A kitchen fitter based in Bath has been ordered to repay over £34,000 after deposit money from customers mysteriously disappeared. John Upson, 50, trading as Kitchens of Bath Ltd, accepted deposits of £12,810.61 and £16,370.02 for kitchen supply and installation services, but failed to deliver or refund the payments.
An investigation into Upson’s bank records revealed that he did not use these funds to purchase materials or services related to the kitchen projects. Instead, the money was diverted to cover other financial liabilities, leaving customers with neither their kitchens nor their refunds.
Bath Magistrates’ Court concluded that the business was run recklessly, falling far below industry standards, including the principles of honest trading and good faith. On July 2, 2025, Upson pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to meet professional diligence standards under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, covering the period between March 6, 2023, and May 11, 2024.
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The court ordered Upson to repay £29,180.63 to the affected customers. Additionally, he was fined £5,000 and required to pay prosecution costs totaling £10,046.
Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for Communications and Community at Bath & North East Somerset Council, emphasized the council’s commitment to combating rogue trading. “Residents recovering their losses is a positive outcome. Our Trading Standards team works tirelessly to protect consumers from unfair practices.”
To help residents avoid such issues, the council operates the ‘Buy with Confidence’ scheme, which vets and approves local businesses based on stringent standards, ensuring trustworthy service providers.