Choosing a Utility Consultant who can be trusted is a hard enough task, but don’t just choose someone who contacts you over the phone, how do you know who they are? Some consultants will direct you to their website, but this is no guarantee that they are who they say they are. Fake websites are easy to set up and just having pictures of the people on the website cannot be taken at face value. The use of stock images and false names allows a website to be set up, in minutes, which looks authentic. Don’t be conned by this, and then find out that you are paying way more than you could have for your utility supplies.
There are a few simple due diligence checks that you can undertake to ensure you are dealing with a reputable company;
- Are they a member of the Utilities Intermediaries Association (UIA)? Don’t just take their line saying that they are applying for membership. Joining the UIA is not a lengthy process and can be set up within a few weeks providing the consultant passes their checks. You can check the company name on the UIA website at www.uia.org.uk to ensure they are still a current member.
- Do they have a contact phone number on their website? All reputable consultants will have a phone number so that you can make a direct call to them.
- Does their website identify the actual company name and not just a trading name? And does the company display their registered office address. If so, you can check these on Companies House to ensure they are truthful ( if they are a Sole Trader or Partnership then they won’t be shown)
- Do they display their Company Registration Number on their website (or are they a Sole Trader or Partnership)?
- If they display an email address, send a test email to see if it bounces.
These checks are simple, basic and makes sound business practice!
