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

[cjclegg]

Hi all, it has been a real weight lifter finding this forum. I started with Advent in July 09, got a 5.5k interest free loan with BPF for 12 months. I need out of this quick after taking a much lower paid job after being laid off at Xmas. I really need to know if we can walk away from this, otherwise it's IVA time this summer.

 

Any and all help would be greatly received.

[adinmatty]

Shep66:

 

Finally somebody with positive thinking Well regardless money, bankruptcy, crap banking etc, we NEED to move on. So I do that for example, just passed my 220-601, on way to 220-602 than bridge test to 2009 edition. Than Microsoft way... So yes, we could use new thread help each other find books, materials to study and pass our exams. At the end of the day it would be us who win.

[Nail-em-2-The-Wall]

Barclay's are obviously pretty desperate, I mean f they can't find another SO CALLED trainer '' They owe us our money back ?

 

If refused .. We Sue! ?

[Nail-em-2-The-Wall]

I'm getting damn impatient I got things to do, I don't want Advent training's source provider I want my money back..

Edited February 8, 2010 by Nail-em-2-The-Wall

[Nail-em-2-The-Wall]

I just checked Advent's ''Official'' Youtube page. I posted a comment, and noticed ALL comments are Aprove by them only.. lol

 

 

 

I'd be pretty scared if I were them.

Edited February 8, 2010 by Nail-em-2-The-Wall

[cashins]

I'd be pretty scared if I were them.

 

Well, it's clear that their directors saw this coming and no doubt made arrangements to make sure they're all right...............Jack.

 

David

[raj4u]

i've to agree wit shep66 and adminmatty that we've to concentrate on our studies..thats 100% acceptable..thats y all of us joined this s**t training. for me, without solving this problem, i can't concentrate on studies. I know for all of us App.5k is alot. don't worry panliberski..i didn't get any letter so far..but make sure u freeze ur acc by calling BPF.

[Rage84]

I just checked Advent's ''Official'' Youtube page. I posted a comment, and noticed ALL comments are Aprove by them only.. lol

 

 

 

I'd be pretty scared if I were them.

 

 

What youtube page m8

[JuiceyBuns]

Hi All,

 

Quick update on my situation. As previously stated, I rang to get my account frozen on 02 feb and rang again on 03 feb where I asked for confirmation in writing as the account was still not frozen.Well I got that confirmation today (09 feb).

 

The letter said they were looking into my complaint and I would hear from them within the next 15 working days and that my account is currently on hold pending the outcome of their investigation.

 

I sent a letter to Advent today (recorded delivery) requesting a refund (not expecting a response from that). I also sent a letter to BPF today (recorded delivery) asking for a refund due to breach in contract and that I would not consider an alternative provider as their Customer Services rep told me it wasn't in my contract to offer. I also included a copy of my Advent letter for BPF as they request copies of these.

 

They should receive my letter withing the next 2 days. I'll update when I have a response from either.

 

Whilst I agree that the training is important, there is not much point in paying for training until the dispute is resolved. If we HAVE to take another provider or lose out all together, then I'm certainly not going to pay for the training and then pay BPF for the same training with the new provider.

[MARTIN3030]

Hi All,

 

Quick update on my situation. As previously stated, I rang to get my account frozen on 02 feb and rang again on 03 feb where I asked for confirmation in writing as the account was still not frozen.Well I got that confirmation today (09 feb).

 

The letter said they were looking into my complaint and I would hear from them within the next 15 working days and that my account is currently on hold pending the outcome of their investigation.

 

I sent a letter to Advent today (recorded delivery) requesting a refund (not expecting a response from that). I also sent a letter to BPF today (recorded delivery) asking for a refund due to breach in contract and that I would not consider an alternative provider as their Customer Services rep told me it wasn't in my contract to offer. I also included a copy of my Advent letter for BPF as they request copies of these.

 

They should receive my letter withing the next 2 days. I'll update when I have a response from either.

 

Whilst I agree that the training is important, there is not much point in paying for training until the dispute is resolved. If we HAVE to take another provider or lose out all together, then I'm certainly not going to pay for the training and then pay BPF for the same training with the new provider.

 

Yes once you have logged a complaint in writing they HAVE to deall with nit under regulatory guidelines.

I thought a response had to be given by 14 days tho not 15.

Under the FOS guidance they have effectively 8 weeks to sort out your complaint or else give a final response by that date.

During this time they should update you every 14 days.

