Two companies owned by Nev Wilshire, a Welsh entrepreneur known for his BBC3 television show ‘The Call Centre’, are facing £225,000 fines for ‘nuisance’ marketing calls promoting PPI plans and energy deals. Both companies feature prominently in the BBC3 show, which documents their sales techniques and company culture.
Nev Wilshire, a Swansea-based entrepreneur, is known for his hands-on role as the manager of both companies. His eccentric behaviour and unusual sales techniques – he instructs his employees to sing Top-40 hits to boost morale – have landed him a dubious honour: the title of ‘real life David Brent’ from several UK media hosts.
Two of the companies involved in the BB3 show face fines totalling £225,000 – the energy call centre Nationwide Energy Services, which is accused of selling products and services over the phone to people without checking their registration with the Telephone Preference Service, is facing a £125,000 penalty for its behaviour.
Mr Wilshire’s other company, We Claim You Gain, faces £100,000 in fines for its lack of oversight regarding caller consent. The two companies have racked up over 2,700 complaints with the Telephone Preference Service in eighteen months, putting them close to the top of the scoreboard for Britain’s ‘most complained about’ call centres.
The fines have been issued to punish companies that annoy the public, according to the Information Commissioner’s Office. The office is currently investigating ten call centres spread throughout the country, many of which market insurance schemes, energy discounts, and other offers through a scripted ‘nuisance call’ program.
While cold calling is certainly not illegal, there are restrictions regarding the type of people or companies that can be called with marketing offers. Call centres must first check the status of their phone leads with the Telephone Preference Service before commencing unsolicited marketing in order to avoid similar fines.
