To comply with current legislation, if an installer is to introduce non-Limited clients to leasing a 'Category C' Consumer Credit Licence is required (note: this is not required if client is local authority, government body or partnership with 4 or more partners).

A licence is very simple to obtain - application forms are available from the Office of Fair Trading on telephone 0207 211 8608 or from their web site:

http://www.oft.gov.uk/advice_and_resources/resource_base/credit-licence/

The cost of a licence varies depending on the trading style of the business applying to be licensed; currently the charge is £380 for installers who are sole traders or £725 for partnership/Limited company. Both include £150 'Consumer Credit Jurisdiction Industry Levy' due with each application.

A licence is valid for 5 years.