“It is always unfortunate to hear of company failures that leave consumers out of pocket and facing turmoil as they try and recover what they have paid for.  Sadly the slowdown in the recovery of the economy means it is likely that we will see more retailers fail. 

“However for KBSA members it is a stark reminder of the need to promote the message that it makes good financial sense to buy from an independent retailer that has a recognised trade association membership and provides financial protection in the event of a company failure.

“We provide our members with a full sales and marketing support kit so that they can promote the KBSA badge and the benefits of membership.  We are advising that despite the pressures on budgets they should continue with their communication programmes focusing on the added protection consumers can expect from a KBSA member.

“The KBSA has responded to this situation with a coordinated communication campaign across trade and consumer press. 

“When the story first broke we issued a trade release, a national consumer release and a template for a local press release to all retail members. Over the last few weeks we have sent a second consumer release and a new local press release template. We are also making consumer protection the focus of our second news bulletin which will be emailed to around 700 national journalists at the end of this month.

“In addition to this we have incorporated some new messages about consumer protection in our ongoing recruitment campaign and are also planning extra advertising activity across consumer and trade press.

“If consumer confidence is to be restored we must all work together to ensure our message is heard and that the consumer understands the added security and benefits of buying from a KBSA member.”

For further information, please go to the KBSA website at www.kbsa.org.uk

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