Date published: 2025-02-07 | Category: Delivering for local residents, Focusing on prevention, Trading Standards
A builder has been given a suspended prison sentence after causing consumer losses of £54,000 to three Bath and North East Somerset residents, following an investigation by Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Trading Standards Team.
Thomas Harris, 31, of Cosford Close, Kingsway, Quedgeley, Gloucester, trading as HCG Building Contractors Ltd was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on 30 January 2025 after pleading guilty to two offences of contravening the requirements of professional diligence under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.
The court heard that Harris failed to carry out work with reasonable care and skill and failed to communicate with consumers about timescales. On each occasion, the work carried out for the three victims was of poor quality, and unfinished. There was a pattern of starting jobs, leaving homes with poor quality work, and then refusing to come back to continue with the projects without further payment from the victims.
Harris was given a 12-month suspended prison sentence and must carry out 180 hours community service. Harris has been ordered by the court to repay the three victims £14,400 in total.
Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said, "I hope the sentence sends a clear message that we will look to take action when innocent homeowners’ hard-earned money is lost to unscrupulous builders."
The council runs an approved trader scheme called ‘Buy with Confidence’ where residents can search for local businesses which have been vetted and approved by Trading Standards. Anyone looking for a local business to carry out some work is encouraged to visit the Buy With Confidence website.
Anyone who thinks they might have fallen victim to a rogue trader, should report it to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service who work in partnership with Bath & North East Somerset Trading Standards. Telephone 0345 40 40 506.
Before agreeing to any work, your local Trading Standards team recommend that you:
- Read reviews of traders and if possible use the Buy with Confidence Approved Trader Scheme.
- Ask at least three approved traders for quotes.
- Never pay up front and never pay cash.
- Say no to doorstep sellers.
- Always get a detailed written quotation/contract.
- Check the builder’s references and even pay visits to the references.
- Ask your neighbours, family or friends for personal recommendations of builders who have worked for them and carried out a good job.
The Buy with Confidence directory is available free of charge from Bath & North East Somerset Council’s One Stop Shops in Lewis House, Manvers Street, Bath, The Hollies, Midsomer Norton and the Civic Centre in Keynsham. It is also available on the Buy With Confidence website or by calling 01225 396759.
Find out more about the council’s Trading Standards Service
ENDS