Advent Computer Training (Barclays Partner Finance)Info and discussion thread

[raj4u]

I know its just waste of time, but i did contact computeach to get so called dedicated course structure according to bpf..they replied with the following:

"Your contract remains with Barclays we will continue to support you under our terms and condition which can be found at www.computeach.co.uk/terms. The course we have you enrolled upon is Support Professional with Microsoft Database Administrator.

 

We will supply course materials and resources including tutorial support up until your contract end date of which has been extended via Barclays of 3 additional months your end of contract date. If you disagree with the contract end date please send a copy of your enrolment form with terms and conditions that states that there was no end date or the end date was different to your contract and we will investigate with Barclays.

We will also supply all exam vouchers required within this time period including re sits, you are able to attend our in centre training days held at our centre in Dudley in the West Midlands, if however you are unable to make these days we can supply exam vouchers for you to sit the exam at a local testing centre to yourself.

We also have a dedicated Careers time that can help you find jobs and help with CV writing and interview techniques, you can register on our student website to use this services as soon as you become a Computeach student.

Should you wish to continue to study after your contract ends we able to continue your training via our Computeach learning plan. This is an initial contract for a minimum of 12 months and can be paid monthly at £139.95 per month. After the initial 12 months you can continue on a month by month basis paying £139.95 monthly."

So where is the point for like wise training when they are asking for monthly payments after the end date..in my enrolment form there was no end date at all.

[lowdown]

I"Your contract remains with Barclays we will continue to support you under our terms and condition which can be found at . The course we have you enrolled upon is Support Professional with Microsoft Database Administrator.

 

There you go, Computeach will only take you on under their T & C's. [And not Advents]

Thats not What BPF are saying is it.

 

Fuzzbutt might want to see that reply from Computeach.

[Fuzzbutt]

I know its just waste of time, but i did contact computeach to get so called dedicated course structure according to bpf..they replied with the following:

"Your contract remains with Barclays we will continue to support you under our terms and condition which can be found at www.computeach.co.uk/terms. The course we have you enrolled upon is Support Professional with Microsoft Database Administrator.

 

We will supply course materials and resources including tutorial support up until your contract end date of which has been extended via Barclays of 3 additional months your end of contract date. If you disagree with the contract end date please send a copy of your enrolment form with terms and conditions that states that there was no end date or the end date was different to your contract and we will investigate with Barclays.

We will also supply all exam vouchers required within this time period including re sits, you are able to attend our in centre training days held at our centre in Dudley in the West Midlands, if however you are unable to make these days we can supply exam vouchers for you to sit the exam at a local testing centre to yourself.

We also have a dedicated Careers time that can help you find jobs and help with CV writing and interview techniques, you can register on our student website to use this services as soon as you become a Computeach student.

Should you wish to continue to study after your contract ends we able to continue your training via our Computeach learning plan. This is an initial contract for a minimum of 12 months and can be paid monthly at £139.95 per month. After the initial 12 months you can continue on a month by month basis paying £139.95 monthly."

So where is the point for like wise training when they are asking for monthly payments after the end date..in my enrolment form there was no end date at all.

 

They don't make sense. Did they write to you with a new contract at all, Raj, with anything in writing about the extended 3 months promise? Though I guess if you had no end date originally that's irrelevant. In that case how can they know when your study time expires if there was no end date?

What's the betting they'd start charging you anyway!

 

I tried contacting the 'Legal Action against Computeach' FB group but no one has replied to me. It appears they are currently trying to gather enough students to make a mass complaint to Dudley Trading Standards about the quality of their courses. CT have already been found against by TS back in 2006 when students complained then.

[Penny Mitchell]

did anyone just get an email from someone claiming to be an advent student it came from email removed

Michal sent you a message on Action for Advent and Access 2 Trade students!

Yes I did yesterday. As follows:

--------------------

Subject: hi

 

Hi.

About a month ago i made a complain to Ombudsman on BPF and all that situation with Advent etc. Yesterday i recevied an answer from them.They wrote that tere's nothing they can do becouse BPF found a replacement Provider (Computeach) for me, and they think that I'm wrong and should accept it.I'm a little bit confused becouse Mercers keep sending me a letters sayin that if i wont pay someone will come to my house to collect the money.I'm getting stressed and don't really think what to do.Is there anyone who is in the same situation???What is your advice?Do you think that we have a chance to win?

Michal

--------------------

 

To reply to this message, follow the link below:

external link removed

 

I'm not going to answer it.

