Thembi Mutch

Excellent 👍🏾 big recommend. Knowledgeable, experienced, polite, fast, friendly and great prices. No hesitation in recommending Paul and his team. They deserve the glowing reputation they have.

Prompt, friendly, knowledgeable, reliable and accurate. The app is a hassle because when I've broken down I've had no internet signal, but apart from that I am super impressed. The wait time has been minimal, and they were extremely kind and supportive during a hideous cold stormy night when I was so tired and hungry. And the actual engineer was a complete angel.

I'm going in circles trying to rectify a basic error: the site has stopped recognising my email. Three emails. 2 phone calls. An AI live chat bot that is genuinely the most frustrating thing I've ever encountered. I keep being told to get rid of cookies on my computer and perform tasks that are technically impossible (eg send a pin and booking confirmation, when I can't actually book anything )

It would be funny, the levels of truly appalling service. Except actually it's incredibly annoying.

For example on the app there's no reservation number for my upcoming booking to Bali. Yet I am unable to contact customer care without this.

colossal disappointment. Told me nothing new at all. £100 to be given wrong information about people who were allegedly still alive (they're not,) and completely obvious information that I have anyway.
And then completely scammed for money 3 months later with an 'automatic' £49 renewal fee. Took ages to find the right person on customer support to get money refunded, and I suspect it was because the person who helped me was just kind, and had experienced 100's of customers ringing up with the same issues.
They have sent out numerous 'new hints' - eachn one an excuse to get more money out of me.
Can't stress enough what a complete and total load of bo888ox this scam is.

They are brilliant.
Genuine, accessible, fast service, no weird call centres or Kafkaesque options as you get lost in a maze of waiting to speak to the right person.

I joined them about five months ago. It's been great.

Their service is all via real people online: but for those of us who have access needs there's a real, informed and kind person too.
There's been a few hiccups with payment: they sorted it speedily and graciously. And gave me (unasked for) compensation.

Plus they're insanely good value.
I kept my old number.
Should have done it years ago; literally halved my phone bill with significantly more free data.

It was clearly a cracked copy of Microsoft and caused damage to my laptop that cost £180 to sort plus I needed to buy another Microsoft office.

Neither the company nor Groupon took this seriously or followed it up or issued an apology or refund.

Really pissed off. Will never ever use Groupon again. You clearly give zero fuc#s.

I had been stung earlier this week with a shonky Groupon Windows office product, and admonished by my RL tech friend. I had to get my laptop reformatted and of course had to decide whether to spend £150 plus on the microsoft Office plus lifetime, or risk the GetRenewedTech product. Having thoroughly read the reviews- which are largely positive but there are some real screechers in there, I felt I was still taking a risk.

I'm euphoric to report that it did actually all work, and go to plan. Ok, so fair enough, I've lost a week of my life. Plus I was completely cynical when 'James' came on the live chat. "are all the staff called James? What does spring smell like?" My efforts to elucidate whether he was real, and not a bot, didn't work.

However, more importantly, the famous heroic James incredibly patiently held my virtual hand as my brain grew increasingly frazzled having to return to the uninstallation process of the pesky MS versions that were hindering the installation of the GRT product.

Reader it all ends well. This is the real deal. I'm not a Russian Bot and it's possible to get legal Microsoft licences office 21 lifetime at a measly sum of £22.99. Which in my book is really stonkingly excellent.

Aneesa sang and MCed for the mum's remembrance event last night at the Downs crematorium in Brighton.

She's a consummate professional with a gob smacking musical range. She's upbeat, dynamic and relaxed, getting us singing and dancing at a moving and intimate event where we all honoured our wonderful mums.

It was a joyful, beautiful and soulful evening, I hope it's the first of many.

So far I'm waiting for an issue to be resolved. To summarise:
Booked ticket via getbybus *which is an intermediary broker and not the transport provider* for travel between Aswan- Luxor- Hurghada (Egypt) on saturday 15th Feb for travel this morning 17th Feb- involving several connections. The provider 'Trip Egypt' still had not contacted me by mid afternoon Sunday 16th. I got standard algorithm generated response and no human being.
Somewhat predictably no-one turned up to collect me from the designated departure spot at 5am. Finally at 5.38am I received a whatsapp message from an anonymous person asking where I was. I told him/her that I'd left as they were 40 minutes late.

I was forced to find alternative (very expensive) travel options in order to make my connections. I am still waiting to hear from Getbybus. At this point I am being asked to prove that the transport company did not get in touch with me (I have eventually managed to send the whatsapp screen shot via email, for some reason my phone won't do this, I suspect not enough storage etc).

I think it's both astonishing and highly unprofessional that Getbybus are asking ME to prove that I had no contact. Instead of believing me, and in the process I've spent a good few hours contacting them. Given that I alerted them to the problems BEFORE I travelled- having heard nothing from the transport provider, it's fairly self evident.

Overall I've used Getbybus three times. Twice it's been easy and fine (with larger established transport providers like national bus companies.) My experience with Pharoah Fleet Travel, or Trip Egypt (I have conflicting information on whatsapp and the ticket) has been abysmal and I'm really very angry.

