Press Release

PCA expels members.

PCA acts to protect IT industry's reputation

Cambridgeshire, 18th January 2007.

The Professional Computing Association (PCA) is taking positive action to protect the interests and reputation of its members - and of the organisation itself - by expelling two member companies who have failed to adhere to the PCA 'Code of Practice'.

As the IT industry's leading trade association, the PCA has a clear remit to protect the interests of both consumers and customers and to promote best practice and an ethical approach amongst its members. Under the terms of the PCA's Code of Practice (applicable to all of its members that trade with the public) members are required to co-operate with the Association in solving disputes, and must not bring the association into disrepute.

Regrettably, two members have now been judged to be in breach of these terms and the Association has now taken the unusual step of expelling these companies from the organisation. The two companies are Vantage Computers, of Westgate in Kent, and north London-based Genie Support Services

Vantage Computers, which trades as Vantage Direct, has failed to conform to the PCA's Code of Practice in that it has not responded to the Association's attempts to try to help to solve customer problems, and has reportedly failed to refund at least one customer's pre-payment. The PCA has made repeated unsuccessful attempts to contact the company but has failed to get a response.

Genie Support Services, which is also known as CPU Direct, has failed to respond to repeated requests to cease promoting itself as being endorsed by the PC Association and stating that it is the official provider of insurance products to the PCA and its members. Neither of these statements is true. Several years ago, when the PCA first started recommending third party, insurance-backed warranties as a sensible option for consumers, CPU Direct - as virtually the only player in the market - was recommended by the PCA to its members as a provider of these services. However, this has not been the case for some time and although the Association has repeatedly asked Genie to remove any references to the PCA from its web site, the company has failed to comply.

In addition, Genie has shown an inability to conform to the PCA's Code of Practice in relation to customer service. The Association had to make repeated requests to Genie over several months before a customer who had contacted the PCA to seek payment of a properly-due refund, was paid.

Following the expulsion, the PCA requires both ex-members to cease making false claims and using the PCA logo in their marketing and promotion. The right to use the PCA logo is restricted to members only. Any continued breach of these terms will be reported to Trading Standards.

CEO of the PCA, Keith Warburton comments: "By expelling these two companies the PCA is acting to protect both the reputation of the organisation and the industry at large - and of course, the consumer. Customers must be able to rely on suppliers that sign up to the PCA's Code of Practice to treat them fairly and justly. If we failed to act in such cases, both the Code and the PCA logo itself would count for very little - by enforcing the terms and conditions we have set out, we are making sure that the IT industry can continue to build a good reputation and is giving consumers the protection they deserve."

Further information on the Professional Computing Association at www.pcassociation.org or telephone 0845 634 9245.

-ENDS-

For further information please contact: Kerri Chard Senior PR Consultant The PR Room Ltd Tel: 0845 094 2901 Kerri.Chard@theprroom.co.uk

PCA Background

Founded in 1993 the PC Association is a not for profit trade association of businesses from all parts of the ICT Industry, including vendors, distributors, system builders, resellers, publishers and finance organisations. Membership has grown year-on-year and is now in excess of 550. Joint turnover of member tops £50 billion.

The Code of Practice

Defines the way PCA members may interact with customers both pre and post-sale. Members who deal in counterfeit products, or knowingly encourage or facilitate the theft of intellectual property on the part of their customers will have their membership revoked.