Pro Installer March 2015 - Issue 24 | Page 7

7 PRO INSTALLER MARCH 2015 PRO NEWS @proinstaller1 Supporting companies through regulatory changes Network VEKA has proactively addressed changes in the regulation of consumer finance, helping its member companies to continue winning the larger contracts typically associated with such funding. Consumer finance is regulated by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), formerly the Financial Services Authority (FSA). Since the FCA assumed responsibility for consumer finance in April 2014, the regulatory regime for companies wanting to promote consumer finance has become more challenging, the process involved in applying for consumer credit licences being a case in point. Network VEKA’s Managing Director, John Ogilvie, explains: “The FCA’s regulatory changes make greater demands of companies that wish to offer consumer finance, so much so that many businesses have been dissuaded from doing so. “Knowing that the ability to offer consumer finance often allows companies to command orders of greater value, homeowners opting to re-glaze their whole house rather than, say, just the front or back, for example. We recognised the need to put mechanisms in place that would preclude our members from missing those opportunities.” Realising that not all Network VEKA member companies were interested in actively promoting consumer finance, the organisation has introduced two kinds of support, as John describes: “Besides the offer of assistance with applying for consumer credit licences, members could instead opt to add a Network VEKA banner to their website, directing homeowners to finance Is your supplier letting you down? 2 N ow k eee* w im dt lea ly From on £36a5 e f per l NATIONWIDE SITE DELIVERY providers who can potentially offer personal loans for home improvement expenses. “Customers benefit from very competitive rates compared to other sources of finance, making this a mutually advantageous offering for both them and our member companies. It’s this kind of forethought and provision that has kept Network VEKA at the vanguard of the industry for so many years and resulted in the unprecedented membership renewal figures we’ve reported recently.” For more information visit www.networkveka.co.uk/trade Alu miniu m Bi-Fold & Patio Doors Lowest prices anywhere Get a price comparison now! Over 99% of deliveries on time and in full Quick quote turnaround Very competitive glass options Available in any colour, alongside stock colours; White, Black, Grey, Grey on White Tel: 01642 610798 Fax: 01642 671026 * Lead times based on standard colour range made for trade www.madefortrade.co