Property Professionals in administration energy assessor training company

100s of trainee energy assessors stranded

Submitted by: MikeC (Admin) on 05-Feb-10 04:28:07 PM

Property Professionals, the energy assessor training provider based in Tolworth, Surrey (and with four branches across England), went into administration yesterday afternoon leaving hundreds - if not thousands - of trainees stranded and without their portfolios.

The demise of Property Professionals - formerly Home Inspector Training - comes just days after sister company, Hip Hip Hooray, also went into administration earlier this week. It is also believed another sister company, Energy Assessor Panel, has met a similar fate, too.

Stranded trainee assessor and home inspectors

ABBE told me today it has made its training centres aware of the situation, but until it receives official notification from the administrators it cannot take further action. It said candidate portfolios could be transferred amongst its approved training centres but further clarity is unlikely until at least next week.

I was also told orphaned trainees may need to stump-up more money to continue studies with other providers; however, it would be a matter between candidates and training companies to negotiate.

[Update: Stroma has been appointed by administrators, HJS Recovery, to deliver training and assessment to Property Professionals candidates.

From dreams to dust

Over the last 2-3 years thousands of trainee energy assessors and Home Inspectors responded to newspaper adverts promising a lucrative career in what quickly became a saturated marketplace for Domestic and Non Domestic Energy Assessors.

The company (and its various fronts) has long been the target of fierce criticism by industry professionals for its misleading adverts and high-pressure sales tactics. During the initial "interview" prospective students were asked to undergo an "aptitude" test to determine suitability. Everyone seemed to pass... with flying colours.

Energy assessor training advert: a phone call

Complaints against Home Inspector Training's' adverts were lodged with the Advertising Standards Authority in 2008, but its cleverly worded ads escaped sanction.

The company continued to heavily promote Home Inspector training courses in regonal and national press even though Government had demoted Home Condition Reports (HCRs) - the survey Home Inspectors perform - in 2007 to a voluntary-only component of the Home Information Pack. Originally the Govt. intended HCRs to be mandatory.

Students will have been disappointed last week when John Healey, CLG, said he thought Home Condition Reports were not the right product, and that only 327 Home Condition Reports had been lodged since August 2007.

Property Professionals also sold energy assessor training courses for commercial level 4, public buildings and air-conditioning (often bundled together). It also sold fire & flood-risk assessment courses, domestic property valuation and property insulation surveyor courses.

Many Property Professional trainees have each paid more than £10,000 to the company, and are now unable to retrieve their portfolios to resume studies elsewhere. It is thought administrators will have to unravel the mess before they are released.

Last week it was rumoured that staff working for Property Professionals were not paid salaries for the month of January, although this cannot be substantiated yet.

Staff are also thought to have signed a gagging clause in their employment contracts, but if any of you are reading and wish to offload in the public interest - on or off the record - feel free to contact this site via the contact form (link above).

There are lots of rumours and anecdotes flying-around about this at the moment. I'm trying to string it all together to sort out what is printable. 

Added: The administrators can be contacted at:

Posts: 24

Re: 100's of trainee energy assessors stranded
Reply #1 on : Sat February 06, 2010, 18:37:35

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Good riddance! Sympathies to all those suckered in by these parasites but there were plenty of warnings on the internet if you did your research. Will ABBE and the government now take this issue seriously? I wouldnt bet on it. Shame on you all

admin
Posts: 2

Re: 100's of trainee energy assessors stranded
Reply #2 on : Sat February 06, 2010, 22:11:40

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Please note, comments advertising training providers - however camouflaged - will be deleted.

