Protecting Consumers from Rogue Builders

Host(s):

• Adam Carter
• Louise Baxter MBE (LouBax)

Guests:

• Sara Griffiths – Consumer advocate and victim of rogue building practices
• Sam Davison – Police officer, advocate for change, and victim of rogue building practices

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Consumer Friend Podcast, Adam and Louise are joined by Sara Griffiths and Sam Davison, two advocates who share their personal experiences with rogue builders, highlighting the significant emotional and financial damage these criminals can cause. Sara and Sam discuss the importance of implementing stricter regulations and licensing in the building industry to prevent others from suffering similar ordeals. Together, they have launched a national campaign pushing for industry reform, emphasising the need for competency standards and accountability in domestic building.

Through heartfelt discussions, they reveal the personal toll of encountering unsafe construction, legal battles, and financial devastation, and how it has shaped their commitment to protecting others. The episode also covers practical advice for consumers on finding trustworthy builders and offers insights into the current campaign's journey through government processes.

Key Takeaways:

1. Significant Financial and Emotional Impact: Rogue builders cost UK homeowners around £1.5 billion each year, leaving projects incomplete or dangerously executed.
2. The Need for Industry Reform: Sara and Sam advocate for licensing builders, aiming to introduce accountability and competency standards similar to those in other professions.
3. Challenges in the Legal System: Victims often struggle to seek justice due to limited resources in trading standards and the high costs of legal action.
4. Support for Campaign for Licensing: Their campaign for stricter regulations has gained 10,999 signatures and is now attracting support from MPs and organizations like the Federation of Master Builders.
5. Advice for Consumers: Research extensively, meet with past clients, verify company history, and use reliable recommendation sources to avoid rogue traders.

Resources & Links:

• Consumer Friend Website – For more information on consumer rights and resources.
• Federation of Master Builders – Support and advocacy for reputable builders and safe practices.
• Citizens Advice – Support for those seeking help with rogue traders.

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• Twitter: @ConsumerFriendUK
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Modern Communication with Nick Looby

Host(s):

• Adam Carter
• Louise Baxter MBE (LouBax)

Guest(s):

• Nick Looby – Modern communication specialist, keynote speaker, TEDx presenter, and author of Modern Zombies.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Adam and Louise are joined by Nick Looby, an expert in human-centric communication. With over a decade of experience, Nick specialises in helping individuals and organisations navigate the rapidly changing communication landscape, balancing technology with meaningful human interactions.

The conversation touches on how technology has enhanced our lives but often at the cost of genuine human connection. Nick shares insights on the impact of over-reliance on technology, social media, and digital communication tools, and how it’s crucial to balance efficiency with empathy. The trio discusses practical ways to engage in more human-centered communication, the importance of face-to-face interaction, and how we can reclaim our natural communication skills in both personal and professional settings.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Overreliance on Technology: While technology makes communication more convenient, it often strips away the empathy and rapport we naturally build through face-to-face interactions.
2. Human-Centric Communication: It’s essential to bring back the human element in conversations—whether at work, at home, or socially—to improve relationships and communication effectiveness.
3. The Role of Empathy: Technology should enhance human interactions, not replace them. Empathy is crucial in building strong, meaningful relationships.
4. Face-to-Face Interactions: Genuine conversations in person or over the phone still hold immense value compared to scripted or digital communication like emails or texts.
5. Modern Zombies: Nick's book Modern Zombies challenges readers to rethink how technology is changing communication and what it means for human relationships.

Resources & Links:

• Nick Looby’s Website – Nick’s platform for communication training and speaking engagements.
• Modern Zombies Book – Nick’s book exploring the effects of technology on human communication.
• Consumer Friend Website – Visit for more information and resources on consumer rights.

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• Website: Consumer Friend
• Twitter: @ConsumerFriendUK
• Instagram: @ConsumerFriendUK

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Please like, subscribe and rate to help increase the reach in the UK. You can also follow us on socials:

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Championing Survivors with Lucy Wade from You Don't Own Me

Host(s):

• Adam Carter
• Louise Baxter MBE (LouBax)

Guest(s):

• Lucy Wade – Founder of You Don't Own Me (YDOM), a platform for raising awareness of domestic abuse and offering resources and support to survivors.

Episode Summary:

In this powerful episode of the Consumer Friend Podcast, Adam and Louise are joined by Lucy Wade, the founder of You Don't Own Me (YDOM), a platform dedicated to raising awareness around domestic abuse, particularly focusing on post-separation abuse and coercive control. Lucy shares her vast experience working with survivors of abuse, both through her personal advocacy and professional efforts. She talks about the complexities of domestic abuse and how it extends beyond physical violence to emotional, psychological, and financial control.

Lucy’s mission with YDOM is to create a safe, inclusive space where survivors can seek support, understand their experiences, and find the strength to move forward. She also hosts a podcast, "Dip in and Out with Lucy," where she discusses these issues in depth with professionals and survivors alike, creating a much-needed conversation around the topic of domestic abuse.

Key Takeaways:

1. Domestic Abuse Statistics: In England and Wales, one in four women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, and police receive a domestic abuse-related call every 30 seconds, yet underreporting remains a huge issue.
2. Post-Separation Abuse: Domestic abuse doesn’t always end when a relationship does. Post-separation abuse, especially coercive control, is a significant and often overlooked aspect of abusive relationships.
3. Empowering Survivors: Lucy’s work emphasizes the importance of empowering survivors, helping them rebuild their confidence and regain control of their lives.
4. Supporting Survivors: Friends and family play a critical role in offering non-judgmental support to those who may be experiencing abuse.
5. Raising Awareness: Platforms like YDOM and Lucy’s podcast aim to break down the barriers of shame and blame, encouraging open conversations about domestic abuse in society.

Resources & Links:

• You Don't Own Me (YDOM) Website – Lucy’s platform for supporting domestic abuse survivors.
• Refuge – Domestic violence help for women and children.
• Women's Aid – National charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children.
• National Domestic Abuse Helpline – For confidential support and advice (Freephone: 0808 2000 247).
• Clare’s Law – The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme for checking if a partner has a history of abuse.

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• Website: Consumer Friend
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