Traders' Register launched to help consumers

The Trading Standards Services of Shropshire County Council and Telford & Wrekin Council are launching a Traders’ Register to help consumers to find traders they can trust.

All the traders on the Register, which went live on Monday 12 November, have signed up to a code of practice agreeing to comply with trading standards legislation and committing to trade fairly and give good customer service.

Everyone can access it online (see link), or by contacting Shropshire County Council’s Customer Service Centre on 0845 678 9023.

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.

The code of practice covers treating customers in a polite and courteous way, and not engaging in high pressure selling.

In the event of complaints, there is agreement that the trader will cooperate with trading standards services to try to resolve any issue under a complaints procedure.

The Trader Register is not an approval scheme, but it is a register of tradespeople who have agreed to trade fairly. It is easy to access, and includes tips on employing a trader, obtaining quotations and setting up a written contract between the consumer and business.

The Trader Register Steering Group includes the home improvement agencies "Anchor Staying Put" and "Telford & Wrekin Home Improvement Agency", Age Concern Shropshire, West Mercia Police, Shropshire Customer First points, as well as the Trading Standards Services.

Councillor John Hurst-Knight, Shropshire County Council's Cabinet member for economy, says “Giving local people access to traders they can trust is the aim of the Trader Register scheme. Often people know of businesses in their own community, but providing more choice for residents, can give older people the confidence to stay in their own homes.”

Councillor Jacqui Seymour, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for adult and consumer care, said: “Many people simply don’t know where to start when looking for a trade person for home improvements. This register will provide a good starting place as well as giving tips to help ensure consumers get a fair service.”

Further information

The home improvement agencies exist to enable older people, vulnerable people, and people with disabilities, to live in their own homes with comfort dignity and security. The agencies offer a variety of services assisting people with repairs and adaptations.

Anchor Staying Put: (01743) 354978
Telford & Wrekin Home Improvement Agency: (01952) 381855

9 October