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Business Energy Claims Solicitors
Get the Compensation You Deserve
Has a sudden surge in energy costs plunged your company into unexpected chaos? Have you ever found yourself on the receiving end of irregular or incorrect energy charges? Consider this for a moment. It’s akin to being billed for gourmet dinners that you never savoured! Unfair, right? Get ready to flip the script with our comprehensive guide on Business Energy Claims Solicitors — champions geared towards securing the compensation your business deserves!
How we can help you make a mis-sold business energy claim
Business energy claims solicitors are legal professionals who specialise in assisting businesses that have been mis-sold energy contracts. They can help assess and pursue compensation claims against energy brokers or suppliers who engaged in mis-selling practises.
These solicitors work to ensure that businesses receive the compensation they deserve for any financial losses or damages incurred due to wrongful advice, hidden fees, or other deceptive practises.
Defining Business Energy Claims Solicitors
If you are a business owner who is experiencing issues with your energy provider, then you might find yourself in need of the services of a business energy claims solicitor. But what exactly does this involve? First and foremost, it’s important to understand that solicitors who specialise in this area offer legal assistance to businesses that have been affected by issues such as mis-sold energy contracts and undisclosed commissions.
In the UK, there has been an increasing number of complaints regarding the mis-selling of energy contracts, with micro businesses being more susceptible than others. This is where business energy claims solicitors come in – they help businesses claim back compensation from energy providers or brokers who have acted negligently or unethically.
These legal professionals are able to assess whether or not your business has a valid claim for compensation and can guide you through the process of making a claim. Some firms even offer no-win, no-fee arrangements so that businesses can rest assured that they will not be left out of pocket if their claim is unsuccessful.
Check If You Have A Business Energy Claim
Answer 3 simple questions to see if you are eligible to make a Business Energy Claim
It’s important to note that not all solicitors specialise in business energy claims. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose a reputable company that has a track record of success in this specific area of law.
For example, FDM Solicitors specialises in helping businesses claim back compensation for mis-sold energy contracts and undisclosed commissions. The firm has a team of experienced solicitors who are dedicated to helping businesses receive the compensation they deserve.
Now that we’ve established what business energy claims solicitors do, let’s take a closer look at the role and services offered by these legal professionals.
- Business energy claims solicitors offer legal assistance to businesses that have been affected by issues such as mis-sold energy contracts and undisclosed commissions.
- They assess whether or not a business has a valid claim for compensation and guide them through the process of making a claim against energy providers or brokers who have acted negligently or unethically.
- It is important to choose a reputable company with experience in this specific area of law.
- FDM Solicitors specialises in helping businesses claim back compensation for mis-sold energy contracts and undisclosed commissions, offering a team of experienced solicitors dedicated to helping businesses receive the compensation they deserve.
The Role and Services Offered by Solicitors
The role of a business energy claims solicitor involves providing legal advice and representation to businesses seeking compensation for issues such as mis-sold energy contracts and undisclosed commission. This involves working with businesses to evaluate their situation, identify any potential grounds for compensation, and help them to navigate the complex process of making a claim.
In addition to providing legal advice and representation, business energy claims solicitors are also able to assist with the following services:
- Legal analysis: Solicitors can analyse relevant documents such as energy contracts and commission agreements to determine whether or not a business has a valid claim for compensation.
- Letter of claim: If a business has a valid claim, then a letter of claim will be sent to the energy provider or broker on their behalf. This outlines the details of the claim and requests that they enter into negotiations in order to reach a settlement.
- Court proceedings: In some cases, it may be necessary to take formal legal action in order to obtain compensation. Business energy claims solicitors are able to represent clients in court proceedings if necessary.
For example, if your business is having issues with an energy provider who has neglected their responsibilities, you could potentially receive compensation for missed savings or undue charges when you transitioned from one supplier to another. To help you get what is owed, business energy claims solicitors can analyse your case by looking at previous bills/checks, verifying contractual obligations, as well as assessing your usage specifications. Once they have completed this analysis they write a letter of claim outlining why your business deserves compensation.
While it’s true that some businesses may feel hesitant about working with solicitors due to perceived high fees or because the claims process can be lengthy and complicated, it’s important to remember that most firms offer no-win, no-fee arrangements which ensure that businesses won’t be left out of pocket if their claim is unsuccessful. Moreover, having well-informed representation can potentially expedite the process and cover more ground in terms of settlement obtained.
Now that we have a clear understanding of the services provided by business energy claims solicitors, let’s take a deeper dive into identifying reputable firms to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Identifying Reputable Business Energy Claims Solicitors
If you have been mis-sold an energy contract and received a hefty bill, then the first step to getting compensation is to find a reputable business energy claims solicitor. There are various ways of identifying and assessing the credibility of such solicitors, but the best way is by looking at their track record.
