Additional level of consumer protection

TrustMark is offering an additional level of consumer protection and trade accreditation to householders and tradespeople looking to do any domestic repair, maintenance or improvement work.

In partnership with Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards, TrustMark is promoting the ‘Trading Standards Approval’ scheme to help consumers gain confidence when employing a trader.

“The scheme is an accreditation that reassures and protects homeowners that the firm they employ to work in their home complies with TrustMark government-endorsed quality for workmanship, understands fair trading practices, and has consumer protection as an integral part of their business,” the organization said.

The scheme, which is being delivered by local authorities across the UK, gives firms “local reassurance with national recognition”. It also provides firms with further credibility that they are reputable and have a solid trading history – as customers will know they have been thoroughly checked and approved by both Trading Standards and TrustMark to use this accreditation.

Simon Ayers, CEO of TrustMark, said: “With rising consumer expectations, homeowners are seeking higher levels of service and quality workmanship, resulting in tradespeople having to meet and deliver better standards of work and customer service for every job they do.

“The Trading Standards Approved scheme isn’t just another badge to add to a firm’s website, van and marketing materials, it’s an investment offering great benefits; consumers like the added confidence when seeing businesses that have been approved directly by Trading Standards, and businesses want to provide a clear message that they can be trusted and relied on.”

Steve Ruddy, head of service for Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards, said: “I think it’s a great example of how organisations can work in partnership to deliver more.”