THE boss of a Fylde energy consultancy has called on the Government to crack down on rogue traders.
Janet Thornton CEO of Kirkham-based Inspired Energy which employs 50 is backing Ofgem’s plans for a code of practice for brokers.
She said the watchdog should be able to take action against brokers who mis-sell or use high pressure sales tactics.
It comes as a result of the current rules to protect businesses within the Office of Fair Trading’s remit being rarely enforced.
She believes that giving Ofgem the power to discipline unregulated independent brokers will help boost confidence within the industry.
She said: “We need to flush out these rogue traders with immediate effect.
“Customers need to put their faith in energy brokers and these unregulated companies are damaging the reputation of our industry as a whole.
“We are totally in favour of the changes being considered by Ofgem in order to safe guard the public.” Once Ofgem have considered the findings of their consultation, they will present their proposal to the Government.
Inspired was founded at her home in 2000 and offers energy procurement and management, market analysis, historical audits and renewable energy projects to customers in the UK and Europe.
Analysts advise clients on buying gas or electricity, and as energy is subject to price rises and falls, consultancies such as Inspired Energy aim to help companies to make savings by buying them at their cheapest rates.
One major foundry group saved in excess of £1.7m when it started working with Inspired.
It floated on the AIM market in November 2111.
Janet, who has worked since the age of 16 and sometimes ended up juggling two or three jobs with bringing up children, won the British Insurance Broker Association’s Business Woman of the Year award in 2012, cementing her as one of Britain’s top energy consultants.
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