Homebase Launch ICP Scheme

13 Nov 2009

Homebase, part of the Home Retail Group, have launched the first free Independent Customer Protection (ICP) scheme for customers purchasing kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and furniture.

TrustMark 'the mark that Britain trusts', is pleased to have Homebase as an active scheme operator, and fully endorses their introduction of ICP. ICP provides all customers with independent insurance should the retailer cease trading, whilst the customer is waiting for goods to be ordered and delivered.

Nearly 1 in 10 customers do not receive goods thy have prepaid for (according to a report by Consumer Focus, the government's body - "Pay Now, Pay Later", August 2009).

Roman Russocki, Chief Executive of TrustMark stated "As our organisation is fully supported by Government, the building industry, retailers and consumer protection groups, we view a launch of this type of free protection for consumers to be a trail blazer leading the way for other quality retailers. It is rare to see a National Retailer of the standing of Homebase volunteer to improve consumer rights and protection without legislative enforcement, indicating how truly customer focused Homebase is.

"We at TrustMark would like to think our ongoing partnership with Homebase is in part helping to increase standards within the industry.

"The expectation is for customers and consumer groups to show their approval by endorsing the introduction of ICP and by purchasing from Homebase, thus driving other quality retailers to launch ICP to their customers."