Stockport Trading Standards team secure fraud conviction for double glazing business owners

A Bramhall man who ran a double-glazing business has been found guilty of fraud in court after an investigation led by Stockport Council’s Trading Standards team.

Following a number of complaints from borough residents that they had paid deposits for windows and doors that were never supplied or fitted, the council’s Trading Standards team investigated The Cheshire Window Outlet Limited.

Investigations revealed that the company was run by Steven Wright (pictured, left), who was already subject to two director disqualification orders for two separate offences – one in 2014 banning him for eight years, and another in 2018 banning him for a further four years.

Despite this, Wright set up The Cheshire Window Outlet within months of the second ban, using his wife, Louise Wright (pictured, right), and later his friend, Mark Tibbot, as directors.

In 2022, Stockport Council’s Trading Standards team pursued criminal charges against the company, Steven Wright, Louise Wright, and Tibbot, including fraud by false representation and breaches of the disqualification orders. At a plea hearing in December 2022, a trial date was set for January 2024.

However, in early 2023 the Wrights sold their Bramhall home and fled to Florida, prompting the court to issue arrest warrants. The trial was rescheduled for this month and proceeded in their absence.

On 11 September, Steven Wright was unanimously convicted of fraud by false representation and breaching both disqualification orders.

Louise Wright was found guilty of two counts of acting in contravention of a disqualification order by assisting her husband. The company itself was also convicted of two counts of breaching a disqualification order.

Tibbot, who initially absconded, was arrested in 2023 after Greater Manchester Police issued a wanted appeal. He later pleaded guilty to assisting in the breaches and, in early 2024, received a 12-week suspended prison sentence.

Cllr Dan Oliver, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Public Protection at Stockport Council, said:

“This successful prosecution demonstrates the council’s absolute commitment to protecting our residents and holding dishonest businesses to account.

“Steven and Louise Wright acted with complete disregard for the law, deceiving customers and undermining trust in legitimate local traders. Thanks to the persistence of our Trading Standards team, we secured justice for those affected.

“This case sends a clear message – we will not tolerate fraudulent practices and will take firm action against those who exploit residents in our borough.”