Jasdeep Singh Randhawa traded under multiple names including Direct Maintenance Group Limited, Cover Sure Maintenance Limited, and Cambridge Plumbing.

He directed a network of plumbers across the UK, and complaints against them centred on poor workmanship and being overcharged for work. When customers called the plumbers back to put things right, the business would charge them a second time, and when consumers challenged the bill, Randhawa would become verbally aggressive over the phone.

On10 December 2021 at Peterborough Crown Court, Randhawa pleaded guilty to two charges of engaging in commercial practices that contravened the requirements of professional diligence contrary to regulations 8 and 15 of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

Randhawa was sentenced to eight months imprisonment.

Councillor Tom Sanderson, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion Committee, said: “This sentence sends a clear message that criminal trading practices won’t be tolerated in Cambridgeshire.

“We are lucky enough to have a wealth of honest, hard-working tradespeople in our county and such enforcement work is vital to ensure the rogues don’t take work away from these tradespeople, and longer term that they don’t damage the confidence people have in these vital trades.”

Trish Burls, Chair of the NTS Tri Regional Investigation Team, said: "Officers from our Regional Investigation Team were able to provide significant investigational and evidence gathering support to Trading Standards officers from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough which has resulted in bringing this investigation to a successful conclusion.

“This has been a long and complex investigation into the working practices of Mr Randhawa and others providing emergency call out and other plumbing services, taking advantage of consumers in need of swift support and assistance and often finding themselves in a vulnerable position. This case reinforces the value and success of partnership working between local authority Trading Standards services and regional assets such as the Regional Investigation Teams.”

Catherine Pawson, Head of Operations for Trading Standards, said: “When looking for a plumber, where possible go on recommendation from someone you know and trust, and get three written quotes to make sure the price is reasonable.

“Alternatively, you can find approved traders on the Buy with Confidence Approved Trader Scheme or the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline.”