24/09/2009

NICEIC helps prosecute rogue traders

The following story shows that ‘counterfeiting' is not just limited to goods- services can be affected too. With a rise of 33% in bogus tradesmen attempting to gain more business by falsely using the NICEIC logo, the organisation has been successful in helping to prosecute a number of rogues:

"Working closely with Trading Standards offices around the UK, the complaints team at NICEIC's headquarters has been working hard to ensure successful prosecutions leading in some cases to hefty fines, for those who break the law," says Emma McCarthy, Chief Operating Officer, NICEIC Group Limited."

One such prosecution took place in August at Cardigan Magistrates court, where Mr Gordon Perry, trading as Gordon's Electrics Limited in Llandysul, Carmarthenshire, pleaded guilty to six charges in respect of the Trade Descriptions Act, including making false claims his business was registered with NICEIC on business cards, quotations and invoices.

Mr Perry was fined £450, ordered to pay £750 towards the costs of the prosecution and a victim surcharge of £15. £1500 in compensation was awarded to the victims in the matter as well.

"We take all allegations of logo misuse extremely seriously as we must protect those contractors who voluntarily submit themselves to be assessed to our rigorous standards and notify their work where appropriate," continues Emma. "Rogue traders need to be aware that NICEIC will take all appropriate action to make sure our logo is not falsely used."

NICEIC Group Ltd.,Warwick House, Houghton Hall ParkHoughton Regis, Dunstable LU5 5ZXTel: +44 (0)1582 531 000Fax: +44 (0)1582 531 010Web: www.niceic.com