Posts: 24

Property professions
Reply #3 on : Thu February 11, 2010, 12:52:58

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Yes like many others I got suckered into training with property professionals.
I paid out thousands upfront to become qualified to domestic and non domestic level. I'm close to the end of the stage to become a Domestic Assessor, just need portfolio acceptance and a final exam and I'm hoping, having gone this far, to complete with another trainer.
The Property Professionals training itself was ok although I think padded out in an attempt to justify the high cost, and there were lots of little extras to pay for not included in the large upfront cost. The qualification is real, and hopefully I will soon be qualified to produce domestic EPC's which are still a legal requirement for houses put up for sale and rented.
However because all this training, which is still being advertised elsewhwere, was not regulated by a Government that introduced this new "profession" there is already a glut of assessors chasing a limited amount of work. Things have been made worse of course by the recession impacted slow housing market.
I recently found out that there are over 12,000 qualified assessors chasing a market for thier services that can only support perhaps 3,000 to 4,000, and that was based upon a pre recession market size.
If you are thinking of starting training, don't.
If you are already trained don't expect to make a living out of it until things level out and over half those already qualified elect to earn thier living in other ways.

As a result of this situation there are questions to be asked.
The qualifying bodies must have known about this over capacity why did they do nothing?
The accreditation schemes must also have known why did they do nothing?
The Government who invented the profession put no regulation in place, why not?
The office of fair trading knew about the tactics of people like Property Professionals, who I know from experience mislead trainees about future earnings potential, and they did nothing, why not?
I reckon someone owes people like me at least an explanation if not a wedge of money.
Admittedly not the smartest of moves on my part but surely the "professional" and Governmental bodies mentioned above cannot be considered blameless.

Posts: 24

Re: 100s of trainee energy assessors stranded
Reply #4 on : Fri February 12, 2010, 02:01:49

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The Govenment panicked from the start, they allowed any Arthur Daley outfit to offer training.Also too many accreditation schemes allowed. How anyone can think they can gain work now, when back in 2007 there was none is deluded, whatever PP said to you. If you went into any EA or letting agent when rental EPC become law most will have just laughed as you were one of hundreds that walked in to offer your services. The only explanation that you need is you have fell for a con backed by the government and that’s gold to scammers. In fact only about 1500 deas are needed for domestic. Those gaing fulltime employment are maybe doing 80% of the work on minimum wage. Unless you own an EA or LA you had no chance even from day one.

Posts: 24

Training Completion
Reply #5 on : Mon February 15, 2010, 13:08:53

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I am a trainee DEA and I have completed my DEA course, Internal & External exam. My portfolio is sitting in the PP offices awaiting my final assessment. Once completed I then need to carry out the CEA course and relevant exams & EPC`s. Then hopefully I can start working.
I am amazed that this situation has been allowed to reach this stage. All the people responsible for putting these training centres together must have been responsible to a higher authority (Gov.Dept.) or were they just left to their own devices?
The training at PP in Manchester was I felt quite good. The follow up support was lacking. You felt like each time you asked for any help, you had to have a cheque book or credit card available. the girls in the reception also seemed to have an attitude of "Pay First" then we will see what can be done. I hope that some workable solution can be sorted out quickly, to allow the people stuck in the middle of this fiasco to salvage their training or investments!

Posts: 24

property professionals
Reply #6 on : Wed February 17, 2010, 14:16:12

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yes i can confirm staff at p.p.were not paid inc admin and trainers since xmas 09. i was one of them; so far as all staff were informed alan jackson the m.d,sold the company at around 23/12/09 to a richard hunt all centres manchester birmingham tolworth bristol were kept in the dark about plans for the company together with no confirmation of being paid so we all worked for nothing during january/feb. it would appear this company had significant debts and was sold with the intension of collapse.rumours also include jackson/hunt in collaboration with money being put into a property developement in tobago. i feel myself we were conned ourselves worked long hours all conversations on the telephone and interviws were taped and monitored to make sure we as sales recruiters did not try to mislead applicants but at the same time the company deliboratly failed to secure work though the two sister companys of wich high importance was made to explain to aplicants work was waiting on completion of training.i would also add alan jackson employed a goverment minister leslie sorendeni to run energy ass panel makeing the whole concept believable to staff and trainees.

