WIREDGOV

A campaign to protect Welsh householders from rogue traders and incompetent operators launches this week as the Welsh Government joins force with Trustmark to promote its consumer protection service.

TrustMark, a not for profit organisation,  is a voluntary accreditation scheme that helps householders find reputable local tradespeople who have been vetted and inspected to work on their properties.

The integrated marketing campaign - which coincides with TrustMark’s 10th anniversary - will target Welsh traders whose businesses can benefit from  gaining accreditation and also raise awareness of the scheme amongst consumers in Wales.

Economy Minister Edwina Hart said she was pleased the Welsh Government was actively supporting and promoting the benefits of TrustMark.

Mrs Hart said:

“We have all heard harrowing cases of   rogue traders and incompetent operators working in the home repair, maintenance and improvement market causing great distress, disruption and financial loss for many home owners.

“Trustmark was established to eliminate poor practice in this sector and is a quality scheme that helps householders find reputable local tradespeople who have been vetted and inspected to work on their properties. It covers the full range of trades in and around the home and acts as a signpost to help householders find local firms and expert tradespeople, providing them with choice, confidence and protection.”

The Minister added that the campaign is designed to raise awareness amongst consumers  while also highlighting the business benefits for reputable traders. Traders that are accredited can provide reassurance to customers that their work is of the very highest standard.

Liz Male MBE, Chair of TrustMark, added: 

“We know it’s not always easy to find a reputable local tradesperson, especially if you’re new to an area or are bombarded with conflicting advice. But there are some really fantastic firms out there who are completely committed to doing a great job.

“Rogue traders are the scourge of the sector, seeking out vulnerable homeowners and taking valuable jobs away from the best tradespeople in the country. Checking things like recent work and up to date qualifications are vital checks, so if you don’t know who to turn to, trust TrustMark.”

Cardiff householder Jenny George opted for a TrustMark accredited company when she had electrical work carried out at her home in Grangetown, Cardiff, which gave her reassurance and peace of mind.

She chose Bridgend based James Installation & Maintenance which is TrustMark registered and approved contractors of the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contractors (NICEIC). The company caters for the commercial, industrial and domestic sectors.

Jenny said:

"It is important when choosing a tradesperson to know they’ve been properly checked out by someone who’s genuinely qualified to know what good looks like. It gives me reassurance and peace of mind that they will do a good job to a high standard.

“TrustMark is a trusted source for tradespeople and it helped me find James Installations & Maintenance to do our electrical work before and after we moved into our home. I would use TrustMark again if we needed to do any other home repairs or improvements."

Company owner James Tiernan said:

"TrustMark gives my electrical firm credibility and visibility.  As the consumer protection scheme for our sector, the TrustMark badge carries real authority for our customers and gives them the confidence to know that we work to a high standard. It’s made good sense for my business to join up to TrustMark and get recognition for our quality work."

All TrustMark firms commit to work to Government-endorsed standards and, unlike any other ‘find a trader’ scheme, are checked for all three cornerstones of quality - their trading practices, customer service and their technical competence.

TrustMark continues to expand its database of over 13,000 individual firms across the UK and covers 38 trades. There are registered firms in Wales specialising in key trades including building, electrical, plumbing, heating installations, glazing, roofing and painting and decorating.

Last year more than 8.1m search results for registered firms were provided to homeowners through TrustMark’s website and telephone helpline.