New research reveals UK families’ home improvement wish-list
New research reveals UK families’ home improvement wish-list Bi-fold Door Manufacturer, Origin, recently asked over 2000 British families what makes a happy family life, and they came up with some interesting findings. In addition to family meals, Netflix, and lots of board-games and smart tablets, the research also found that two thirds of families want […]
Sash Window Market Predicts Growth in 2015
Sash Window Market Predicts Growth in 2015 88% of installers expect more sash window sales in 2015, and 65% feel sash window installations are more profitable than casements, according to a study by Roseview Windows and Insight Data. Over 10,000 installers were asked for their opinions on sash windows and to gauge their confidence in […]
Growth in Home Improvement Planning Applications
Growth in Home Improvement Planning Applications Home improvement applications increased by 12% on average across the UK in 2014, according to the recently released Barbour ABI home-improver analysis. London continued its dominance with the biggest home improvement growth in 2014, increasing by 27% and with the top three UK local authorities for the number of […]
Consumer Rights Act 2015 comes into force 1st October: Is your business ready?
Consumer Rights Act 2015 comes into force 1st October: Is your business ready? The Consumer Rights Act 2015 comes into force in less than six months, and its important businesses understand how their responsibilities and consumer rights have changed. The new legislation will replace a number of pieces of business-to-consumer legislation, including the Sale of […]
Questions the FCA may ask following an application submission
Typical questions the FCA ask following an application submission for Full Permission Below is a list of typical questions FCA case-handlers are asking retailers following receipt of a full permission application. Most of the information should have been included within the business plan you submitted as part of your application, but please be aware case-handlers […]
FCA Update: Instalment Exemption
FCA Update: Instalment Exemption Under specific circumstances businesses who are offering or broking interest free credit do not need to be registered with the FCA. These rules on instalment exemption have recently been extended by the Government. From 18 March 2015 businesses offering interest free credit can increase the maximum number of instalments from 4 […]
FCA Approved Persons
FCA Approved Persons An approved person is an individual who has been approved by the FCA to perform one or more controlled functions on behalf of an authorised firm. To become an approved person, a candidate must first apply to the FCA. Approval must be obtained before a person can perform a controlled function. What is the […]
Making consumers aware of your complaints procedures
Financial Conduct Authority & Financial Ombudsman Service Update: Making consumers aware of your complaints procedures The FCA, in conjunction with the FOS, has recently updated the Consumer Awareness Rules relating to complaints handling. Specifically, you now need to post details about your complaints-handling procedure on your website. We recommend that you include a link to the […]
How to complete your FCA Application for Full Authorisation
A quick guide to the FCA’s online application process by Business Development Manager David Grant The following notes have been put together to assist with submitting your application for full authorisation. 1) Getting started To get started click on http://www.fca.org.uk/firms/firm-types/consumer-credit/authorisation. Then scroll down the page to Step 4 & Apply for “New User Registration”. Click […]
CCS Retailer Hot Tub Barn goes transatlantic
After many years of providing hot tubs from their UK showrooms, Hot Tub Barn is going transatlantic! The company has announced it’s installing hot tubs into each of Virgin’s new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The hot tubs will add further luxury to travellers’ journeys and allow them a mid-flight soak. Virgin currently has four Dreamliners in operation, with a planned nine […]