Telford company and director fined for high pressure selling
A Telford company and its director have been fined a total of £50,000 and ordered to pay more than £8,000 legal costs for a string of offences relating to their selling practices.
Pemberton Home Improvements Co Ltd, of Halesfield, admitted 15 charges Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations Act 2008 and were fined £2,000 for each offences – a total of £30,000.
Director Robert Pemberton pleaded guilty to 10 charges and was also fined £2,000 for each offence – a total of £20,000.
The case came about as a result of a prosecution brought by Telford and Wrekin’s Trading Standards team.
Telford Magistrates heard that the company engaged in high pressure selling techniques by making unwanted telephone calls and personal visits to consumers’ homes – despite being asked not to call again.
They also admitted displaying unauthorised quality marks of the British Board of Agrement and the Association of Chief Police Officers Secured By Design logo on their paperwork and not being professionally diligent.
A further five charges of offering a large discount on the price if the consumer signed on the spot were also admitted by the company.
The court imposed a £50,000 fine, ordered costs of £8,176.34 and a victim surcharge of £240. Full payment is required by the court in 56 days.
Anita Hunt, Telford & Wrekin Council’s trading standards team leader, said: “This outcome will send a strong message to companies who engage in high pressure selling.
“We will take appropriate action where traders breach laws that protect consumers and ensure that businesses trade fairly.”
