Why it matters: Phillips took over £30,000 from customers, with total losses to victims standing at over £22,000 after some managed to receive partial refunds. Individual losses ranged from around £200 to more than £4,400.
The details: Phillips, 45, previously of Bath Road, Felixstowe, but now of Heron Road, Ipswich, operated under three different business names between April 2021 and October 2023.
He traded as Superdry Plumbing & Drainage, Rhino Plumb and Plumb Fix across East Anglia.
He had previously admitted to fraudulent trading contrary to Section 9 of the Fraud Act 2006 at Ipswich Magistrates Court on Monday, 3 June 2024.
He was prosecuted by Suffolk Trading Standards after customers complained to the Citizens Advice Helpline and Action Fraud.
The victims: Some customers were elderly and had commissioned home improvement projects to improve accessibility to bathroom facilities in their homes. Victims said payments were made for projects that were not completed or were substandard, requiring expensive remedial work. Phillips also took money for materials which were not provided, were not as ordered or were not suitable.
Some victims were not able to afford to complete projects or have work re-done for a lengthy period, with one elderly victim finding it difficult to trust another trader in her property.
What they're saying: "This experience has been traumatic and has left lasting damage on my ability to trust others," said one victim who asked not to be named. "The financial implications of Grant Phillips' deceit were huge."
Another victim said: "During all this time, I have endured countless sleepless nights and significant stress and anxiety, worrying about the large financial loss I suffered."
Councillor Steve Wiles, Suffolk County Council's Cabinet Member responsible for Public Health and Public Protection, said: "I congratulate Suffolk Trading Standards on bringing this man to justice. People who commission building work to be done need to be able to do so with peace of mind."
Graham Crisp, Suffolk County Council's Head of Suffolk Trading Standards, said: "Phillips victims, some of them vulnerable, suffered financial loss and great personal worry and stress because of his actions, and I am pleased that the sentence reflects that."
The bottom line: Mr Crisp advised people to use the Suffolk Trusted Trader scheme when having work done. The scheme involves a full vetting process where participants agree to trade fairly under a Code of Practice covering transparent quoting, fair pricing, and prompt complaint handling.
