Tom Powell
A DRAGONS’ Den scientist has demanded expat truffle farmer Wendy Smart remove all traces of his name and company from her marketing material.
Since the Olive Press’ investigation into her unpaid debts last issue, many more angry expats – mostly Ronda-based – have added their complaints to the growing pile.
Investors in Smart’s plantation, in Valencia, are concerned about the state of her plantation and the future of its oak trees, casting doubts that they will ever see a return on their money.
“Due to the volume of accusations aimed at Wendy, we do not want our name associated with the project,” said Dr Thomas, who appeared on the UK TV show with his innovative truffle inoculation methods in 2006.
“We invested heavily. This included discounted trees in return for a share of the business and a lot of time, analytical testing and consultancy.
“A very large number of the trees we supplied, below cost price, were sold on – without our authorisation – for a profit. We are still owed these,” he added.
Smart’s Europe Truffles website was initially taken offline, but has since reappeared with Dr Thomas still featured.
Former horse breeder and life coach Smart stands accused of a trail of unpaid debts, including €56,000 to former management consultant Trevor Suter.
An action group of shareholders in her company Parkview – led by Smart’s former colleague Roger Wallis – has begun discussing a possible succession plan.
While a sacked worker, Jose Alfonso Roda, told the Olive Press he too has never been paid for his services on the plantation.
The Spanish labourer, who was in charge of irrigation, is still owed around €10,000 for four months work.
Expat Andrew Robb contacted the Olive Press with a similar tale, warning against ‘all kind of excuses she made not to pay us’.
“The usual lines from her have been heard before by myself and many others, wherever she goes it’s the same old story and people in Valencia need to be warned,” said Robb, another former employee.
Another expat victim, builder James Bond, claims he and two other labourers are owed €10,000 by Smart for work in 2007 and 2008. “Every time we asked for payment she promised us a stake in her truffle farm,” he told the Olive Press.
“The reason she left Ronda was that she ripped off so many people.”
something not right has been going on
was she criminal or just incompetant
I’m still waiting for my Easter Island statues Wendy sold me … they should be here by now!
Whilst the article is mostly correct, the facts are I am not a former colleague, I am not nor ever have been a shareholder and more importantly I would not touch the company with a barge pole!
Further to my last comment I must add, the product developed by Dr Thomas is excellent, under the right management I feel the plantation will flourish
She is now in Cadiz, rented a property for her and her horses, not sure where but Cadiz you are warned!!
Roger, please can you email me directly on the above address as I am having some dealings with Wendy and it is not proving fruitful – thanks
I have known Wendy for years both personally and business and she is keeping a dignified silence about all this BS – she does much good work; im sure many will figure out that others have a very different agenda and should check the facts not gossip
Hi Tony, who are you? All facts are checked, have you been to the plantation? Have you bought trees? Are you aware of Park Views actual status?
Wendy Smart has a new website and again it is full of lies, Dr Thomas who asked her not to use his name and to take all references regarding him off her site, she has not done so, he is on her new site and again this women has disregarded his request.
Yet another scam exposed by the Olive Press. Fraudsters are drawn to Spain like moths to a flame.
it seems to me that this is very one sided and out of balance.
Tony the only one side seems to be from you. It looks like you have a personal interest. Any information on the Easter Island statues?