After the 8 weeks,you are free to issue a formal complaint to the FOS,but theres nothing stopping anyone from logging one sooner so your complaint is on the syatem for later.

They will then require originals of all documentation and letters to copy.

 

I think its a safe bet to say that although BPF are not saying too much to lenders at this stage,they will undoubtably be working flat out behind the scenes to determine implications of any liabilities and negatives to themselves.I have no doubt this will probably be their main focus,and the lawyers in Churchill Place will have all the books out-you can be sure of that.

Since we have information that they have been agreeing to freeze accounts for those who have complained in writing,this may be something that people should think about doing sooner rather than later-you have nothing to lose in doing this.

It costs financial organisations around £500 a time if a complaint is raised with the FOS although Barclays have the coffers to do it,if there were vast numbers I dont think their shareholders would take too kindly to that.

 

Remember-although you can get some answers by phone (and they may be willing to discuss things) Its essential that you get something in writing,this is why if you make a complaint in writing-they HAVE to respond.

While you are at it-ask them to forward you a copy of their complaints procedure with their reply-its something they have to comply with.

 

Keep the info coming-it will greatly assist everyone following here,and those who have yet to come here.

[adinmatty]

Hi guys, I am on pretty same position as JuiceyBuns at the moment.

 

Have frozen account confirmed in writing, and posted complaint based on 75 section, and mentioned time of essence as well (i made it 7 days, its too short i know, but wanted to put some pressure). Sent letter to Advent as well (both got both copies). Im in that situation that I havent payed any instalments yet, but still asked for refund (who knows in meantime they can charge me somehting still through DD) and cancel my agreement. They should receive my letters today (Tue, 09th).

 

Will update you guys on anything new.

 

And second thing about moving on.

Im not saying we should spend a lot of money along with possibility of paying PBF as well. However buying book on ebey for 20 as I did and moving on is rather refreshing for me. Even if I HAVE to go with new provider I dont lost few weeks time watching tv instead of making some progress But of course all depends on particular circumstances, im rather in rush...

[cashins]

Have frozen account confirmed in writing, and posted complaint based on 75 section, and mentioned time of essence as well (i made it 7 days, its too short i know, but wanted to put some pressure). Sent letter to Advent as well (both got both copies). Im in that situation that I havent payed any instalments yet, but still asked for refund (who knows in meantime they can charge me somehting still through DD) and cancel my agreement. They should receive my letters today (Tue, 09th).

 

 

Anyone who has not done this and has not had it confirmed in writing needs to do this now.

 

If you are aware of other students in the same boat who have not, make sure they do. Nothing like a drop in income at BPF to concentrate the mind.

 

And second thing about moving on.

Im not saying we should spend a lot of money along with possibility of paying PBF as well.

 

I don't think a bit of self help will come amiss to keep the momentum going on the studies. If it is essential to spend some money, keep receipts and forward a claim to BPF for any reasonable expenses incurred. They won't like it but why should you have to cough up because they are not providing?

 

David

[JuiceyBuns]

Hi Martin,

 

Thanks for your response and support.

 

The complaints procedure is printed on the back of the complaints response and I have it on one of the original documents also.

 

 

adinmatty : The training does certainly depends on everyone's circumstances and options. It's also worth looking for an e-book equivalent as they are usually a lot cheaper. Good luck with your training

[cashins]

May have missed it.

 

Has the address for the administrators of Advent been posted.

 

David

[raj4u]

can anyone plz post the format os letters to be sent to Bpf, as this is a serious matter i want to be careful this time. so that Bpf won't find a loop from our side..thnx in advance.

[cashins]

Sent this and it worked.

 

Dear Sir/Madam

 

Than you for you letter of the ***********concerning the above.

 

From this I note, you recognise your responsibilities under Sec 75, Consumer Credit Act 1974, in that you are trying to source an alternative training provider. It is very obvious however, that this may well be a protracted process due to the sheer number of customers and accounts involved.

 

You say in the meantime that my account will continue as normal. This situation is clearly NOT normal. In effect you are saying: that I should continue to pay for a service which is not being provided and which might, (or might not), be provided at some indeterminate point in the future.

 

Therefore I insist that:

 

You ‘freeze’ this account, (including interest) until such time as you can in fact source an alternative provider, that is capable in all respects of fulfilling the contract that has been breached.

 

You confirm in writing that you have taken the above action and that it will not result in adverse data being entered on my credit file.

 

Please give this matter your urgent attention.

