Trading standards tells you who you can trust
Friday, 28th May 2010.
If you are looking for a reliable builder, plumber or electrician, then Suffolk County Council is advising you to look first for a ‘Trusted Trader’ from its trading standards department.
Due to be launched by BBC Breakfast show presenter Mark Murphy at the Suffolk Show on Tuesday, Trusted Trader is a directory of responsible and reliable traders who have been recommended by their customers.
The objective is to protect the public from disreputable traders and give businesses more incentive to provide good service at a competitive price.
Traders who have shown themselves to be dependable, will be featured on a website which can be found at www.suffolktrustedtrader.com. The website allows consumers to search for a trader in their area.
They are then encouraged to leave feedback on the quality of work or value for money. All trusted traders will have to meet strict criteria and must abide by a code of conduct. They will be required to have a clear pricing policy, provide receipts and carry public liability insurance.
Pete Korwin, Suffolk's principal trading standards officer said: “The service is free to consumers and features a wide range of businesses including builders, electricians, gardeners, landscapers and decorators.
"All traders who are signed up to the scheme have agreed to treat customers fairly and those who do not will be quickly removed.
"The customer feedback given means the consumer can get a well-balanced recommendation. It helps them avoid cowboy builders and rogue traders.”
Cllr Rae Leighton, the county council’s portfolio holder for public protection, said: “I am very proud of this scheme and I think it’s a great way of empowering the consumer in Suffolk to make an informed choice about the services they use.
"One of the most important benefits is the consumer knows trading standards have looked into the business. For the vulnerable members of our community it is important they know they can trust the person they are letting into their home.”
For further details about the scheme or to look for a trader near you visit www.suffolktrustedtrader.com email tradingstandards@suffolk.gov.uk or call 01473 264859.
Due to be launched by BBC Breakfast show presenter Mark Murphy at the Suffolk Show on Tuesday, Trusted Trader is a directory of responsible and reliable traders who have been recommended by their customers.
The objective is to protect the public from disreputable traders and give businesses more incentive to provide good service at a competitive price.
Traders who have shown themselves to be dependable, will be featured on a website which can be found at www.suffolktrustedtrader.com. The website allows consumers to search for a trader in their area.
They are then encouraged to leave feedback on the quality of work or value for money. All trusted traders will have to meet strict criteria and must abide by a code of conduct. They will be required to have a clear pricing policy, provide receipts and carry public liability insurance.
Pete Korwin, Suffolk's principal trading standards officer said: “The service is free to consumers and features a wide range of businesses including builders, electricians, gardeners, landscapers and decorators.
"All traders who are signed up to the scheme have agreed to treat customers fairly and those who do not will be quickly removed.
"The customer feedback given means the consumer can get a well-balanced recommendation. It helps them avoid cowboy builders and rogue traders.”
Cllr Rae Leighton, the county council’s portfolio holder for public protection, said: “I am very proud of this scheme and I think it’s a great way of empowering the consumer in Suffolk to make an informed choice about the services they use.
"One of the most important benefits is the consumer knows trading standards have looked into the business. For the vulnerable members of our community it is important they know they can trust the person they are letting into their home.”
For further details about the scheme or to look for a trader near you visit www.suffolktrustedtrader.com email tradingstandards@suffolk.gov.uk or call 01473 264859.
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