A plasterer running a firm called Skim’ll Fix It has defended the controversial name - insisting it is just a bit of “banter”.

Sam Thatcher, 34, admits some people take offence at the branding of his Thanet-based company due to its links to infamous paedophile Jimmy Savile.

But the defiant tradesman says he will not be changing it – and says he is glad it has got people talking.

“I was trying to think of like a catchy slogan or a play on words that in my opinion ‘worked’ and rolled off the tongue,” he said.

“There are obviously those that don’t like the name and will always associate us with said person.

“Obviously, they’re entitled to their opinions and views, as are we.”

Jim’ll Fix It was a hugely popular TV series broadcast on the BBC from 1975 to 1994 and presented by Savile.

Following his death in 2011, it emerged the celebrity had sexually assaulted up to 500 people, the majority of whom were young girls.

Mr Thatcher says the decision to name his firm Skim’ll Fix It “was obviously after everything came out, although that wasn’t what was going through my mind when rebranding my business”.

The Ramsgate dad has been in the industry for 19 years, spending 11 of those self-employed.

Following the pandemic, he decided to rebrand in the hope of finding a new way to attract clients after seeing his diary stay empty for too long.

“The name was supposed to draw attention to the business - to draw in an audience and get our name out there,” Mr Thatcher said.

In order to address concerns over the company’s name, Mr Thatcher recently posted on social media, describing it as being “a little bit of banter in these dark and miserable times we live in”.

Denny Hunter showed his support, saying: “You've created a great and humorous discussion over your business name. I'll certainly remember it. Brilliant piece of advertising. Nice one.”

However, not everyone was amused.

Sam Smith said: “This needs a rethink. Why you’d use his catchphrase as a pun name for your company is frighteningly naive.

“Yes, it’s catchy and a bit of a jokey slogan, but not to anyone affected by said criminal activity. It’s very insensitive.”

Sue Prentice added: “I don't want to employ people with poor judgement.”

Responding to the criticism, Mr Thatcher said: “I’ve received mixed reviews over the company name. However, the majority have been positive and people do tend to take the name in the light-hearted manner which was intended.

“It’s obviously massively important to me to stand out.

“It’s taken me a long time to learn from my many mistakes and sitting in the background hoping things will sort themselves out hasn’t worked.

“It’s all about heads down and to the grind these days.”

Positive reviews on the firm’s Facebook page suggest the name is not proving too much of a deterrent.

Philip Gilkerson wrote in November: “Found Skim'll Fix It by accident, but glad we did. An excellent job made skimming our bay window. Would highly recommend.”

Skim’ll Fix It is not the only company name with a play on words that has raised eyebrows in Kent.

Readers commenting on our Facebook page have pointed out there is also Stiff Nipples, an air conditioning firm based in Dymchurch.

Meanwhile, there is a Gillingham chimney sweep called Up Yours, Skid Marks school of motoring in Bromley and Curl Up and Dye hairdressers in Littlestone.

Just outside the county, at Camber Sands in East Sussex, there is a Premier store called BJ’s on the Beach.