Dispute Resolution for Manufacturers
Being part of the Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman (FHIO) helps to inspire confidence and provides manufacturers with a range of benefits.
These include unlimited access to advice and guidance from our legally trained Ombudsman team and City & Guilds accredited training.
In the event that a complaint escalates and the dispute cannot be resolved between the parties directly, we offer an expert inspection and B2B dispute resolution service which may avoid a potentially costly and lengthy court process.
Summary of Member Benefits for Manufacturers:
Unlimited access to our advice line
This is available to members and is there to help businesses resolve disputes before they escalate. The telephone advice line can provide legal advice on topics such as Consumer Law and Contract Law or more general complaint handling advice.
Access to an independent expert inspection service
When disputes occur, sometimes an independent expert opinion can be required to bring some clarity to a situation. You will have access to our independent inspection service which provides detailed reports that are suitable for court
Manufacturer member logo
Display the manufacturer member logo on your website and marketing material so that your commitment to high standards and customer focus is clear.
B2B dispute resolution service
In the rare event a dispute occurs between a business and a customer (such as a retailer). If both parties are willing, you will be able to enter a formal conciliation process to resolve matters without the need for expensive litigation.
Access to webinars and member guidance
The Ombudsman provides its members with support and guidance on a range of topics using webinars and articles. Topics are focussed on common issues faced by its members and aim to help them navigate potential problems.
Discounted training
The Ombudsman is a City & Guilds accredited training provider and offers a range of courses designed to support businesses in disputes
For more information on membership or to become a member, please email us at; membership@fhio.org or book a 15-minute meeting directly with our membership director here
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We recognise that manufacturers play a key role in the supply chain. Whilst retailers will often deal with a dispute in the first instance,
it’s not uncommon for those disputes to filter back through to the manufacturer. We have therefore produced a membership offering designed to support manufacturers with advice, guidance and a range of methods to support in the event of a dispute.
The Ombudsman offers a range of training courses that are accredited by City & Guilds.
If your business has a particular training need we are able to consult with you and build bespoke courses.
In addition we organise regular webinars and annual member workshops aimed at sharing information and best practice.
Our fee structure is designed to be proportionate and fair. Businesses will therefore pay an annual fee that is relative to their size.
In our experience, being a member of an Ombudsman does not increase the overall number of complaints you will receive. In the event of a dispute, you have the option to escalate the complaint to a qualified member of the team who will work with both parties to reach a resolution.
