Building firm fined for falsely claiming membership of trade organisation

Knightsbridge Windows Ltd of Bangor was fined £250 plus court costs after being convicted under the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 at Castlereagh Magistrates’ Court today.

The case was brought by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment’s Trading Standards Service (TSS), after a member of the public expressed concern about the quality of the company’s work.

TSS Investigating Officer, Peter Rankin, said: “The customer had chosen Knightsbridge Windows Ltd to install double glazed windows at her home because the advertisement in the Yellow Pages carried the emblem of the Federation of Master Builders. The customer therefore believed that the work would be carried out to a high standard.

“Members of the public often choose a company because it has membership of an accredited trade organisation. Making false claims of membership by builders and contractors is unacceptable, and Trading Standards Service will not tolerate such practices.”

Members of the public concerned about the quality of building services provided or claims in advertising should contact Consumerline on 0845 600 6262.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. Under the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 traders must describe goods or services they supply corrrectly. It is an offence to supply goods or services which are falsely described. The Act is enforced by DETI's Trading Standards Service.
2. For media enquiries please contact Lesley Dempster in the DETI Press Office, telephone 028 9052 9297 or 07866 847919.
3. Outside office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.