I always thought that being the first to reply to your own post was a bit sad, but I'm feeling a bit down today so what the heck.:shrug:
The reason I asked the above was because the government, on their
Consumer Direct site, suggests to consumers that they ensure they have contact details of any company they do business with on the net, in case something should go wrong. They say you should have an actual business address and landline telephone number.
During my various activities on the net I have come to realise that a very large number of 'hosting' companies do not in fact display a telephone number, let alone a business address. Some only ever give you an email address and some you can only contact by filling a form. The better, or at least larger ones do provide you with these details, but you would be surprised those that don't. This means that a large number do not do business on the net as the government would advise. Hence my question.
If there are no regulations, as a consumer you are left with only consumer legislation for protection against host's terms and conditions. As a business you are considered a 'big boy' capable of looking after yourself and thus your only protection is business and contract law. It really is caveat emptor, let the buyer beware. The upshot is you really need to protect yourself by choosing your host wisely.
To the governments advice I would add decent, understandable terms and conditions that do not demand your soul as security. I would also check out the company's registration number at companies house(use the online site) and also check their data protection number with the Information Commissioner, (again this can be done online).
If anybody needs the web address of the above two sites I'll dig it out for them
How many hosts do you know provide contact details as the government wishes?