Posts: 24

Join my list
Reply #7 on : Sun February 21, 2010, 18:44:14

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I am an ex-traineeof PP and have been on their case since June 2009. I am running a mailing list of over 250 ex-trainees. Drop me a line to get the latest ConDetective[AT]safe-mail[DOT]net

(Edited to obfuscate mailing addy - no emails pls)

Last Edit: February 21, 2010, 18:52:30 by admin  

Posts: 24

Petition to help
Reply #8 on : Tue February 23, 2010, 21:07:02

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This is a link to a petition on the No 10 website to help all those affected by this Please help by signing.



http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Help-PP-trainees/

Posts: 24

Facebook Group
Reply #9 on : Thu February 25, 2010, 14:39:28

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http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=324320633795

Please feel free to join this Facebook group which I'm hoping will be a central point for everyone to access the latest information.

Posts: 24

100s of trainee energy assessors stranded
Reply #10 on : Mon March 01, 2010, 18:20:12

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I to was sucked in and now having taken my portfolio to the NHER at Milton Keynes from Ellesmere port have been told that Property Professionals have never assessed my portfolio. They took 4 payments for assessment and reassessment, but failed to fill in the required documentation to let it progress any further. As others have said where was the regulation to keep them in check. I feel that the owners should be done for fraud.

Posts: 24

property professionals and the art of fraud
Reply #11 on : Sun March 07, 2010, 09:14:02

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We cannot let them get away with it.Them being PP and BPF, let's make as much noise as poss and keep the pressure on.

Posts: 24

Re: 100s of trainee energy assessors stranded
Reply #12 on : Sun March 21, 2010, 16:08:49

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Signed up for Course Sept 08. Had 1 week training with no exam. Tried to cancel Oct 08 informing Barclays and Home Inspector Training. Had no help from them whatsoever. Barclays said I had to pay £6600 Sept 09. Paid this 3 months late. I then had to pay £2058 for late payment. I am disgusted with the whole thing. Barclays knew I tried to cancel the missold Course they even spoke to Alan Jackson requesting their refund policy. But to no avail. I can,t believe I have paid £8,8058 for absolutely nothing. Barclays have proper ripped me off. "Looking after our customers has always been a priority at Barclays". Yeh right !!!

Posts: 24

what a joke
Reply #13 on : Mon March 22, 2010, 12:34:44

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i signed my training agreement on 21 march 2009 and payed £5692.00.After that i had to do a pre module exam which i did not pass.
i struggle to read and write i am dyslexic which i told them at the time and they said it would be fine they have had dyslexic people on this course before and they passed.When i did not pass my pre module exam i really found this v hard so i wanted to get out of the training. and write to them and told them but did not get any where i have now got to pay. £4543 to barclays for the next part of my training.but what training.do i pay or not if i dont pay by 25/3/10 and i have to pay it will cost me £7010.64 what a joke.can any one help thanks.

Posts: 24

Re: 100s of trainee energy assessors stranded
Reply #14 on : Tue March 23, 2010, 01:06:57

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Hi Mark, I feel so sorry for you. You was proper missold. How dare they take your money when they knew you have dyslexia. You should receive the full refund. Browse internet " Property Professionals in Administration" you will get some advice. Good Luck. If you find help let me know. I have paid £8858 for Sweet F A !!

Posts: 24

Disgusting
Reply #15 on : Fri March 26, 2010, 11:23:56

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I cannot believe all these comments, and that so many people have been left in this awful position.
My boyfriend D.Kelly signed up for this course in 2008, but tried to cancel soon after.
I have a massive folder of complaints writing to Barclays Partner Finance and Property Professionals to which I have had no help whatsoever.
I have had a final response letter from Barclays asking me to contact the Financial Ombudsman. I have now wrote a lengthy letter and filled out the application form with the Financial Ombudsman and I am awaiting a response...Will keep you posted.
I am totally disgusted that both companies have been allowed to get away with this, especially the fact that Barclays can charge £2058 in interest for the sake of being 3 months late with my payment (which they were aware about as I was trying to retrive reimbursement from PP)for a course that I tried to cancel that is now in Administration.
Barclays are now sending me letter telling me not to worry as they are trying to find me alternative training. How can they get away with this when there is no work on completion of the course anyway.
I am totally appalled and disgusted and will keep fighting and keep sending letters until I get my money BACK.

