Chris Houghton, managing director of Park Group
In the wake of Farepak – that word again – the Christmas savings industry also took steps to reassure customers that their money was protected. Park was a founder member of the Christmas Prepayment Association and has set up a designated trust account with independent trustees to hold savers’ money until their goods are dispatched.
“It has been important to get confidence back,” said Houghton. “We’ve been very serious about it.
“We’ve got two independent trustees who won’t release the money until we release the products.
“It has increased our costs a bit, but that’s the price of doing business. We’re pleased it’s working well.”
Houghton’s family gets a hamper every year and he says the festive season wouldn’t be the same without it.
“They’re a traditional part of Christmas and really exciting when you get them,” he said. “You get all the goods covered in shredded cellophane and you have to pull them out – it’s like a tombola.”
alistairhoughton@dailypost.co.uk
