Traders’ Register proves a success

The Trading Standards Services of Shropshire County Council and Telford & Wrekin Council are celebrating the success of the county’s Traders’ Register.

The scheme, launched in November 2007 to help consumers to find traders they can trust, now has over 200 traders who have signed up to a code of practice agreeing to comply with trading standards legislation, commit to trade fairly and give good customer service.

The Register includes home improvement businesses such as plumbers, electricians, painters and decorators, builders and gardeners. With more local tradespeople joining the scheme, this list is growing all the time.

John Hurst-Knight, Shropshire County Council's Cabinet member for economy, said: “It is great to hear that the scheme is doing so well. Over a hundred people used the site last month to search for a suitable trader. We hope to build on this giving local people access to more and more traders they can trust.”

Jacqui Seymour, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for adult and consumer care, said: “The service is a win for consumers and a win for those traders who commit to its principles. It’s a service that both groups will benefit from and people will know that they have great starting point to go to when looking for a trader.”

Everyone can access it online by following the link on this page or by contacting Shropshire County Council’s Customer Service Centre on 0845 678 9023.

Alternatively people can visit the County Council’s Customer First Points at libraries in Bridgnorth, Broseley, Church Stretton, Highley, Market Drayton, Shifnal and Shrewsbury.

Traders can apply to join the scheme by visiting the trader register website or by calling 08453 303313.

Further information

A steering group helps to administer and promote the scheme and is made up of the Trading Standards Services from Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin. Anchor Trust Staying Put. West Mercia Police, Shropshire Customer First Points, Telford and Wrekin Home Improvement Agency, Age Concern Shropshire, and Telford and Wrekin Environmental Enforcement Team.

19 May 2008