Guernsey Press

Deputy calls again for register after white van firm collapse

OFF-ISLAND companies working in Guernsey should have to register for a permit, a campaigning deputy has argued, in the wake of the collapse of a UK conservatory business.

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Deputy Laurie Queripel has long campaigned for action on visiting ‘white van men’ and said this case highlighted the issue. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 22688076)

Belfast-based Geoghagen Supalite has gone into voluntary liquidation with customers in Guernsey and Jersey owed deposits.

Deputy Laurie Queripel has long campaigned for action on visiting ‘white van men’ and said this case highlighted the issue. ‘I’m sorry to hear that some islanders may be in danger of losing their deposits. They may get all or part of their money back but bearing in mind these deposits were placed with an off-island company this may prove very difficult to achieve,’ he said.

‘I imagine the prospect of getting money returned would be easier if it were a locally-based business. In any case it is my understanding that local traders working in this area – window and door suppliers/fitters – do not generally ask for a deposit.’

He had been informed that Geoghagen Supalite had been advised by Locate Guernsey with regard to enabling it to trade here.

‘If this is in fact the case it is very concerning as I have raised queries in the past about who Locate Guernsey assists and how.’

Deputy Queripel said the best option for controlling the number of white van men trading in the island would be an obligatory permit system. Although it might not stop such a situation occurring again, it would make some difference.

‘Going through the process of registering and paying the permit fee may well deter off-island traders who are on a less than sound financial footing or of the chancer variety.’

A permit system would also track which traders are on the island at any time and whether they were complying with various laws and regulations, such as waste and building, certain trade accreditations and health and safety.

He said the value of the spend was lost from the local economy when off-island companies were used.

‘Free market principles would still apply [so] there would not be a ban on off-island traders, but there would be appropriate and proportionate regulations,’ Deputy Queripel added.

He believed there was little appetite within the States for setting up such a scheme but would persist in calling for one.

‘Several hundred non-local trader vehicles have been seen on the island over the past few years – I’m certain that many of them would not have been known to the States bodies – including Income Tax and Social Security – that administer these various laws and regulations.’

Guernsey’s Trading Standards body has encouraged anyone affected by the Geoghagen Supalite case to get in contact with the administrators – James B Kennedy & Co. – as soon as possible.

‘Unfortunately in cases involving building work, many customers pay by cheque or bank transfer – leaving little effective alternative than to place a claim with the administrators,’ said a spokesman.

‘Anyone who wants to discuss their individual circumstances can contact Trading Standards on 234567. Anyone who has had work completed should check any paperwork for guarantees or warranties, and if these are provided by a third party – such as an insurance or glazing company – may still be covered if something goes wrong.

‘Our standard advice is for people to get a range of quotes from different tradesmen and ask for references from previous jobs.

‘Consumers should not be afraid to check references to give them peace of mind. A written quote, rather than just an estimate, listing in detail the expected jobs and cost, should also be requested. This way, both parties are clear on what is expected – and should anything go wrong, it will be easier to calculate the value of incomplete or substandard work.’

They said if a trader refused to provide certain information or wanted an unreasonably high deposit before the job, it should concern anyone looking to enter a contract with them.

Trading Standards also strongly recommended that people do not enter contracts with traders who call unannounced.