100 complaints about firm
The director of a Sunderland business has appeared in court after more than 100 complaints were made to Trading Standards about two of his companies.
Aspire UK Home Improvements, which is registered in North Hylton Road, Sunderland, and ASC Home Improvements, in Gateshead, have been the subject of numerous complaints from customers, who have collectively paid “thousands and thousands of pounds” for incomplete work, poor standards and jobs which were never carried out, Gateshead Council has said.
Adam Crake is registered as director of both businesses, according to the latest listings on Companies House.
He appeared at North Tyneside County Court on Monday, November 4 after Gateshead Council earlier secured an Enforcement Order against him, his two companies and Sarah Callaghan, who previously acted as director of ASC Home Improvements.
She later resigned her post.
The orders mean that Crake, his two companies and Callaghan will be in contempt of court if they use any so-called unfair trading practices, Gateshead Council say.
This includes failing to respond to customer complaints, making false or misleading statements to customers or failing to perform their services with reasonable care and skill.
Anneliese Hutchinson, service director for Development, Transport and Public
Protection at Gateshead Council, has called on the public to contact Trading Standards if they have complaints to make about either business.
She said: “This is a particularly appalling case. We have been almost overwhelmed with complaints about these two companies and it was clear that we needed to act as quickly to halt their unlawful practices.”
When contacted by the Sunderland Echo Mr Crake said that the businesses were no longer operating.
He said: “This is a result of social media speculation. I put my heart into the business for 18months, it was my baby and my life has been ruined by this.
“I accepted the enforcement order as I have no intention of running any business in that way or doing those things.”