B&Q - a company with a caring side!!!

aytch

I thought my little tale of battle related to B&Q might remind you of David and Goliath!
I work at a small rural primary school and last September a white van reversed into the listed wall edging the playground - man got out of van, looked at wall, spoke with children and adult told them it was ok, no damage, got in van and drove off!
Adult then reported it to me and I checked wall from the outside - massive crack, coping stone shunted and immediately identified as a health and safety risk.
When I discussed with children they told me the driver had been wearing a B&Q jacket - that night I got all 20 of them to write witness statements - all came back with identical info!
I contacted B&Q, they found the van and driver and admitted liability. I got quotes, they said they would pay, then they changed their mind. I took them to small claims court, they didn't turn up or respond to the papers, so court found in our favour.
A month later and the wall eventually repaired B&Q have still not paid up, so guess what - my small school is now preparing papers (with legal advice) to wind up B&Q - because apparently as they are a limited company I can do that .... oh I am so looking forward to the next couple of weeks. The children in my school have also asked if they can write to the managing director to find out why he has allowed his company to leave their playground in a dangerous state - bless them.
Watch this space, and the press re closing down sales at B&Q
:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Rex_Mundi

Fantastic!!!

Please make sure you keep us up to date on this. I'm so looking forward to seeing B&Qs response to this!!!!

Good luck!!!

peter_the_piper

A company I used to work for used to do this fairly regularly when another company was excessively tardy in paying, it always seemed to work.

Blacksheep1979

yes they're going to go bust because of £500 to a school

reehsetin

i would think it would be funnier for the kids to send round debt collectors to the head office to sieze the MD's computer etc

Sassers

Aytch please let us all know how you get on - And I bet if the CEO knew he would be throughly ashamed of what is going on behind his back.
A few years ago I spoke to a CEO of huge company and he freely admitted to me he didn't know half of what went on in the firm, specially over issues similar, like yours.
He reasoned that was what the managers etc, were for - sorting it - but he also said (which was more interesting) because he was the `boss' the people he came into contact most were the upper echelons of management who, even if there was a nuclear war would still tell him the weather and world was fine !
A case of the kings new clothes lol
Huge luck to you and the children - the letters sound a very good idea...plenty of drawings showing them really sad, also goes down a treat.
I'm a former journo and did a story once with big photos that showed nursery school little ones crying - and they genuinely were - when burglars stole their play equipment, poor little things.
The story was so sad - but following publication- the nursery had local businesses and members of the public rallying round to donate new toys.
Thieves were eventually caught and I happily did a story on them too when they appeared in court.

Sorry for going off topic - once again good luck and let us know how you do.
love Sassers xxxx

hollydays

I am wondering how the adult in your first post didnt notice the wonky coping stone.This thread should make interesting reading.B & Q support "Better Neighbour Grants".Grants to groups in the community for home improvements.,up to £500.Perhaps you could apply for one..:D

Brooker_Dave

aytch wrote: »

A month later and the wall eventually repaired B&Q have still not paid up, so guess what - my small school is now preparing papers (with legal advice) to wind up B&Q - because apparently as they are a limited company I can do that ....

Chances of this actually happening, nil.

aytch

Brooker_Dave wrote: »

Chances of this actually happening, nil.

I do know this - just thought it might amuse!

poet123

We had a similar thing at our school with Tesco.....back wall unsafe,due to their new supermarket build. After much wrangling and bad publicity(! )it was sorted. They now actively support the school as they have learned not to mess with us!!

I would go to the press, a photo with the kids in the background with their letters and looks of fright on their innocent little faces in case the wall collapses, should do the trick!!!!!of course they will pay up eventually but have some fun now at their expense.

chipmunk

Brooker_Dave wrote: »

Chances of this actually happening, nil.

Really ? !! ..... d'ya think ?

Sense of humour bypass:rolleyes: