TrustMark, the Government endorsed quality mark for tradesmen, reached more than 3.4 million consumers during April’s ‘Home Improvement Month’, providing them with help and advice on how to source a local trustworthy tradesman and how to avoid falling foul of a fraudulent trader.
From Scotland down to Kent, 27 radio stations across the UK broadcast interviews with TrustMark, generating more than two hours of air-time on both breakfast and drive time shows. The stations, which included seven BBC regional stations and a host of large commercial radio stations, also gave their listeners the opportunity to call in and share their experiences of dealing with rogue traders.
Liz Male, Chairman of TrustMark, said: “The radio interviews have been a great way for us to communicate with consumers up and down the country and to raise awareness of TrustMark and our tradesmen. We need to put a stop to the rogue traders who continue to take advantage of unsuspecting and vulnerable people so it is vital that we continue to signpost consumers to the good firms and become a dependable source of advice for homeowners looking to have work carried out inside and outside of their properties.”
TrustMark registered firms also played an important role in the radio interviews as they provided their view of what Trustmark means to them and the advantages that it offers to the consumer.
Mark Gregory of Landform Consultants said: “TrustMark is another vital tool to give consumers confidence. The scheme looks at everything – your financials, insurance, management systems and health and safety, basically giving you a clean bill of health. It’s fantastic to know you are meeting TrustMark standards.”
Annabelle Webster of South East Timber and Damp, added: “TrustMark demonstrates quality. It is government backed, checks you are trustworthy and reputable, which takes out the worry for the consumer as they are able to choose a firm they know has been assessed and audited regularly.”
Sam Whiting of 3W Developments Ltd said: “It is good to have TrustMark on our website so when people do a search they can see you are a reputable builder. TrustMark vets you, looks at past work and checks that you are what you say you are. It is important for consumers to get builders through a recommendation and ask for references to ensure they are taking on a good and reputable tradesman.”
For further information about TrustMark go to trustmark.org.uk