CIPHE expresses concern about CORGI confusion
Moves by CORGI to set up a membership scheme to promote high standards across the gas industry have been criticised by the industry.
The CORGI move follows the awarding by HSE of the gas-registration scheme to Capita for the next 10 years. From 1 April 2009, this new scheme will be called the Gas Safe Register and have a new brand and a new image. To legally work with gas or connect gas appliances, installers must be registered on the scheme, which is taking over from the previous register operators, CORGI.
Blane Judd, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering, says, ‘There is no need for another membership organisation for the plumbing and heating industry, especially one which only relies on a brand reputation that was already confused in the minds of the consumer. It is important to note that CIPHE already has in place the “exclusive member benefits” advertised by CORGI for just over half the cost. It is immoral for an organisation to persuade installers to part with money by bringing to their attention the risk that they may lose business because they don’t still carry the old brand.’
He also asks if the CORGI initiative will confuse and mislead the public. ‘The CORGI brand has always been associate with the gas-registration scheme. Changing the logo slightly will do nothing to change the image of the brand in the eyes of the public; they will assume nothing has change. This is going to make it very difficult for Gas Safe to establish its new brand and could be seen as a spoiling tactic.’
