Dumfries and Galloway Council has launched its new Trusted Trader Scheme. Initially focusing on the home improvement sector, the initiative will be run by the Council’s Trading Standards Team, and may be expanded to incorporate other business sectors. It’s hoped the scheme will increase consumer confidence, promote good practice within local businesses and help to protect people from doorstep crime.
Traders can join the scheme for free, but to be accepted as a trusted trader participants need to have been trading for 6 months, have Public Liability Insurance, have evidence of any experience or qualifications claimed in relation to the services, have had no significant customer complaints and be willing to issue customer feedback cards (returned by customers to the Council).
Cllr Colin Smyth Chairman of the Council’s Economy, Environment and Infrastructure Committee said:
“I am delighted that this initiative has been launched. People considering having work carried out on their property, can check the website or phone the Council to see if their preferred trader is trusted. We want to protect people from rogue traders, particularly the vulnerable; the message is clear, don’t agree to work being carried out without checking.
Ian Howie, Age Scotland local representative advised “Over the years bogus workers have targeted the elderly and by a combination of intimidation or outright theft have stolen millions of pounds. Schemes such as Trusted Trader not only ensure delivery of high quality work but they prevent the opportunity for bogus workers exploiting the vulnerable in our communities.’
Robert Wade from RJW Electrical Service Ltd said:
“All at RJW Electrical Service Ltd are proud to be part of the Dumfries Galloway Trusted Trader scheme, we are proud that we can promote ourselves as Trusted Traders to local consumers so they can avoid rogue Traders”
Councillor Ronnie Ogilvie, Chairman of Annandale and Eskdale Area Committee said
“I support the scheme as it fits with the Council’s priority of building the local economy. It helps businesses to attract new and repeat customers if they have a good reputation, whilst protecting the most vulnerable in society. Having a partnership with police scotland is a benefit too.
Jamie Hyslop, Director Of Eric Hyslop Ltd said
“The Trusted Trader scheme allows us to demonstrate that our customers are making the right choice when choosing us to carry out work. We continue to develop and expand our business and to offer local employment. We have always encouraged customer feedback and ensuring our customers are happy is very important to us.”
Cllr Marion Mc Cutcheon, Chair of Wigtown Area Committee said “Falling foul of rogue trader can have lasting and detrimental effects. The implementation of this scheme should contribute towards reassuring members of the public that there are legitimate traders out there that are honest and trustworthy.
Traders accepted on the scheme can use the trusted trader logo, and benefit from regional promotions.
