Chris Laverty, Andrew Charters and Sarah O’Toole of Grant Thornton UK LLP were appointed as Joint Administrators of Caversham Trading Limited on 30 March 2020 (‘the Joint Administrators’) (‘CTL’). CTL operates a logistics and engineering business supporting servicing, warranty and insurance claims of BrightHouse rent-to-own customers in the UK.
The Joint Administrators are now in full control of these businesses’ operations and will continue to trade the businesses in line with Government guidance as to remote working or, where essential services are being carried out, only in circumstances where we can provide for employee and customer safety.
Prior to the appointment of the Joint Administrators, and in accordance with the Government’s restrictions in response to COVID-19, remote working was commenced across the businesses where possible and all retail stores were closed. The logistics and engineering business of Caversham Trading Limited will continue to assist in dealing with those customers who have claims for essential home item repairs and will continue deliveries of smaller items to customers’ doorsteps, to ensure where possible, customers products remain in working order.
Following the appointment of the Joint Administrators:
| • | There will be no new rent-to-own or cash loan lending activity. |
| • | All outstanding rent-to-own and cash loans remain subject to the terms agreed with CFL and customers should continue to make payments in the usual way according to the company’s terms and conditions, all payment channels (except stores) remain open at this point. |
| • | Servicing, warranties and insurance claims will continue to be provided by the logistics and engineering business operated by CTL until further notice. During Covid-19 some restrictions will apply as our core focus will be on essential items and smaller courier deliveries only, subject to Government guidelines and considering the safety of BrightHouse employees and customers. |
The companies continue to be regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (‘FCA’) and the Joint Administrators are in contact with the FCA as appropriate.
The Joint Administrators will explore options to increase the value for creditors including an orderly wind down of the businesses’ over time and sale of the assets. The Joint Administrators will start the process of identifying all creditors, in accordance with their statutory obligations, and provide those creditors with information as to the potential for recoveries in the administration estate.
We would like in these uncertain times to do our utmost to ensure the wellbeing of BrightHouse customers and employees. As retail stores have now closed in accordance with Government restrictions, customers who typically would pay in-store are encouraged to use one of a number of quick and easy remote pay options that are available.
For further information and assistance about making payments, please
| • | Visit www.brighthouse.co.uk/managing-your-money/ways-to-pay |
| • | Call your local store. To find your local store telephone number, please visit www.brighthouse.co.uk/store-finder |
| • | Call our Customer relations team on 0800 526 069 |
Customers with complaints should continue to approach the company as normal by calling the Customer relations team on 0800 526 069 or visit our website at www.brighthouse.co.uk/existing-customers/complaints-procedure. If your complaint relates to an affordability claim for a previous agreement, the Joint Administrators will be in touch in due course if you are required to submit a claim.