Derbyshire entrepreneur folds firm after ‘ruined reputation’
A Derbyshire entrepreneur has closed his business following accusations of aggressive selling and targeting elderly or vulnerable people.
Jason Rowan, who set up EnergySave, had been the subject of a Rogue Traders report after television company Rogue Traders sent an undercover reporter to the company to record secret films.
EnergySave specialised in wall insulation, coating systems, double glazing and conservatories, all aimed at reducing customers’ energy costs. Managing director Rowan began the business three years ago after starting out selling ironing board covers on Ilkeston market.
Last May the firm told TheBusinessDesk.com that it was ready to create 100 new jobs and break into the West Midlands market.
However, after the Watchdog investigation, EnergySave turnover dipped dramatically and Rowan reportedly laid off 180 staff in two months.
In a statement, Rowan said: “Following on from the BBC broadcast last year, which forced us to engage with a legal team to clear our reputation, and set the record straight, and due to subsequent events which occurred thereafter, I have taken the very difficult decision to close Energy Save.
“I am a family man, and employed many local people, all of whom meant a lot to me personally and professionally, and this has been one of the hardest decisions that I have ever had to make. The TV broadcast ruined our once great reputation, and many of our staff encountered abuse and bullying as a result of the accusations made.
“I spent thousands trying to clear our name, because I truly feel that we were been misrepresented, and this has unfortunately led to the downfall of the business.”