Edited December 31, 2010 by IdaInFife
web and email removed

[Fuzzbutt]

I've just added a new letter template for those now being approached by second debt collection agencies as well as Mercers (see latest news and 'Letter Templates' page). This is in response to latest developments people are reporting. I'm trying to keep the student website up to date as events happen.

 

On the case, negotiations are moving slowly forward. Don't forget if you have any evidence (especially on the loan and Advent course being mis-sold) please forward them to Hausfeld. Ensure you are also copying all of your evidence to FOS as our lawyer suspects, having spoken directly to some people who have had rejections so far, that people have only sent basic information to their adjudicator. The adjudicator can only go on what you tell them, so she stresses be clear and thorough and outline all the issues with as much detail/evidence as you can (even if that's just your account of the sales meeting word of mouth, it's still relevant to your case). There is a slightly amended summary of points you can use on the bottom of the home page of my site. Hope that helps.

Edited August 28, 2010 by Fuzzbutt

[skyblue dave]

They don't make sense. Did they write to you with a new contract at all, Raj, with anything in writing about the extended 3 months promise? Though I guess if you had no end date originally that's irrelevant. In that case how can they know when your study time expires if there was no end date?

What's the betting they'd start charging you anyway!

 

I tried contacting the 'Legal Action against Computeach' FB group but no one has replied to me. It appears they are currently trying to gather enough students to make a mass complaint to Dudley Trading Standards about the quality of their courses. CT have already been found against by TS back in 2006 when students complained then.

 

 

As far as I can make out, BPF have asked Computeach to match the Advent terms as much as possible. (ie Free re-sits, take exam at your nearest centre etc). Hopefully, our legal team can prove that Computeach is an inadequate replacement. (Advent's 'study at your own pace' being a key difference).

 

Also, as far as I make out, Computeach have accepted BPF's request and made a few concessions to Advent students. They seem very guarded about revealing these concessions. (Advent students are, apparently, directed to a specific part of the Computeach web-site. They are reluctant to admit anything in writing, and so on). Clearly, the bigger picture is that Computeach are scared that by revealing the concessions they have made to Advent students , they will further alienate their existing students.

 

I suggest, therefore, that Computeach's students are made fully-aware of the situation. Maybe, if we can link up with them in some way, our position can be strengthened.

[Eagle1905]

Hey all. Received a letter from Barclays collection department. Basically told me my arrears balance is now critical and if I dont contact them they will refer my account to an external debt collection agency. I thoughty they had already passed my details on as I was getting calls from mercers. Anyway I phoned them up to talk to them, told them the usual that im not paying and not happy with the replacement. The lady said ok I understand i will stop the calls for another 13 days. Their saying they need to hear summat from legal team or I will have to ring customer relations department.

[10pack]

Hi guys!

It seems to me, that mercers and BPF are trying to get some money out of us before it gets to court. Mercers "advised" me today to start my payments regardless the dispute, so I won't have to pay extra interest on it, if I get turned down by the FOS.It is clear to me that they try to collect as much money from us, as possible, before it gets to court, and simply file clyesdale for bankruptcy.

Dont forget that Barclays Partner finance is only a trading name for Clydesdale financial services ltd, one of hundreds of companies owned by Barclays plc.It is just too easy for them to do it, they won't have to pay you back a single penny, even if you would win in court.

Go on the website, read it, KNOW YOUR RIGHTS, and complain to the authorities!

It's not gonna go away by just registering and reading forums.In fact the more complaints made to the more different government bodies, the better the chance barclays will back down.They know that they are in the red

 

 

Ps: How do you record mobile conversations when mercers calls?

Can you use your phone's call log records as proof of harrasment?

Any ideas?

 

Fuzz, you are a star!Thank you and all the others for the hard work!

 

Hi Guys

recording phone conversations on your mobile..

 

There is a website with some software its costs money but it works.. even records without the bleeps in the background, do a search for "Killermobile" phone recorder.

I had it my Nokia N91 before I lost it, I dont know all of the models the software works with.

what it does is automatically start recording as soon as you either receive a call or make one, its saves the file to your phone or memory card with the mobile number and date and time.

 

Hope this is helpful to anyone

[malchus25]

Could anyone outline some more reasons not to pay Barclays even if we'll win this case?

