Improving customer confidence

Over the last 12 months The Chartered Institute of Trading Standards (CTSI) and TrustMark have been looking at ways in which they can deliver joint services to provide greater levels of consumer protection and confidence across the home improvement sector.

The two organisations have looked at the gaps in the current markets and delivery systems to see how a collective approach can support the CTSI Consumer Codes, and TrustMark and its scheme operators.  

It was suggested that together they can deliver a clear message to consumers that they are supported at all stages when engaging and using any business or trader from the partners schemes.

Leon Livermore, CEO of CTSI, said: “The approval landscape is confused for both consumers and businesses so it is important that we work with trusted partners to ensure that we are all working towards the same end result. Local Trading Standards Services do a huge amount to protect consumers and promote legitimate business and we hope that by working with TrustMark we can add real value to their work.”

Simon Ayers, CEO of TrustMark, said: “Together we aim to achieve greater parity between the two organisations and to strike the right balance between reducing consumer detriment and making the standards workable across the industry.”