1 Feb 2021

Plumbing, heating and green energy company, Heatforce (Heatforce Wales Ltd) has joined the Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman (FHIO), demonstrating their continuous dedication to promoting fair trade and protecting consumer’s rights.

Ombudsman scheme

The independent, not-for profit, and government approved Ombudsman scheme has offered a range of services to its members and their customers for more than a quarter of a century, including independent alternative dispute resolution, training, and advice.

The Ombudsman helps to provide consumers with additional peace of mind and supports businesses and their customers in finding solutions when disputes occur, without the need for costly and lengthy litigation.

Gas-fitting, electrical wiring and plumbing expert

South Wales-based Heatforce was set up 40 years ago, over which period a team of specialists has been built and around 100 apprentices have been trained in the trades of gas-fitting, electrical wiring and plumbing services. 

It has contracts with local authorities, housing associations, charities, and utility companies to provide plumbing, heating, and renewable services. The company installs boiler, bathrooms and services central heating boilers and supplies and installs fires and fireplaces, right across the United Kingdom.

Joined FHIO as commitment to raise standards

By joining the FHIO, a business demonstrates a commitment to raising standards by signing up to a Code of Practice

By joining the Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman (FHIO), a business demonstrates a commitment to raising standards by signing up to a Code of Practice and promoting consumer confidence in the sector in which they operate, so as to add another layer of protection for their customers.

In addition, membership underlines industry best practice and an undertaking to manage complaints formally and at a level that is higher than the law prescribes. Access is provided to an established City & Guilds learning and development program, and a dedicated Ombudsman team who have expertise in dispute resolution and consumer law.

Raising complaint with the Ombudsman

Equally, consumers benefit as they will be able to raise a complaint with the Ombudsman for free, if they are unable to resolve the complaint through existing channels or internal procedures.

Kevin Grix, CEO and Chief Ombudsman at Furniture and Home Improvement Ombudsman said, “Knowing that an organization subscribes to an Ombudsman demonstrates responsible business practice and provides reassurance to consumers and businesses alike. Hence, we would like to extend a warm welcome to new members Heatforce, as by joining our independent, government approved scheme, proves an ongoing commitment to protecting consumers’ rights and promoting fair trade.

Enhancing customer service

Paul Maddocks, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Heatforce said, “We are delighted to join the FHIO and look forward to the additional training and support that comes with membership. I am also pleased that customers will have extra peace-of-mind when it comes to choosing Heatforce, knowing that our work will be 100% satisfactory every single time.