-term commitment to providing high-quality care across Wales.

“Our focus has always been on people first. These are not simply care facilities; they are homes for residents and important parts of their local communities. We are looking forward to working with residents, families and staff across Oakdale Manor, Ty Ross and Woffington House to build on the excellent care already being delivered.

“The support of the Development Bank of Wales has been invaluable throughout our growth journey. Strong, long-term partnerships give businesses like ours the confidence to invest, grow and continue improving services in a rapidly changing care environment. This investment places us in a strong position to continue supporting communities and strengthening care provision across Wales.”

Richard Easton, portfolio executive at the Development Bank of Wales, said:“Oakwood Care Group has established a strong track record of successfully acquiring and developing care homes while maintaining a clear focus on quality care and resident outcomes.

“This acquisition represents a significant step forward for the business, safeguarding employment, increasing its reach across Wales and supporting the delivery of high-quality care services to more communities. We are pleased to continue supporting the group as it builds on its success and creates a platform for future growth.

Property advisory firm Christie & Co acted for Forest Gate , which provides an exit for Richard and Ian Hutchinson. They said: “Having started the business over two decades ago, this was an important decision for our family. We are proud of what has been achieved and confident that Oakwood is the right partner to take the business forward.”

Oliver McCarthy, director, – care at Christie & Co comments, “We are pleased to have facilitated this discreet sale. Forest Gate is a well-established and highly regarded business, and this transaction demonstrates the continued demand for quality care operators. We wish both the Hutchinson family and the Oakwood Care Group every success in their respective future ventures.”