Vax are certainly off our radar. They are one of the worst companies I've had the misfortune to deal with. Basically, my 83-years-old mother-in-law paid out £100 plus for a Vax hoover last year but it was a poor performer so, because it was well within the 12month guarantee, we called Vax to explain the scenario and they said pack it up and return it. We did just that, only to be informed the mother-in-law was to blame for the hoover not working properly? You couldn't make it up. Not only did they decline to replace the machine, they refused to repair it as well though they did 'offer' a £20 discount on a shiny new Vax hoover. They're having a laugh at the expense of an old lady who barely has two pennies to rub together and it's an absolute disgrace.