One way to assess a solicitor’s track record is by checking out their website or LinkedIn profile. A well-established solicitor should have case studies that demonstrate how they have helped clients like you and your business in the past. These case studies should be easily accessible on the solicitor’s website, so you can check their success rate with ease.
Another crucial factor to consider when finding a reputable solicitor is their transparency in communication. Any good lawyer will be upfront about fees, timescales, potential outcomes and any other relevant information. You should also look for personal interaction, which means that they must assign someone to deal with your specific case who will lead you through every stage of your claim.
Remember that your goal here is to find a specialist business lawyer as opposed to a general one. With a business lawyer that specialises in business energy claims, you’ll receive better advice and more targeted expertise than you would from a generalist.
For instance, some providers offer training and educational materials for energy industry professionals, sessions for lawyers include training programmes covering topics like negotiation skills for settlement discussions, knowledge of on-grid and off-grid energy development companies’ contracts.
How we can help you find out if you are due energy compensation
We have a simple and straightforward 3-step process to help you find out if you are due thousands of pounds back in compensation for being mis-sold your energy contract. There are no hidden costs – our Free Eligibility Check will not cost you a penny!
Fill in our Claim Form
Simply fill in a few details on our short claim form. We just need to know your business details, contact information and the name of your energy provider. It takes less than a minute!
Sign Your Letter of Authority
If the details on your claim form show that you may have been mis-sold your energy contract, all you need to do is sign a Letter of Authority and we will continue to progress the claim on your behalf.
Get Your Compensation
Once your claim has been forwarded to our expert legal team, it will take some time to process the details and provide a resolution. We will keep you informed of the progress of your case every step of the way.
Evaluating Reputation and Assessing Credibility
Now that you know what to look for in a reputable business energy claims solicitor, it is time to evaluate their reputation and assess their credibility. While many solicitors claim to be experts and offer no-win, no-fee services, an honest reputation, and proven counsel are essential.
One way to assess reputation is by checking customer reviews on independent review sites like Trustpilot or Feefo. You can find out what past clients say about a solicitor’s ability to handle their cases professionally and efficiently. These reviews help you make a well-informed decision.
Another factor that can help you assess a solicitor’s credibility is their accreditation. Look for certifications such as Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), the Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX), or The Law Society. Accreditation from legal bodies gives validity to the solicitor’s expertise and ensures that they follow professional standards.
You should also consider their experience in handling business energy claims. An experienced lawyer will have dealt with hundreds of cases and know every twist and turn of the claims process. Ask them questions about their track record in dealing with cases similar to yours, how long they have been working in the field, any awards received that are relevant to this area of law.
Furthermore, when evaluating a business energy claims solicitor, always consider how they handle communication and what support networks they provide for clients. As this process of claiming compensation can take months or even years, having reliable communication channels encourages strong trust levels between client & lawyer.
Common Grounds for Business Energy Claims
Mis-selling energy contracts is unfortunately a common practise in the UK, with many businesses unaware that they are overpaying or being sold the wrong package. There are several grounds on which a business can make a claim:
One of the main reasons why businesses may be mis-sold energy contracts is due to misleading or incomplete information given by an energy broker. For example, a broker may fail give all relevant information regarding contract terms and conditions, such as hidden fees or price increases.
Another reason why a business may be entitled to compensation is due to errors in billing or metre readings. This could involve issues with estimated billing, delayed readings or faulty metres, leading to inaccurate invoices and overpayment.
Being mis-sold an energy contract is similar to buying a second-hand car where the seller has failed to disclose important issues that affect its value. Just as you would seek reimbursement for hidden damages in a car purchase, businesses should likewise seek appropriate compensation for any loss incurred due to the sale of an unsuitable or unfair energy contract.
To make a successful claim it is important to understand some of the key concepts surrounding how brokers operate and what they are required by law to disclose.
Understanding Secret Commission and Mis-Selling
Secret Commission refers to a situation where an energy broker receives additional financial incentives other than the agreed commission paid by their client. When this happens without disclosure it is tantamount to fraud and mis-selling.
Brokers receive undisclosed commission either from suppliers through loyalty bonuses paid out over time, rebates, performance bonuses or “volume” commission (a percentage of revenue earned across multiple contracts). These commissions are not regulated and therefore can lead to unethical practises within the industry. Lack of transparency poses a risk for potential mis-selling crimes, particularly when suppliers such as gas or electricity companies instruct brokers to sell a particular package repeatedly, irrespective of whether it is right for the customer.
