Business self-help author sentenced for defying disqualification

Sydney business book author and consultant Craig West has been sentenced to a two year good behaviour bond after admitting to managing a company despite being disqualified from doing so.

Sydney business book author and consultant Craig West has been sentenced to a two year good behaviour bond after admitting to managing a company despite being disqualified from doing so.

West, the author of small business advice books Build It, Raise It, Protect It and Enjoy It, was disqualified from managing a corporation in 2006 after being a director of three failed companies.

But he continued to act as a manager of business consultancy Peak Partners, including operating the firm’s bank account, passing cheques and organising a radio advertising campaign.

This lead the Australian Securities and Investments Commission to charge him under the Corporations Act for managing a company while disqualified.

West pleaded guilty to the charge in Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court and was sentenced to a two year good behaviour bond.

West is still listed as a partner on the Peak Partners website, which describes him as a CPA “strategic accountant” and critically acclaimed business author.

A testimonial to West on the site lauds him for “knowing the legalities” and understanding what “should be done from a compliance point of view”.

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