FCA INTRODUCE CHANGES TO BUY NOW PAY LATER RULES
The FCA has published new rules for “Buy Now Pay Later” finance. The changes are a positive step for consumers by the industry regulator as they will both simplify and improve BNPL credit options. The new rules concern both how the credit option has to operate and how it can be marketed going forward, specifically: […]
Glazing Summit returns to Birmingham for 2019 event
Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, the Glazing Summit is returning to Birmingham. It will be held on the 12th September at Edgbaston Stadium and Conference Centre. The Summit is aimed at industry professionals – fabricators, installers and component firms – and is supported by leading industry names including the GGF, Yale, Edgetech […]
Non-food prices see sharp decline in July
Low consumer confidence has continued to keep shoppers from splashing out on discretionary items, causing a sharp decline in non-food prices in July, according to the latest British Retail Consortium (BRC) Nielsen Shop Price Index. While overall shop price deflation for July held “steady” at a decline of 0.1% – marking the second consecutive month […]
Areas with the UK’s worst energy-rated properties revealed
A UK-wide analysis of energy performance certificates (EPCs) has found that Britain has some of the oldest and coldest housing stock in the Europe, and that the cost of this heat loss is contributing to the rise in fuel poverty. The areas with the highest percentages of F and G rated homes include: • Isles of […]
The rise of smart tech in the home
A new report by Smart Home Week has revealed insights into UK consumers’ appetite for smart tech devices aimed at making everyday tasks around the home easier and quicker. In addition to smart speakers such as Alexa, video doorbells/security systems is the smart tech that most appeals – with 47% planning to buy one within […]
UK prefer showers over baths, survey finds
A new survey has found that 57% prefer showering over baths. Three-quarters of those who prefer showers say they like them more because they’re quicker, while more than half said they feel cleaner after a shower, and 32% said a shower can “get them going” first thing in the morning. For those who prefer baths, 70% […]
Finance promotions within TV advertising
Television and YouTube are a great way to create an engaging message for consumers and generate interest in your products and services – and by adding a simple finance message it can further encourage enquiries and footfall to showrooms. But because TV and video can create more ‘buzz’ than other mediums, it can also lead to a […]
The Senior Managers & Certification Regime – a major change to the way the FCA will regulate you
This article is intended for clients of Consumer Credit Solutions. This article is for guidance only, and it is strongly recommended that you review the FCA’s website and take independent advice where necessary. What is the Senior Managers & Certification Regime (SM&CR)? The Senior Managers & Certification Regime (SM&CR) is a complete overhaul of the […]
CCS acquires controlling interest in Castlefields
ANNOUNCEMENT: Consumer Credit Solutions Ltd acquires controlling interest in Castlefields CCS is delighted to announce that it has purchased a controlling interest in specialist credit software company Abbeystokes Ltd (t/a Castlefields). Castlefields provides software and reporting systems to a number of lenders within the Home Improvement sector. The business has been an integral part of the […]
Businesses still ‘advertising’ card fees nine months after the ban
A report by MoneySavingExpert.com has found customers are still being told they’ll be charged extra to pay by credit/debit card despite fee charges being illegal. The new rules came into effect on 13 January 2018 and mean customers should no longer be charged a fee if they opt to pay by personal credit or debit card. In […]