Tim Allan SIP Kit builder traded as SIPit Scotland , SIP Construction Company Defrauded by closing business down when in receipt of our funds ,and many others, GLASGOW, Nationwide

1.   We commissioned Tim Allan, Managing Director of SIPit Scotland, to design, supply and erect a kit for our self build eco-house project on Gigha in 2010.

2.   The SIP kit contract was for c.54,000 with the SIP Construction Company.

3.   We had been conducting all our business with SIPit Scotland up to contract signing. This company ceased trading in 2008 but Mr Allan was still using this name. The website still uses this trading name. His email addresses
used this company name. His SIP Panel supplier (SBS) also uses this name on its website as a partner company.

4.   He provided a plausible explanation when this was queried.

5.   We paid 10% for design of the kit package basically a series of engineering drawings. This allowed us to secure a Building Warrant in June 2010 and we commenced substructure works.

6.   We were approached by Mr Allan at the end of January 2011 seeking the first stage payment of c.21,000, although we were not ready. He explained that he had five customers, similarly delayed by the weather and would have a
lot of pressure of work if we all wanted the kits constructed at the same time. By paying the instalment early the kit would be made up and stored for us on an adjacent site, wrapped in plastic. The kit was never made.

7.   Continuing wet weather meant we did not complete the substructure ready for house kit erection until October 19th 2011.

8.   We then arranged three kit deliveries and the build in two phases. We arranged accommodation for the build crew who were to accompany the first kit delivery.

9.   Mr Allan visited on 2nd November to check substructure and kit delivery. He took phone photographs of the access and some very basic wall measurements

10.  I was again led to believe the kit was made and stored as per the stage payment in March and ready to be transported, except for some of the fillets. We wanted the kit transported immediately but Mr Allan made an excuse
that the sections would have to be arranged in construction sequence for delivery and the phased build. We discussed build details e.g. he wanted to be able to drill into the concrete floor during erection to support walls if it got windy.

11.  He then presented us with another invoice for the next stage payment of c.16,000 which was to cover delivery and the first phase of erection.

12.  Mr Allan was impossible to contact over the next few weeks and we missed an obvious good weather window. He did not reply to queries and we spoke with Lesley Murray (sales assistant) in order to leave messages.

13.  We got a date for the first kit delivery and booked the crew accommodation, but had to defer this due to bad weather. Then, and without prior notice, on 4th December in the evening I received an email telling me the kit was loaded and would he delivered the next morning.

14.  The total delivery was of 25% of the kit. Major omissions were the steel strapping and angled fillets that would hold the roof on. The small roundhouse could not be erected without the missing components. The kit was freshly cut.

15.  We received a letter on 9th December dated 2nd December stating that SIP Construction Company had ceased trading with immediate effect. Our kit was actually delivered after the company had ceased trading.

16.  The Company had no assets and an application to have the company struck off the register was to be made.

17.  The missing elements of the kit are approximately 32,000. We contacted Mr Allan and Mr Tait to seek clarification and when the rest of the kit could be collected. The kit does not exist. It was not made.

18.  We have received no communication from Mr Allan at all, again contrary to Companies Law.

19.  Companies House have dismissed complaints on procedural grounds but have not compelled Mr Allan to comply with due process for example provide notifications to creditors.

20.  Companise House investigators will not tell a complainant whether they follow up a complaint or provide any feedback on the results of any investigation. They are entirely unanswerable.

21.  This first company was put into compulsory liquidation by HMRC. That company had been trading whilst insolvent (information from previous business partner) . According to the rules the liquidator should have reported to Companies House that he was not a fit person to be a Director.

22. The Police claim that the deceptions involved are not criminal, despite our circumstances exactly matching the criteria for fraud under Scottish Law.

23.  We have lost a substantial part of our life savings and are left with a building site and no home and no way of securing funds to replace the lost 32,000.

Further information at http://ardaillyecoroundhouses.blogspot.com/

Website at www.ecoroundhouse.co.uk

Tony P
Isle of Gigha
Scotland