BFRC and GGF back ‘Green’
fraud conviction
3rd October 2017

BFRC has welcomed the conviction and sentencing of three company directors for their fraudulent business under the trading name of “Green” that falsely offered funding grants for “A” energy rated and/or Pilkington Glass windows and doors.

The prosecution earlier this year was the result of a lengthy and complex investigation by Chartered Trading Standards Institute officers with the help of BFRC and the GGF acting as expert witnesses on the case.

Mold Crown Court had heard how between January 2010 and August 2014 the three defendants operated a business that advertised and sold PVC windows and doors trading under the name of “Green”. The defendants deliberately created the false impression that “grant funding” from Local Authority or Government supported products being sold by them.  They dishonestly claimed to be using “A Rated” and/or Pilkington Glass in its product, to be FENSA registered and that the product complied with applicable quality/safety standards.  All such claims were false.

Susan Greer, 55, of Willaston, Cheshire, was sentenced to 2 years custody,  suspended for 2 years, with an order of 100 hours unpaid work, Terrence Greer, 76, also of Willaston, sentenced  to 2 years custody, suspended for 2 years, with a curfew tag from 7pm to 6am every day until September 2017. Gary Parle, 45, of Calderstones, Liverpool and Director of Arena Windows NW Ltd, was ordered to pay £30,000 compensation to the victims of their crimes and £10,000 costs to Denbighshire County Council. All three had pleaded guilty to participating in a fraudulent business.

BFRC Operations Manager Lis Clarke said this week: “This prosecution sends a clear strong message to rogue traders that they must get their accreditations and energy ratings correct or they will face the consequences. The BFRC, FENSA and the GGF will continue to work with the Chartered Trading Standards Institute to deal with any breaches of false energy ratings and other claims that harm consumers and the integrity of the Glass and Glazing industry.”

Emlyn Jones Public Protection Manager for Denbighshire County Council said: “This has been a lengthy and complex investigation of a sophisticated fraud carried out by Officers from our Trading Standards department. These unscrupulous individuals sought to mimic and take advantage of the Government’s green energy deals for consumers on insulation and heating, offering none existent grants for replacement UPVC windows and doors. Consumers who contracted with the business were told they were receiving either Local Authority or Government Grants, when in reality they were simply getting a discount on inferior mis-described,  none energy efficient products.

“The investigation started after a complaint from one Denbighshire resident, unhappy about the quality of the fitting of the windows she bought from the company. After further investigation, it was found that the defendants had created a web of false business names and grant organisations, with adverts placed across North Wales in local press.

“This is a fantastic result in our efforts to try and secure a level playing field for all businesses and protecting the consumer.  We hope it sends out a clear message that this type of activity will not be tolerated and will be investigated”.