 

Yours faithfully

 

Edited February 11, 2010 by cashins

[kobrakai_1986]

Well I just spoke to someone at BPF and they agreed to freeze my account until such a time as service is provided (I didn't hound her with questions about whether or not I'd be obliged to accept training etc, as she seemed quite helpful and probably didn't have the answers yet anyway).

 

This is good news as it means that I have more money accessible for spending/saving in the meantime.

 

I also asked that they confirm that in writing - if I haven't seen anything in a few days I'll be back on the phone!

[cashins]

Well I just spoke to someone at BPF and they agreed to freeze my account until such a time as service is provided (I didn't hound her with questions about whether or not I'd be obliged to accept training etc, as she seemed quite helpful and probably didn't have the answers yet anyway).

 

This is good news as it means that I have more money accessible for spending/saving in the meantime.

 

Excellent - make sure they confirm it in writing though.

 

david

[Bravo3zero]

Hi all,

 

I have been checking this thread whenever I can as I am in the same boat as you are (most of you I guess). I found it very informative and some useful stuffs as well. If I may ask to students, please keep posting as our days are not over yet. I think we are paying for the service that is by no means up to any acceptable standard which seems like a whole [problem] saga. Thanks.

[p4dro]

well i am in a similar boat as everyone.

i am a sponser for a friend of mine so he does the course work and i got the finance for him. i got 5.5k from may 2009 for 12 months interest free.

 

i recently got a letter from bpf saying the comany is looking for a new provider for the course. and my friend got an email saying he will no longer be recieving tutition.

 

i visited the advent website and it says the company has shut down. so i phoned bpf and they said the company is not closed but are looking for a new provider and i am liable for the finance.

 

what can i do here??

[kobrakai_1986]

well i am in a similar boat as everyone.

i am a sponser for a friend of mine so he does the course work and i got the finance for him. i got 5.5k from may 2009 for 12 months interest free.

 

i recently got a letter from bpf saying the comany is looking for a new provider for the course. and my friend got an email saying he will no longer be recieving tutition.

 

i visited the advent website and it says the company has shut down. so i phoned bpf and they said the company is not closed but are looking for a new provider and i am liable for the finance.

 

what can i do here??

For a start I would call BPF and ask them to freeze the payments - no sense in paying if there's no current course provider. As the guy above said, ask for written confirmation, then I guess it's a case of playing the waiting game and seeing what BPF pull out of their hats.

 

I would say there's no point in hounding the helpdesk guys though, as I think it's unlikely that they have much more information than we do at this point.

[Athena1982]

We are in the same situation having paid out £6000 to Advent through Barkleys Bank in December 2009. Barkleys says they will find an alternitive training provider but I want to make sure they do this. I know they are not obligated to help us because we took out a loan with them and signed an agreement to pay it back, regardless of what the loan was for.

I have written to Watchdog, our local paper and The Sun who said that they would do a story on it if enough people rang them. Call 0207 782 4100 to contact The Sun. Due to the bad PR the banks have gotten lately I think Barkeys will feel pressue to help us all if The Sun runs a story on it. Never lay down and accept stuff like this always fight.

[cashins]

Hi and welcome.

 

We are in the same situation having paid out £6000 to Advent through Barkleys Bank in December 2009. Barkleys says they will find an alternitive training provider but I want to make sure they do this. I know they are not obligated to help us because we took out a loan with them and signed an agreement to pay it back, regardless of what the loan was for.

 

I have written to Watchdog, our local paper and The Sun who said that they would do a story on it if enough people rang them. Call 0207 782 4100 to contact The Sun. Due to the bad PR the banks have gotten lately I think Barkeys will feel pressure to help us all if The Sun runs a story on it. Never lay down and accept stuff like this always fight.

 

Sorry to hear that, if it was a personal loan you're stuck.

 

May be some mileage in pushing Barclays. If Barclays Partner Finance do find alternative providers, they will negociate costs down and pay nothing like what you or I would.

 

As you say they don't have to but as you are a bank customer, it would be a nice gesture on their part if they could get you fixed up at those rates.

 

David

[Nail-em-2-The-Wall]

Rage, they have closed there account 3 days ago.

[bennybelton]

If anyone is actually going to proceed with the exams and want some testing software then have a look here. Advent screwed me over big time, I do blame advent not Barclays yet as tbh know one has had a proper factual answer or resolution to this problem. I've got my final comptia exam next week and no one to back me up so Ive had to go looking myself which i really didnt wanna do considering i just paid over £6K to advent. i was just at a loss so i tried everything!! given up really!

 

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