A typical scenario that would warrant compensation claims for mis-selling is where an energy broker encourages a company to sign up for a longer-term contract even though there are other cheaper energy tariffs more suited to their needs. As a result, the business ends up paying for more expensive tariffs and receives low quality service as well.
Arguably, all businesses involved in an energy contract purchase should take the time to read the small print within the contract to avoid unexpected surprises along the way. However, undue complexity in these contracts makes it difficult for many business owners to understand what they are signing. Consequently, there is room for unethical brokers to prey on unsuspecting customers by manipulating them into poor long-term contracts that mainly benefit the supplier and energy brokers.
An energy contract sold secretly and without proper disclosure is equivalent to buying counterfeit designer goods. The fraudulent item may look identical to the real thing but lacks authenticity and integrity in practise. Just as buying counterfeit goods can have real economic harm and social costs, hidden commissions can similarly cause significant harm to a business’s bottom line.
If you suspect your business has been mis-sold an energy contract or that an energy broker received secret commission without disclosing this information, don’t hesitate to seek professional legal advice.
£389m has already been paid back in redress payments
….and this number is rising.
The Procedure of Making an Energy Claim
Making an energy claim can be a complex process, which is why hiring an experienced and reputable business energy claims solicitor is essential. The first step in the procedure is filing a complaint to the appropriate entity. This could range from Ofgem, the Energy Ombudsman or even directly to the supplier who has mis-sold you the energy contract. It is important to note that each specific complaint may require differing procedures and follow-up. A qualified business energy claims solicitor will know exactly how to navigate these procedures.
Once the complaint is filed, it will be investigated by the appropriate entity who may send a request for more information or even schedule a hearing. At this point, having a skilled solicitor who can gather evidence and present your case is extremely useful. A skilled solicitor should be able to identify whether you have been wrongfully mis-sold an energy contract and advise on whether you should proceed with legal representation as well as review any potential arbitration or mediation agreements.
If steps have not been taken with regards to arbitration or alternative dispute resolution (ADR) then you may move into full legal proceedings at this point. Once a final determination has been made regarding your business’s situation, then compensation may be paid out within 8 weeks of the decision being issued. In some rare cases compensation may need to go through a charity fund that provides relief for businesses however this remains a rarity.
For small business owners who have invested their whole livelihood into their company, the process of making an energy claim can seem daunting and overwhelming – especially when they’re already struggling financially due to the mis-selling of an energy contract. This is where obtaining guidance and support from professional business energy claims solicitors can make all the difference in helping them obtain their rightful compensation.
- As of 2023, there are over 10,000 practising solicitors in the UK specialising in various areas of business law, including energy claims.
- In a 2022 study by an industry watchdog, around 75% of businesses reported satisfaction with their chosen solicitor's performance regarding energy claims.
- Research published in late 2022 found that legal firms offering 'no win, no fee' arrangements have shown a significant increase in business energy claims cases – up by approximately 30% since 2019.
Check If You Have A Business Energy Claim
Answer 3 simple questions to see if you are eligible to make a Business Energy Claim
Calculation and Expected Value of Compensation Claims
The amount of compensation awarded for a business energy claim will differ from case to case. In addition, the expected value of compensation claims can range according to different factors, including industry type, contract length and cost level.
The average business energy claim has been estimated at over £25,000, which is significant for small and medium-sized enterprises that could benefit from this amount of compensation. However, even more important are things like avoiding future financial trouble as well as gained reputation value. Along with this, a court may decide to add an award of statutory interest on top of the compensation payment based on various legal precedents. Essentially, the interest rate awarded is not dependent on the quality or outcome of your case but instead it follows certain qualitative patterns that signify specific types of misconduct among energy brokers/suppliers.
When you are calculating your potential compensation claim amount, it’s important to consider all types of damages that you may have suffered as a result of the mis-sold business energy contract. For example your financial loss due to paying inflated amounts for energy and missed opportunities for investment growth are important losses to calculate carefully. Additionally the emotional strain and stress caused by the mis-selling are damages worth calculating if it has caused additional problems and complications within your personal life outside just the business.
The consequences of having a mis-sold energy contract go beyond just monetary loss but extend into several areas such as reduced productivity due to worrying about bills or lower job satisfaction which harms employee wellbeing. These emotional damages can often be underappreciated when businesses consider potential compensations — whilst difficult to quantify monetarily they should be considered when evaluating what kind of recovery efforts should be taken following obtaining proper compensation.
All-in-all there are vast differences in calculation and expected values with regards to compensation claims so it’s always important to hire an experienced business energy claims solicitor who is capable of properly investigating your case thoroughly and advise you on how much compensation to seek. By having a skilled representative, your chances of receiving adequate compensation for losses and damage is greatly improved.
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