A PROPERTY maintenance company pleaded guilty to misuse of accreditation logos at a hearing in Caernarfon Magistrates Court.

The case was brought by Anglesey Trading Standards.

Kris Elize, sole director of ‘Precision Property Maintenance Ltd’, of Menai Bridge, Anglesey, pleaded guilty to four charges of unfair trading under the Consumer Protection From Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and the Business Protection from Misleading Marketing Regulations 2008.

Following a complaint made to the Trading Standards in January 2023, Mr Elize was found to be using the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) and Federation of Master Builders (FMB) logo on his social media sites and his company vehicle.

He was not authorised to do so having never been a member. In addition, he was found to be claiming to be Part P competent person, when he was not.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The court heard that consumers identify association membership as reflecting a higher level of expertise and skill. Members of such associations and in particular Part P competent persons undergo examinations and checks on their work along with paying an annual fee and maintaining their competencies.

Use of such logos and claims without approval is misleading to consumers and seeks to gain a competitive advantage over other businesses securing work they may not otherwise have gained.

At a sentencing hearing on December 13 2023, the court heard of mitigating circumstances of a personal nature. However, magistrates ordered that Mr Elize pay a total of £2,388.36, compromising of fines, compensation, costs and victim surcharges.

The decision was welcomed by the County Council’s Public Protection portfolio holder, Councillor Nicola Roberts.

Cllr Roberts said: “We would like to stress that the misuse of association logos will not be tolerated and those using them without permission will be brought before the courts.

"Not only does it mislead the public but damages the reputation of legitimate accredited traders.”