Subject of report
Overall verdict
A real, registered business with a clean six-year record. Identity and history check out — but the quote asks for a large upfront deposit, leaves key terms open, and the trade credentials aren't verifiable. Don't pay the deposit yet. The amber section below shows exactly what to confirm first.
Identity
Verified
8 checks · all clear
Trade register
Not found
none mandatory
Quote risk
4 flags
of 10 markers
Reputation
1 note
reviews clustered
Data reflects public records at time of checking. Verify at source before payment.
Companies House · 8 checks, all clear
Also verified
Sole trader operation is entirely normal and legal in the UK — absence from Companies House is not a red flag for individuals.
Trade credentials
The quote · 4 of 10 markers flagged
50% deposit upfront — no milestone schedule
Most UK rogue-trader prosecutions involve large upfront payments. A genuine business will stage payments against completed milestones.
No start or completion date
Open-ended timing is how jobs stall after a deposit is paid. Dates in writing give you a point of recourse.
Scope, materials and guarantee not specified
Vague scope lets the price and work drift. Itemised materials and a written guarantee define what you're paying for.
No mention of building control or certification
Some roofing work is notifiable. A legitimate trader will know whether yours is and who signs it off.
Reputation & news
Google 4.9 · 12 reviews · 9 in the last 3 months
Six years of trading should produce more than 12 reviews. The recent clustering suggests the rating doesn't yet reflect the full history — ask for references you can call.
“Leeds roofing firm completes emergency repairs after winter storms”
Yorkshire Evening Post · 14 Nov 2024
yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk ↗Found during a public-records search. May or may not relate to this specific business. We have not assessed the content.
Couldn't verify — ask instead
Public liability insurance
No public register exists. Ask for the certificate directly — at least £1m cover, current expiry, in the business's name.
Criminal records
Inaccessible to anyone for this purpose. Rely on a written contract, staged payments and references.
Section 75 protection
Paying by credit card (not debit, not bank transfer) makes your card provider jointly liable for the full amount under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. If the trader disappears or the work isn't done, you can claim from your card company directly — bank transfer has no equivalent protection.
Tick all six. If any stays empty, hold the payment until it's resolved in writing.
Verdict: Needs checks — a real business, but don't release the deposit until the six boxes are ticked.
Based on publicly available information at the time of checking and is not legal or financial advice. “Not on any public register” means no public record was found — not proof of wrongdoing. Before You Pay does not store personal data beyond report delivery; uploaded files are deleted within 7 days.
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