Rochdale-based company investigated by trading standards

Date published: 06 August 2018

A Rochdale-based company is being inspected by trading standards after a number of complaints.

A number of complaints regarding Family Run Kitchens, based on Robert Street have been received by Trading Standards.

One customer, Nicki Zaroli, contacted trading standards after the company “made a complete mess” of his family’s kitchen, and is yet to receive a refund, despite requesting one on multiple occasions.

Mr Zaroli said: “I rang them after I saw adverts on social media about the company. A designer came out and said they could undercut because they didn’t have fancy show rooms and it sounded true.

“We ordered a kitchen back in March to be supplied and fitted, paying £3,200 for it. They sent a team of fitters and basically made a complete mess of the job, so I complained.

“Trading Standards stepped in and they agreed to complete the work with a new team of fitter.”

Mr Zaroli says he took the day off work three times due to a no-show by the fitters, with one only visiting after another call to Trading Standards.

He continued: “The new fitter admitted it was a mess but said with new bits and pieces and a new extractor, and one and a half days of labour he could sort it. The kitchen is 3.2 metres by 2.1 metres in size.

“We haven’t seen him since. I asked for my money back on 23 July, but was told no and that a different fitter would be coming out. I asked for it to be confirmed in an email, but the customer service manager refused and hung up on me.

“The new fitter contacted me on the day he was due to come round, saying he couldn’t as the van wouldn’t start, and wasn’t road worthy. I asked for my money back again and was refused.

“I’ve had no contact from the owner, Asif Mohammed.”

Mr Zaroli added: “We have had no kitchen for over 20 weeks: no working stove or anything other a microwave with two young children in the house. I know a few other people are having the same problems with this company. I also put up an honest review on their pages to be blocked and have it taken down.”

Andrea Fallon, director of public health at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Rochdale Council’s public protection service has received a number of complaints from consumers regarding the company ‘Family Run Kitchens’.

“Investigations are ongoing, and the company is working with the council to improve compliance with fair trading legislation.”

Company director Asif Mohammed did not respond to an invitation to comment.