Extra Energy tops worst complaints handling score for third quarter in a row

25th November 2016 Consumer Collections |

Extra Energy has come bottom of Citizens Advice’s latest energy complaints league table for the third consecutive quarter – with customers continuing to report billing problems. The firm has ranked lowest in the table – which measures how well energy suppliers are handling customer complaints – since the start of 2016.  However Extra Energy has…

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Autumn Statement “tackles some of the problems facing struggling families”

24th November 2016 Consumer Collections |

Citizens Advice has responded to the Chancellor Philip Hammond’s Autumn Statement. Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said “This Autumn Statement tackles some of the problems facing struggling families. It is good that government is willing to take action on failing consumer markets, including energy and letting agents, and tackle issues around pension scams.…

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Paragon Mortgages plans to enter specialist residential mortgage market

23rd November 2016 Consumer Collections |

Paragon Bank has announced plans to launch a new range of specialist residential mortgages. In a report for the year ending 30th September 2016, the bank revealed that it intended to follow the launch of its development finance proposition and two acquisitions in the asset finance market with new specialist residential products in the first…

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Spring Finance announces new appointments

23rd November 2016 Consumer Collections |

Spring Finance has promoted Kate Hill to Underwriting Manager. Hill has been an underwriter at Spring Finance since joining the company in July 2015. She previously worked at packagers The Loans Engine and Loans Warehouse, as well as Barclay’s, during the first 13 years of her career. Hill will be assisted by new underwriter Penny…

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The challenges families face managing debt

23rd November 2016 Consumer Collections |

A new study from Citizens Advice reveals the challenges faced by “just about managing families” and says many of the problems are ‘fixable’. The report is based on new analysis of the problems faced by the 700,000 working people helped by Citizens Advice between October 2015 and September 2016.  It identifies the most common challenges…

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Almost half of Scots admit to debt just weeks before Christmas

22nd November 2016 Consumer Collections |

Research from a YouGov poll has revealed that almost half (49 per cent) of people in Scotland admit to being in debt with many of these feeling the strain, just weeks before Christmas. The poll, which was commissioned by Scotcash and Scotwest Credit Union, revealed almost 1 in 2 (49 per cent) of adults surveyed…

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Christmas spending rise expected

22nd November 2016 Consumer Collections |

Christmas spending is set to hit £19 billion this year, with Brits ignoring the Brexit blues and splashing out an average of £415 each in the run-up to Christmas – 4.5 per cent more than the same time last year according to research by MoneySupermarket. The research predicts that: Brits will splash out £19 billion this year…

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Brexit shows little sign of impacting borrowing decisions

22nd November 2016 Consumer Collections |

A new survey from Freedom Finance, has revealed the UK’s decision to leave the European Union has had little effect on UK borrowers’ financial outlook.  Almost half (43%) of all respondents believe that market uncertainty would enable them to negotiate a better mortgage deal. When asked whether Brexit impacted their borrowing decisions, more than two thirds…

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Mortgage pricing and the efficiency of applications have been affected by increased regulation

21st November 2016 Consumer Collections |

New research from the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA) explores whether policymakers’ regulatory approach in the wake of the financial crisis has created a market that prioritises stability over popular access to mortgage finance.   IMLA’s report, ‘Is the mortgage market working for consumers?’, suggests that consumers’ number one priority when it comes to getting a…

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One in Seven consumers pay more than necessary via their direct debits

21st November 2016 Consumer Collections |

Consumers are losing trust in businesses as a result of poor billing practices and being pushed onto direct debit arrangements, according to new research by Echo Managed Services. Research with a representative sample of 1,000 UK adults revealed that 15% of consumers had been put on a tariff where they are paying more than necessary.…

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Cabot Credit Management announces latest results

21st November 2016 Consumer Collections |

Cabot Credit Management (CCM) has announced the financial results for nine months ending September 2016. Ken Stannard, Chief Executive Officer, CCM said “Our latest results continue to show strong returns and profit growth. During the first nine months of this year, we achieved an adjusted EBITDA of £180m, an increase of 24% compared with the…

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Equifax partners with 4most to provid IFRS 9 solutions

21st November 2016 Consumer Collections |

Equifax has partnered with regulatory and risk analytics specialists 4most to provide support for clients to address financial regulatory changes such as IFRS 9.  IFRS 9 includes new rules on how banks and other companies that lend money should account for credit losses, with an implementation deadline of January 2018. The partnership will combine Equifax…

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BSA members elect new Deputy Chair

18th November 2016 Consumer Collections |

The Building Society Association (BSA) has announced that Jonathan Westhoff, Chief Executive of the West Brom has been elected as the Deputy Chair of the BSA.  He replaces Chris Pilling, Chief Executive of the Yorkshire Building Society, who is stepping down. Commenting, Dick Jenkins, BSA Chairman said “Jonathan has already proved himself a thoughtfully outspoken member…

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