Posts: 24

Re: 100s of trainee energy assessors stranded
Reply #16 on : Sat March 27, 2010, 15:00:24

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E ROCHE please email me philthai(at)hotmail(dot)co(dot)uk

I also have a catalogue of letters and information, perhaps we can compare?

Posts: 24

HCR not DEA
Reply #17 on : Tue March 30, 2010, 08:37:30

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To me, DEA was never really an issue. I believed that the Home Condition Report would be a positive/valuable aid to the housing market. I waited until Ruth Kelly and Yvete Cooper made a commitment to the scheme, in Parliament, in May 2007 before signing up.
The HCR should never have been a matter for voluntary acceptance but mandatory from the start. The seller would have to prove that the property was sound, not individual interested parties having to obtain separate Surveys.
Those who signed up in 2007 did so for the Government backed (?)HCR and should be compensated for money and time expended. I hope that the Administrator has managed to retain all training records for future reference.

Posts: 24

PP
Reply #18 on : Thu April 01, 2010, 19:33:10

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Whats was wrong with Property Profesionals they where wonderful.
That got your attention.
Lets be serious here, no one is ever going to get any money back, you my freinds are at the bottom of the pile. The only thing you can do is move on, a bitter pill to swallow - I spent the whole of the 90s in court (recession) won every case, never saw a bean, just cost me money.
There is nothing to be done on the DEA side, as previously stated they are over subscibed 5-6 times.
However HIs are in a better boat, RICS, SAVA,NHER(nes) BRE are all bringing out new condition reports aimed at the HI. RICS have a shortage of surveyors and are looking to the HI to help plug the hole. A New Body RPSA has been set up soley for HIs or those wishing to become an HI - and the outlook is promising but unlike DEAs there is a shortage.
For anyone wanting to continue the qualification RICS and NES run the course - amoungst others.
I was a victim of PP but was at the verification stage(luckely - or not). I do believe it will be possible to make a living in surveying (especialy as most RICS surveyors are in the late 50s - had enough and retiring)as all the professional bodies are writting survey reports based on the HCR for HIs to pick up. A little ray of sunlight.

Posts: 24

Jeff Scott
Reply #19 on : Thu April 01, 2010, 23:35:09

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Tried 3 times to post. Won't waste my time again.

Posts: 24

Jeff Scott
Reply #20 on : Fri April 02, 2010, 00:07:04

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Ooops got login. DK,s Mum again. Read Iap Website. Soz if I get all INITAILs wrong. Hope your ray of sunshine
doesn't swallow that bitter pill.
You should try it. Or maybe you would like Humble Pie?
TAKE IT AND EAT IT!!

Posts: 24

D. Kelly
Reply #21 on : Fri April 02, 2010, 09:35:51

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Does D kelly exist- girlfriend, Mum -what is this.
If you are not willing to listen to advise given with the best intensions then what is the point.
As stated on the other site Barclays will move your lone to another provider so your son/boyfriend can continue his training, and as I was trying to point out Home Inspectors have a future unfortunatly DEAs will find it very hard. Of course if you Know better than RICS,BRE,NHER,SAVA,RPSA qualify it.

Posts: 24

Re: 100s of trainee energy assessors stranded
Reply #22 on : Mon April 05, 2010, 09:02:55

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What-is this text language?

