What companies WOULD you recommend?

[Soubriquet]

You always see people complaining about companies. Here I want to compliment companies.

I’ll start with Barking Heads dog food.

First time I used them, I bought a £5 taster box. Afterwards I realised I had ordered normal kibble and not small bite kibble so I contacted them to ask if I could swap them. They sent me both instead!

This time, I had a £15 off voucher that wasn’t redeeming. So I contacted them. They told me to make what purchase I want, and they will refund me the £15. Well, this morning, I’ve discovered they did the full refund including delivery, and sent the dog biscuits with two additional bags of treats.

I really can’t fault them, and would recommend anyone who is looking for dog food

No one else?

Just me then

Admiral insurance, I think they're so helpful lol

First Direct. Been with them for years and never had a problem. (I also really appreciate the fact that they don't use my first name when I call them but stick to Ms Macavity.)

NEA (Nicholas Estate Agents). I know, I know! I never thought I would write anything good about estate agents. But they were amazing when we moved back to the UK last year. Every other agent I registered with took all our details, promptly ignored them, and then said "Just check Rightmove and let us know if anything suits you." It was impossible to get hold of most of them, calls were unanswered and/or not returned, and their general attitude really was that customers were a complete inconvenience. Not so NEA - they listened carefully to what we were looking for, and then individually flagged relevant properties to us via e-mail. Every single property they flagged / showed us fit all the criteria we had provided. Not only did they listen, but they were friendly, polite, hugely efficient, and an absolute pleasure to deal with.

44 Foods

Really excellent quality food, well packaged. But the real difference is when you get excellent service.

Living where I do, delivery drivers can’t be arsed to come to our small village, about four miles from the nearest main road. So I’m always last on the list, and they just chuck parcels in the general area of the door, or just leave a message saying there’s been an unavoidable delay. 44 Foods changed their courier company after one particular incident, and paid for a replacement delivery, and the cost of a takeaway meal. Also, whenever one of my regular items wasn’t available they telephoned to discuss alternatives. Really highly recommended.