[malchus25]

Could anyone outline some more reasons not to pay Barclays even if we'll win this case?

what I mean is: We all know the risks of not paying! What about the risks of paying? there could be one just above. Are there any others? If there are, then they would make sens why Barclays is so aggressive in making us pay even if we win in court. maybe if we win Barclays will find a way not to pay us back. Other thing is: wouldn't it be better for Barclays to just sit confortable back and let us not pay and so go into interest period and so get penalties?! IT just would be more money for them. Instead they assault us in every way they can to just make us give them more, and this is maybe because they know that once we pay we won't get it back!

[Fuzzbutt]

As far as I can make out, BPF have asked Computeach to match the Advent terms as much as possible. (ie Free re-sits, take exam at your nearest centre etc). Hopefully, our legal team can prove that Computeach is an inadequate replacement. (Advent's 'study at your own pace' being a key difference).

 

Also, as far as I make out, Computeach have accepted BPF's request and made a few concessions to Advent students. They seem very guarded about revealing these concessions. (Advent students are, apparently, directed to a specific part of the Computeach web-site. They are reluctant to admit anything in writing, and so on). Clearly, the bigger picture is that Computeach are scared that by revealing the concessions they have made to Advent students , they will further alienate their existing students.

 

I suggest, therefore, that Computeach's students are made fully-aware of the situation. Maybe, if we can link up with them in some way, our position can be strengthened.

 

Well, I suggested on their FB page they contact me as it could also benefit them too when we win our case. Ball's in their court now really, Skyblue Dave.

Our lawyer has pressurised BPF's lawyer to give her a written out line of these 'bespoke courses' but I suspect, as you say, they will just state they will match Advent's terms.

Good news is a former Advent rep and one of the Advent students who did opt for CT (and has since regretted it) has been in touch with me and passed on to our lawyer, so that strengthens our case.

[Fuzzbutt]

oops duplicated!

[Fuzzbutt]

what I mean is: We all know the risks of not paying! What about the risks of paying? there could be one just above. Are there any others? If there are, then they would make sens why Barclays is so aggressive in making us pay even if we win in court. maybe if we win Barclays will find a way not to pay us back. Other thing is: wouldn't it be better for Barclays to just sit confortable back and let us not pay and so go into interest period and so get penalties?! IT just would be more money for them. Instead they assault us in every way they can to just make us give them more, and this is maybe because they know that once we pay we won't get it back!

 

If we win, Malchus, I can't see how they will wriggle out of not paying us back if a high court judge orders them to do so as they will under S75 of CCA, I'd assume. That is a legal point. Barclays are not above the law, even if they like to think they are. They will be responsible for all court costs and Hausfeld's too, plus compensation.

[lc1989]

Please do post it - FOS are toothless and incompetent.

You could join our group legal action if you haven't already.

 

 

Hi Fuzzbutt, I am already included in the group legal action, but thanks for the offer. I will send the info through a e-mail to you if you like so ingrid can look at it, see what they make of what Barclays and the FOS have to say over the issue.

[Lankus]

Just realised that Barclays haven't taken my money this month. I'm one of the few that have continued paying because I can't afford to risk my credit rating being affected. I wrote to Barclays to complain about a number of things (again) and told them I'm involved with the group action, but never actually requested my account be put on hold. They received my letter on the 26th. They should have taken payment on the 28th and I even received the usual text message to confirm this on the 23rd. Maybe they're voluntarily putting accounts on hold if they know they're involved with the group action now.

[lowdown]

Maybe they're voluntarily putting accounts on hold if they know they're involved with the group action now.

 

I dont think thats the case - its BPF, the fact that they are just very incompetent. We have already established that.

Give it a few days and you will have all the moranic bonus hunters on the phone with their threats. And of course it will be all your fault.

[cashins]

I dont think thats the case - its BPF, the fact that they are just very incompetent. We have already established that.

 

Ah! but it's a new set of incompetents.

 

Having dispensed with the shambles at Glasgow, as you may be aware BPF have been merged with another Barclaycard 'shining light' 1st Plus Financial. On the back of heavy TV advertising, this outfit specialised in offering secured loans to people who were already up to their ears in debt. No great suprise that 1st Plus closed for new business in 2008, as you will see below.

 

You will also see that the MD of 1st Plus was...................Neil Radley.

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7495511.stm

 

In view of level of incompetence already remarked upon, you could suppose that as soon as Radley takes charge, anyone with half a brain looks for another job.

 

David

Edited August 31, 2010 by cashins
grammar

[lowdown]

Ah! but it's a new set of incompetents.