Oh and by the way I'm disabled.

It's tricky rating this company as they really did go above and beyond to try and remedy the problems. They built a bespoke cabin/shelter/tack room for my horse in November 2024.

Plus:
1. I did a lot of research. For the materials, labour and assembly this is very good value. Yes there are a few oversights (there's too many gaps and leaks still) but overall it's a very economical option.

2. The team arrived early and worked a 10 hour day (minus their 8 hours of travel, so actually an 18 hour day). They worked very hard indeed and cleaned up, and were nice guys.

3. Shed was erected quickly with a difficult access point.

4. The firm dealt with the problems (leaks around roof, roofing rubber came off, leaks around windows and walls) very promptly indeed and sent a crew down within a few days to rectify the workmanship.

5. They sent an older, more experienced crew to deal with the roof (which blew off) and replaced it for free with a much better higher quality roof for which I am grateful.

6. Jake and Linzi are extremely good communicators with the public, and spent a lot of time making sure the design was exactly what we needed.

7.The teams are extremely friendly, helpful, skilled and clearly want to do a good job and take pride in their work.

Cons:

1. For the size of the shed (20 x 11) it was clearly at least a 3 person job, especially given the difficulty of access and the weight of the panels.
The first team drove 3 hours to get to me at 7am, did a 10 hour day, then had a five hour journey home. That's too much, even though they were young and full of energy.

2. There are no seals around the windows. When I raised that they were leaking they came back and did it for free.

3. The rain comes in through the walls at the back which gets the full force of Northerly winds, as the slats aren't fully waterproof- however it's in a very exposed site, and we've had gale force wind and rain, so maybe they aren't built for such extreme situations.

4. I would REALLY have appreciated a discussion about the floor, which isn't reinforced. The shed went onto a highly reinforced platform base, so actually it would have made more sense to not have a floor. The team did however drill on some OSB boards to strengthen it, which I am very grateful for.

On balance I would recommend this firm and I would use them again. They go the extra mile, with bells on!

I rang for help with setting up my phone for international travel. Susan in the help centre really was exemplary: she is the epitome of careful and intelligent customer service. She was patient and kind as we navigated a not very straightforward issue.

I switched from vodaphone (I was with them for 20 years) and was paying £29 a month and constantly running out of data. I now pay £12 a month and get 120 GB and never ever run out.

They could not be more different as companies. I get dealt with quickly by smart people who know exactly what they're doing. No haggling or having to explain- they just get on with it.

Prompt, helpful, clear! thank you.

The shower pipes are repeatedly bursting apart and need replacing. There's no hot water reaching the shower. The tiling is coming away from the walls and the grout is cracking and lifting away. Job was completed beginning of September 23. Less than 5 months ago. Left message and tried to call Mark but he hasn't responded. Really disappointed. Will need to get it all redone.

Without answering my 2 calls and 1 message, speaking to me or even seeing the problem Mark has decided he is right. He's not. Maybe he's psychic?

Anyway. The shower is totally not working. The pressure is wrong. It will need redoing. I would like Mark to do the right thing and answer my messages and arrange fix it. Instead of creating smokescreens, inventing nonsense and making excuses.

The pipes are springing apart. They're not holding. That's it. The shower that he installed 5 months ago now completely doesn't work. I'm sure LGS plumbing Brighton (who installed a new boiler 3 years ago and are brilliant) will tell me what is wrong.

Very little help with disabled check in. Misinformed about the help the arrivals end. Bureaucratic, slow and involving a lot of painful standing. No help on the plane. Seats extremely small and cramped. Got told off for 'leaving rubbish' and actually listened to a cabin crew member mock me and question whether I was disabled and needed help. Minimal snacks, rude crew. Dreading flying home.

Unfortunately the fence which was backfilled with hardcore from the garage demolition collapsed over the recent period of heavy rains. The fence is sound, however the weight of the hardcore and the rain caused it to shift, move and eventually collapse. It caused a massive obstruction to a public path. I texted Mark on the 26th December 2023 when it happened, and he replied in January saying he would come over 13th Jan to sort it out. Meantime I contacted another local fence specialist to fix it, so Mark's only job was to remove the hardcore. He asked if it was a paid job, and I said given the several thousands I paid him, probably not. He agreed to come, however texted at 3.30pm on friday 12th saying since the work was over 2 years old it was out of guarantee and not his responsibility. I had arranged for the two other tradespeople to work on Saturday to fit in with his schedule. So I'm stuck with getting rid of 2 tons of hardcore, which should have been removed when the job was done. *It was my idea to put the hardcore behind the fence- but I think he should have insisted that this was a bad idea*. Especially since he has several years experience as a fencer. I do not object to him asking for money to take the waste away, I object to the late response and complete change of plans so late in the day.

Mark did a second big job in August 23 (refurbing a cabin, which cost several thousand pounds) was also not at all smooth for the same reasons- constant requests for more money, and a daily rate change mid job (which I upheld and paid for). The tiles in the shower are now slipping and coming away (as a result of no netting according to another builder) and will need re-doing. It's a shame, I valued Mark's work and his friendship, but for the last six months I find most interactions with him very stressful, don't feel I know what to expect.

