posted 3rd June 2025
Public Statement from National Timeshare Helpline
(Mercantile Claims Management Solutions Ltd, FCA Reg: 831699)
RE: Seasons Holidays' Misleading Letter to Its Members
We are issuing this public statement in response to the recent letter distributed by Seasons Holidays PLC to its members — many of whom are clients of the National Timeshare Helpline. The letter, laced with inaccuracies and misrepresentations, appears designed not to inform but to intimidate, discredit legitimate complaints, and shield Seasons from accountability.
Let us be absolutely clear: we will not be silenced, and we will not be deterred from representing clients who have raised serious, well-founded concerns about the practices and products sold by Seasons Holidays, including their widely criticised "Keys" scheme.
1. False Allegations About Our Fees
Seasons falsely asserts that we charge upfront fees of £3,500 for mis-selling claims. This is categorically untrue.
- We do not charge upfront fees for pursuing claims relating to mis-sold timeshares or breaches of contract.
- Where fees apply, they are for entirely separate and clearly agreed-upon services, and are not a condition for lodging a claim.
- Most of our claims in this area are handled on a no-win-no-fee basis.
Seasons' assertion is not only false — it is defamatory.
2. Misrepresentation of Regulation and Legal Process
Seasons' attempt to undermine us by noting we are not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority is intentionally misleading. We are an FCA-regulated Claims Management Company — the correct regulator for the work we undertake.
We have never claimed to issue court proceedings directly. However, our work facilitates legitimate legal action through appropriate legal channels where necessary. Seasons' labelling of this process as "unlawful" is both irresponsible and untrue.
3. Misuse of Trustee Correspondence
Seasons relies heavily on a letter from Hutchinson Trustees in an attempt to dismiss serious concerns raised by respected consumer advocate Christopher Emmins of KwikChex.
Yet, upon review:
- The Trustees' letter is generic, not a point-by-point rebuttal.
- It does not address key allegations about lack of direct property rights, lack of transparency in property allocation, or the Trustees' knowledge of sales tactics.
- It contains a disclaimer explicitly stating it should not be relied on for legal, tax or financial advice — something Seasons conveniently omits.
In short, Seasons has overstated and misrepresented the Trustees' statements in a desperate bid to undermine legitimate criticism.
4. Attempting to Silence and Isolate Clients
Seasons warns its members against communicating with third parties — an age-old tactic used to control the narrative and discourage people from seeking independent help.
We advise clients to channel communication through us precisely to protect them from pressure, misdirection, or further misinformation. That is standard and responsible practice when a dispute exists.
5. Misleading Claims About Results
Seasons claims clients "received no results" from our work — a statement that is either ignorant or deliberately deceptive.
Our work on Seasons cases only began in earnest this year. These matters are active and ongoing, and our clients are fully aware of the status of their cases. It is premature and disingenuous for Seasons to suggest these claims have failed. And in actual fact, we are the only company that have been successful in winning a Keys claim through Barclays Partner Finance. See here.
6. A Pattern of Deflection and Denial
Rather than addressing the serious allegations raised by clients and consumer bodies, Seasons has chosen to:
- Attack the credibility of FCA-regulated organisations
- Discredit expert reports from respected third parties
- Distribute misleading information to clients and Members of Parliament
- Avoid responding to allegations of mis-selling from a considerable number of consumers
This is not the behaviour of a company acting in good faith. It is the behaviour of an organisation under pressure, attempting to divert attention from growing scrutiny.
Our Message to Seasons Holidays PLC
We put you on notice:
We will continue to represent clients who allege serious mis-selling, and we will do so without fear, without favour, and without being silenced by deflective tactics or misleading public statements.
Any further efforts to intimidate, mislead, or defame us — or our clients — will be met with appropriate legal and regulatory escalation.
We encourage Seasons' board, shareholders, and legal advisers to consider the long-term consequences of their current communications strategy, which risks undermining trust and worsening reputational harm.
Our Commitment to Clients and the Public
To anyone who has received a troubling letter from Seasons:
- Do not be intimidated.
- Do not be misled.
- And most importantly, do not walk away from your right to independent advice.
We are here to help you navigate these matters with integrity, professionalism, and transparency. We will continue to pursue justice for every client affected.
If you've been contacted by Seasons and would like clarity or advice, please get in touch.
National Timeshare Helpline
Mercantile Claims Management Solutions Ltd
Authorised & Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA Reg. No. 831699)
📍 The Fort, Artillery Business Park, Oswestry, SY11 4AD
📞 08000 590106
📧 claims@national-timeshare-helpline.org.uk