HIES
What is HIES?
HIES is a consumer protection organisation covering the installation of renewable energy and home energy efficiency products. By respecting, protecting and educating consumers our aim is to transform consumer protection within the home energy market.
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How does HIES protect consumers?
All prospective members must endure a rigorous accreditation process before they can join our trusted network of installers. Once approved, they will be subject to annual vetting to ensure they are adhering to HIES scheme rules and code of practice.
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In addition to free deposit protection, free stage payment protection and free insurance backed guarantees, consumers using one of HIES accredited members can benefit from our robust, Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) approved alternative dispute resolution service, thus ensuring they are protected at every step of their customer journey.
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HIES Brand Ambassador
George Clarke, architect, TV presenter and home improvement champion, continues as a passionate consumer advocate and Brand Ambassador of HIES. Widely known for his recent work on George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, Amazing Spaces Shed of the Year and Old House New Home, George joined the scheme in 2019 as an ardent supporter of high standards in the home improvement and renewable energy industries and protecting and educating consumers.
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How did HIES start?
HIES have come a long way since our inception in March 2012, with HIES becoming a Consumer Code in July 2015 and becoming approved as an Alternative Dispute Resolution Authority by CTSI in August 2018.
Meet Our Management Team
Deposit & Stage Payment Protection.
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What is deposit and stage payment protection?
You may be asked to pay a deposit or make a stage payment when you place an order for your home improvement installation. This is normal practice for most companies as it helps to safeguard them against manufacturing products they will probably not be able to use elsewhere should a customer cancel their order.
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Deposit & Stage Payment Protection Insurance
The deposit and stage payment protection covers up to 25% of the contract value (maximum £5,000) for a period of 120 days, subject to the policy terms and conditions.
To benefit from this protection:
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You must be registered by the member on our online portal;
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You must hold the contract with the Supplier named on the certificate;
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You must be able to provide proof of payment made to the Supplier named on the certificate.
No protection will be in place until we have written to you to confirm we have arranged this, following the registration of your installation on our system, and in accordance with the points above. If you have not received our letter confirming your protection has been arranged within 5 working days of you signing the contract please contact our member or us urgently as you are not covered.
Please note: Any payments (deposits and stage payments etc) made by you to the member exceeding 25% of the contract value (or the maximum limit of £5,000) prior to final installation and completion of the contract are not covered by the scheme or the insurers in any way.
AS FEATURED ON