A Kent-based company which says it aims to raise funds for homeless military veterans has admitted several charges for illegal street trading.

The directors of We R Blighty, which is based in Broadstairs, were brought before the City of London Magistrates’ Court last month.

At the hearing, Ben Mills and Danielle Vidler each pleaded guilty to 14 offences related to collecting money and trading without the required licences.

Previously, it was revealed that an investigation was underway into the company over “financial irregularities”.

Mr Mills, a former pupil of Hartsdown Technology College in Margate and an ex-veteran himself, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and suggests claims raised against him are fabricated.

The firm, which is registered as a community interest company and not a charity, is based in Millennium Way and was originally set up in 2022.

It claims on its website to have raised vital funds to aid ex-service personnel through a variety of means, including “face-to-face engagements with both volunteers and paid professional fundraisers”.

At the hearing, the pair pleaded guilty to 14 offences each, including eight under the Police, Factories, etc. (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1916 and six under the City of London Act 1987.

The court heard that We R Blighty splits its takings 50/50 between the operators and veterans’ support.

Despite repeated written and in-person warnings and advice from the City of London Corporation’s Licensing Team, they continued to operate illegally, soliciting donations and carrying out unlawful street trading between August 2024 and February 2025.

The company and its directors were fined a total of £1,792 and ordered to pay £1,700 in costs to the City Corporation.

Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s licensing committee, John Fletcher, said: “This prosecution sends a clear message: illegal street trading and unauthorised fundraising will not be tolerated in the City.

“The persistent unlawful nature of We R Blighty’s money collection and sale of articles for private gain without the pre-requisite authorisations is totally unacceptable.

“Our enforcement protects the integrity of charitable fundraising and the public, as well as organisations that comply with the law.

“I thank our licensing team and our specialist legal team at Guildhall, and the City of London Police, for their advice, guidance, and fair and professional handling of this matter.”