Telesales firm didn’t ring true

A North-West telesales company has been ordered to stay within the law by a High Court judge after misleading potential clients.

Mr Justice Phillips issued a tough injunction against Manchester-based Worldwide Marketing Solutions Limited (WMSL) and its boss, Danny Kay, in an action brought by Oldham Council.

The judge said that since 2010 the council had received many complaints that WMSL – which specialises in enhancing the internet presence of business customers – was engaged in unlawful advertising.

Among other misleading comments, telesales staff were said to have told potential clients they were calling on behalf of Google or that they were affiliated with the search engine giant.

WMSL, which then had registered offices in Oldham’s Meridian Business Centre, promised both Google and the council it would only advertise its services lawfully.

But complaints continued.

Oldhamer Mr Kay denied he or his company had breached business and marketing regulations, but argued against Oldham’s right to bring the action, since his company had now moved to new premises in Manchester. The judge dismissed the argument.

Mr Justice Phillips issued an injunction against WMSL and Mr Kay, banning them from involvement in unlawful advertising anywhere in England and Wales.