The former director of a social enterprise company which employed blind and disabled people has denied allegations that he defrauded his workers’ pensions.

Nicholas Marks appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court this week charged with one count of fraud by abuse of position in relation to employees of Clarity Products Ltd, and a further count in respect of employees of Lunar Automotive Ltd.

Clarity Products was a soap and toiletries manufacturer and social enterprise. It sold products under the Soap Co and Beco brands. It is believed that Clarity, which went into liquidation, employed about 80 workers.

The charges against Mr Marks have been brought under Section 4 of the Fraud Act 2006, in a prosecution brought by The Pensions Regulator.

Mr Marks, 56, of Heath Road, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, has pleaded not guilty to both charges.

A plea and trial preparation hearing has been fixed for Wednesday 8 May at the Central Criminal Court.