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| ntl:Telewest Business Selected by Illegal Money Lending ntl:Telewest Business has been selected by the Birmingham-based Illegal Money Lending team to provide a new and confidential hotline number to report loan sharks. The government-funded team works in partnership with local Trading Standards Services not only for the West Midlands but acts as a centre of excellence for much of England, covering the north-west, south east, and east, as well as Yorkshire and Humberside. The Illegal Money Lending team was launched in Birmingham in 2004 and has had great success in bringing loan sharks to justice. Over £7 million of illegal 'debt' owed by some of society's most vulnerable people has been wiped out, more than 80 defendants have been reported for illegal money lending, prison sentences totalling 37 years have been handed out and 5, 600 victims have been helped. It is currently funded by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR). The new 0300 number was introduced to provide a memorable, catchy number that could be used across all five regions that the team covers. Additionally, unlike 0800 numbers the 0300 number costs the same as making a local call and is included in mobile phone packages. Previously each local authority had its own individual number, meaning publicity had to be localised, increasing costs and making it more difficult for members of the public to remember their number. ntl:Telewest Business was chosen due to its collaborative approach, next generation network, wide range of telephony services and ability to work with the team to provide a unique, memorable number. The new generic number has enabled the team to embrace larger scale marketing, including launching a national fleet of buses advertising the new 0300 555 2222 number. write your comments about the article :: © 2008 Computing News :: home page |