I dealt with Amtul. There was no wait, the line was clear, she obviously knew what she was doing and was extremely fast and efficient at explaining how I might be able to save money. It's so refreshing getting such good customer service, after a lot of very poor service from other companies (eg Southern Water and Churchill!) Octopus clearly take the time to recruit and train well.

Churchill was not the cheapest comprehensive cover, but it's a large company so I didn't think I was opening up such a pandora's box of difficulties.

I had an accident on 23/8 at 9pm. I filled in the form online and rang them the same night. I rang the following morning. To cut a long story short I have been on the phone NON STOP (minus food and comfort breaks) for 15 hours.

My cover I took out offered me a hire car: except when I asked for it their algorithym had decided I was probably at fault, and the car was a write off. They hadn't seen the car, or any photos or any police reports, they made the decision based on a non-engineering person (me) who was suffering from shock after an accident.

Because they have ascertained that I am at fault there is no hire car. And no leniency. I suggested that we move the car to one of their approved garages to see if it's reparable. They rejected this and any further requests for a hire car.

I argued long and hard that with limited mobility, a disability and caring commitments to family members and a horse (stabled 45 mins away) and a suspended bus service due to the entire resurfacing of our road, a car was essential. I got nowhere. I have no time frame for a settlement and no acknowledgement that I am vulnerable and depend totally on my car. I have raised a complaint.

Second issue was insuring a second car. My mechanic has kindly sourced me a banger to drive whilst I wait for the settlement and find a new car to drive. Again I filled in online the temporary car changes and then rang this morning to check it was all ok. The payment had gone through, and their was an error in their systems. The person then rang me back at 1600 to say payment had not gone through and I needed to pay again. I queried this and rang my bank who confirmed I had paid. however the person REFUSED to offer the temporary policy. I told her I was exhausted (i live with chronic fatigue) and as far as I was concerned I had a screen shot and a bank authorisation code proving I had paid, and therefore was covered.
I've complained.
I'm at my wits' end. Their customer service is beyond appalling. Will never go back to them.

Really appreciate being able to access trusted craftspeople and read the reviews which so far have not let me down.

The job was to dig out a section of garden in front of the cabin, level off, install sleepers, so we could access to it. Also move furniture and various bits and bobs that had been in the (now demolished) garage.
This time I paid for the whole job (not by the day).

Having sent me a quote, I researched it and revised it, and the job came in significantly cheaper than was orginally quoted. I was asked to pay up front, for everything, and I was paying for the materials and equipment myself. I refused to do this, and Mark altered the quote and the terms, which I was grateful for.

There was some uncertainty and miscommunication over when they were starting and collecting materials.

Mark and I discussed it: he was extremely busy and had a lot to juggle, and when he wasn't on the job unfortunately the quality of the work wasn't up to scratch.

However Mark and I did discuss the unfinished work, the few bits and bobs that had been broken, and he agreed to come back, repair them and do the job.


Once he was back and on site it was the old Mark I recognised- excellent work, lovely to deal with, taking real pride in a job well done, and going the extra mile.

I am not a builder, but I have overseen the construction and major alterations of 4 houses. Mark seemed is open to ideas and enjoys the discussions about what was needed, how to approach things, and what options we could take.

Mark wasn't present for the first part of this job, apart from one day I wasn't around. The team needed constant supervision and checking and it wasn't done to the standard that the Mark and his team had done for the first job- when he was around the whole time.

I am impressed at how we resolved a really tricky situation, and that is definitely down to Mark being willing to take responsibility and make good the mistakes- he gave me a free sleeper and levelled off the base and top of the area where sleepers were positioned, and has offered to fix a small bathroom cabinet which unfortunately got damaged doing the work.

I really appreciate Mark: his only flaw perhaps is he takes on too much work and can be pulled in too many directions. But his craftmanship is really high, and he's a decent, trustworthy man with the right principles and an amazing work ethic. He's also REALLY fast, without being sloppy.

I will be using Mark again! He's welcome here.

Mark quoted in July for a garage/outbuildings demolition and concrete base job that I needed doing in October. His quote, which we revised a few times came in significantly cheaper than others, leaving me space to ask Mark to do extra work.

At many levels I have been completely impressed with Mark. He's a very good builder. He has a wonderful can do attitude. He's excellent at communication. He's very level headed and a real pleasure to deal with. He's clever and very good at problem solving and his team - Matt- were brilliant. He traveled far each day to do the job and I saw he put the quality of the work before profit, which is almost unheard of with builders.

I was very nervous about the job: as I predicted there were some foreseen, and a few unforseen snags: horrible chalky ground, a steep slope, not much space, overhanging trees, sewage pipes and ancient electrics to deal with. The job over ran but Mark was very decent about compromising on price and despite working very hard every day😀 really pleasant and easy to talk things over with.

He let me project manage the work, and was always willing to discuss anything and accommodate.

His team cleared up afterwards every day, and never took the mick.
I'm really really pleased to have found a builder like Mark and his crew. I will always want to use him for a job. He's honest, skilled, a hard worker and a good guy.