SIRET numbers and spouses etc

We have had a quote for plumbing from an English chap who gave a siret number on his paperwork (and adverts)- upon checking the Siret online to make sure its all okay it is listed as a number for his wifes Gardening services - The registered business name being * & * ********* - (ie both their initials) but in the wifes name.

Can he use his wifes Siret number legally? Are husband and wife partnerships allowed to piggy back sirets to work or is it not strictly correct?? If so can i work when my husband gets registered??

thanx Kath

The chances are it is not legit. If the SIRET number is registered to a business (rather than an individual) then it is quite possible for a husband/wife team to operate under the same SIRET.

What's more, the SIRET checking websites are notoriously inaccurate and tend to only list one activity, where any number may exist.

But, the solution is simple; Ask to see his/her K-bis or "carte d'identification", issued by the Chambre de Metiers. This will list all the activities they are registered for. Every Artisan has one. If they ain't got one, they ain't legit. Ask for an insurance attestation, too.

Too many "gardeners" try to operate as builders, or God forbid, plumbers and electricians - don't get me wrong, most gardeners do sterling work, but that registration does tend to get used as a "front" for more lucrative activities. Imagine the damage an uninsured plumber or electrician could do, even innocently.

To get a official answer you should really talk to the Chambre de Metiers to find out if he is registered as a plumber, or simply ask to see his registration card, he would have one if he is registered.

Siret numbers are a useful checking tool for a start, but they are not foolproof. I myself am registered for two quite different businesses, but the second business is registered using the same siret as the first. This causes problems when people check up on me by my siret no. !

I am sure I have lost at least some business because of it, but some potential customers have confronted me with, "you are not a registered website designer, you are an electrician!", red faces all round when I explain.

Lesson - don't jump to conclusions too hastily.

Martin