POWERHOUSE, the UK's largest independent electrical retailer, is launching an innovative new guarantee scheme.

The chain, which has a store on the Elgar Retail Park, in Blackpole, Worcester, has launched the "radically different" customer guarantees in response to watchdog pressure on warranties.

It is the first electrical retailer to launch a new product guarantee since the Competition Commission began its general warranty investigation, due to be published this July.

Neil Allan, managing director, said the move was part of the company's campaign to shake up the retail market and challenge the standards set by their much larger national rivals.

"As the number three electrical retailer in the UK, we feel we can move faster and be more inventive, thanks to our independent ownership," said Mr Allan.

"We have worked hard to come up with a no fuss, straight-talking, high value guarantee product. What you see is what you get - a very fair deal. The focus is on guaranteed service in the event of anything going wrong with a customer's appliance, but with a view to avoiding gimmicky offers."

PowerHouse, which also has stores in Malvern, Evesham and Bromsgrove, conducted research among purchasers of extended warranties, and those choosing not to buy them. This revealed the biggest areas of complaint were delays in product repair and lack of information on progress. Customers also wanted a straightforward product with 52 per cent saying they were looking for a "no quibble" guarantee.