Dodgy double glazing firm ceases trading

Jun 26 2008 by John Rowbotham, Hamilton Advertiser

A DOUBLE glazing firm that attracted hundreds of complaints from customers has ceased trading.

MB Designs (Scotland) Ltd called in liquidators earlier this month.

People with outstanding grievances against the company are unlikely to get their money back.

The company operated from a base in 11-13 Colvilles Road, Kelvin Industrial Estate, East Kilbride, and also traded as Quick Group, Quick Fit, Quick Trade, Quick Glass and Quick Decks and Spas.

South Lanarkshire Council Trading Standards officers have been dealing with complaints about the company since 2000.

Customers from Lanarkshire, and all over Scotland, had expressed concern about poor quality double-glazed units and shoddy installation.

MB Designs were the second-most complained about double glazing company in Scotland.

Yesterday (Wednesday) Peter Sherry, trading standards manager, said a Glasgow-based liquidator was assessing the company's assets.

He added, however: “It has been confirmed that the company is likely to be insolvent.

“Consequently, consumers with outstanding complaints are likely to be treated as unsecured creditors and accorded the lowest financial priority.

“We have a number of outstanding consumer complaints against the company that we will continue to deal with. But all other enquiries relating to the company, its dealings and its obligations to consumers should be addressed to the liquidator in the first instance.”

Trading Standards say customers who have paid deposits by cash or cheque and are awaiting supply and/or installation of the goods were UNLIKELY to get a refund.

They should contact the liquidator and register a claim against the company.

Those who have paid deposits by credit (eg finance agreement, credit card) and are awaiting supply and/or installation of goods, should contact the creditor (eg finance company, credit card issuer) for a refund. Deposits of more than £100 will be covered by the provisions of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 and should be refunded by the creditor.

Mr Sherry said it was also unlikely that the company would complete outstanding work or repairs. Customers should contact the liquidator and register a claim against the company for the amount of the uncompleted work or repairs.

Mr Sherry also warned consumers to be wary of any unsolicited approaches from individuals or businesses offering to tackle unfinished work or repairs in exchange for cash. “In such circumstances consumers should seek advice from us before agreeing to anything,” he added.

The address of liquidator Ken Pattullo is: Begbies Traynor, Finlay House, 2nd Floor, 10 - 14 West Nile Street, Glasgow G1 2PP. Tel: 0141 222 2230.