Kicking and screaming to transparency...If they will not give you the name of the MD, buy elsewhere

As part of our commitment to publishing the most comprehensive and accurate information possible, we recently wrote to the Managing Director of each of the soft play suppliers to the UK indoor play market.

The letter outlined the role of http://www.shareandcompareplay.com/ and how suppliers could be involved to the benefit of the industry and their organisation. In the letter, we asked them to confirm that the review our experts had written about their company was factually correct and invited them to write a brief resume of their business (we only provide a limited space for each of the above because we want users to determine how suppliers are rated).

Although we are waiting for a number of the letters to be returned (we notified suppliers that they will be listed on the website regardless of whether a response is received), it was the nature of the response from one Company in particular during a phone call that concerned us. We rang out of courtesy only to re-confirm the name of the Managing Director so that the letter could be appropriately addressed. The response was staggering.

The lady who answered the phone refused to share the name of the Managing Director. Not only is this surprising because the names of all UK Directors are a matter of public record, it also has worrying implications regarding the philosophy of that organisation in being open and transparent in its relationships / operation.

After this experience, it would be one simple rule for me when shortlisting suppliers...if you ring and ask for the name of the Managing Director and they will not give it you, buy elsewhere.