Posts: 24

work
Reply #23 on : Thu April 08, 2010, 19:22:38

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any HIs/prospective HIs p;ese read What should I do next site - info about work

Posts: 24

Disillusioned trainee HI
Reply #24 on : Tue April 20, 2010, 11:18:20

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I too fell foul of the ludicrous claims of mega earnings in times of recession.
Ifeel cheated and let down by the owners of Be A Home Inspector and Propert Professionals.
Iam in one of the so called lucky ones!Having completed my course and having passed all my exams both external and internal I now only need my portfolio signing off in order that I may tap into this rich vein of riches. If only it was that simple on applying to several of the organisations who have said they will help,at a price!The cheapest price I received for having my Portfolio verified and signed off £3295.00!!!
This is on top of the £11000.00 the course has already cost me!
We all know the only money to be made is commercial epc or DEC'S BUT AGAIN ALL ORGANISATIONS ARE MAKING THIS COST PROHIBATIVE! lastest pricearound £3000 up front once again! once bitten twice shy.The old adage 'ONLY A FOOL AND HIS MONEY ARE EASILY PARTED'. THINK I'LL GIVE IT A MISS

salopboy
Posts: 1

property professionals another twist!
Reply #25 on : Wed April 28, 2010, 18:32:00

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I have just had a letter from credit card regarding my claim for breach of contract with Property Professionals it seems that a company Lados Ltd is contesting my claim saying that PP was contracted to provide training and that Lados Ltd is now offering training despite not contacting anyone their phone number is 02084084610 if the answering machine cuts in you will be welcomed to 1st Class Driving. A check on the internet reveals that Lados was formerly Energy Assessor and Home Inspector Training Ltd so can anyone shed any light on what is going on.

admin
Posts: 2

Re: 100s of trainee energy assessors stranded
Reply #26 on : Thu April 29, 2010, 10:56:42

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@salopboy

Joseph Pestell of the Institute of Home Inspection (IHI), who has been working extensively on this, would be interested in hearing more from you. He can be emailed on secretary [at] ihi.org.uk - it seems he may have other leads on a similar strand.

Posts: 24

Bamboozled
Reply #27 on : Sat May 08, 2010, 20:54:26

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I don't believe my luck. I'm sat here in my seat, and im gobsmacked. Yeah you're thinking? Yeah. I paid £50,000 to these common yobs and for what? A course in energy assessor training and a secondary course in breeding the rare brown-back stingray, indigenous to the South Pacific. Took me to his mansion in Surrey, showed me a swimming pool full of the little herberts. I was captivated by it all. I mean, I thought I'd hit the big time.
I was booking a trip to Vegas when suddenly, my ma rang up and asked if I'd seen the news. The news I said? I've got stringrays to breed, why would I be watching that? I said ma, I couldn't give a monkeys about the election. That's when she broke it to me. She said, Terry, that Allen Jackson fella, he's caught you with your pants down.
And here I am, 20,000, beautiful exotic, rare brown-back stingrays. In a paddling pool, in my ex wives back garden. Looks like sardines in a flaming tin. I'm not happy, not happy at all I'm telling you. The authorities won't shift them, they say they're monsters. Any offers?

Posts: 2

Property professionals
Reply #28 on : Sun September 04, 2011, 10:01:56

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PROPERTY PROFESSIONAL SCAM
i got so stuffed by these i have been spitting fluff for years now.
in addition to the £6000 Loan that my Mothers boyfriend took out with Barcleys for me to pay for the course, because he trusted ,and he knew i would do well at. Because i knew i would do well and the £1000 a week wage would soon be mine, i sold my own house in Carlisle Cumbria at a £20000 loss, so i could move down to Manchester to study. As i was so determined to find financial support for the course myself first before asking family.... i even sought out £1000 cheque from Carlisle council as a sort of sponcership and they wanted to parade me as a success story....all i did was let everyone down.....to add insult to injury i then had a documented mental breakdown due to this....my immediate family was severely strained and my mums boyfriends family who i were best friends with dis-owned me. i am only now after 18 months coming out of this and have the ability to fight this. i have spent 18 moonths with my wife as my full time carer....this is so degrading. this ALMOST cost me my life. and all because we trusted and believed this flith...who ever you are im coming for my money. PLEASE HELP WITH THIS OR ANY HELPFUL ADVISE WOULD BE GOOD TO GET MY MONEY BACK OR AT LEAST GET ME OUT THIS LOAN.

Posts: 2

Property professionals
Reply #29 on : Sun September 04, 2011, 11:31:36

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why bother