 

Having dispensed with the shambles at Glasgow, as you may be aware BPF have been merged with another Barclaycard 'shining light' 1st Plus Financial. On the back of heavy TV advertising, this outfit specialised in offering secured loans to people who were already up to their ears in debt. No great suprise that 1st Plus closed for new business in 2008, as you will see below.

 

You will also see that the MD of 1st Plus was...................Neil Radley.

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7495511.stm

 

In view of level of incompetence already remarked upon, you could suppose that as soon as Radley takes charge, anyone with half a brain looks for another job.

David

 

Quote from the neanderthal man himself.

 

Neil Radley, managing director of Firstplus, said: "In the past year we have tried a whole range of activities to develop our business but the market demand simply isn't strong enough"

 

After looking at his track record, one activity he might consider - make himself redundent, and quitely slip away.

But then he will manage to self emplode with that option i should imagine.

[Robtroll]

Hey Guys,

Just a quick update about the things happening to me.

 

I had a letter from Barclays saying they were passing my details onto "Sanclare Financial". Which I thought was odd as most of you had Mercers. That was 20th August.

 

I yesterday had a business card posted through from a company called "Resolvecall ltd." It was posted in a brown envelope with my name and "URGENT.DO NOT IGNORE" written on. So they had been to my house. On the business card, it says " I called today for the 1st time regarding your account(s). Please contact (name) on (tel no.) or our office qouting reference Barclays Partner Finance." This was all in handwriting. Including the envelope.

 

Who are these companies and has anybody else had to deal with them? I also thought they couldn't come to your house and pressurise you. Or was that they just couldnt come in. What shall I do now? Just send the letter saying that the account is in dispute? Is it worth mentioning the outlines that they cannot harass me as mentioned on the website?

 

Cheers Guys

 

P.S I've just had a look at the number (0844 257) and it costs 4p per minute not including connection charges. I dont have a house phone so this would cost more i guess from my mobile. Not that i'm going to call them but, would this fall under the unfair practise of 'asking or instructing debtors to make contact on premium rate telephone numbers' or is 4p not premium. I'm really not sure. lol.

Edited August 31, 2010 by Robtroll
Added Tel No. Info.

[lowdown]

Hey Guys,

Just a quick update about the things happening to me.

 

I had a letter from Barclays saying they were passing my details onto "Sanclare Financial". Which I thought was odd as most of you had Mercers. That was 20th August.

 

I yesterday had a business card posted through from a company called "Resolvecall ltd." It was posted in a brown envelope with my name and "URGENT.DO NOT IGNORE" written on. So they had been to my house. On the business card, it says " I called today for the 1st time regarding your account(s). Please contact (name) on (tel no.) or our office qouting reference Barclays Partner Finance." This was all in handwriting. Including the envelope.

 

Who are these companies and has anybody else had to deal with them? I also thought they couldn't come to your house and pressurise you. Or was that they just couldnt come in. What shall I do now? Just send the letter saying that the account is in dispute? Is it worth mentioning the outlines that they cannot harass me as mentioned on the website?

 

Cheers Guys

 

P.S I've just had a look at the number (0844 257) and it costs 4p per minute not including connection charges. I dont have a house phone so this would cost more i guess from my mobile. Not that i'm going to call them but, would this fall under the unfair practise of 'asking or instructing debtors to make contact on premium rate telephone numbers' or is 4p not premium. I'm really not sure. lol.

 

 

First of all, go back one page [page 242 - read post #4826 ] If you need a template, its on the legal site.

[blade325]

Hi Joyhouk, I got the same letter signed by a Mr Andy Hughes. I plan to reply/ respond to the treats in this letter in the next couple of days and will upload my response. In my response letter I will state that I have no problems if Barclays want to take me to court as this seems the only way that this whole debacle will come to public prominence.

[joyhouk]

Hello blade325, I'm agree with you that court is only solution for us.

[Fuzzbutt]

Could be a good day to watch TV tomorrow evening!!!

 

I have been interviewed for the BBC 1's 'The One Show' 7pm. Hopefully it will be airing tomorrow (Weds).

 

Love to be a fly on the wall of Uncle Neil Radley's front room.....hmmm, what's that? Bad publicity, you say? Such a shame! :lol:

[joyhouk]

well done Fuzzbutt, that would be a great day for us.

[lowdown]

Love to be a fly on the wall of Uncle Neil Radley's front room :lol:

 

I think all the fly's have left - they had Mercers after them for not paying their rent.

 

Excellent Fuzzbutt..!