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Financial Protection for home improvements, repairs, maintenance or energy efficiencies in or around the home

gazza — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 13:34:06 +0000

Financial Protection for home improvements, repairs, maintenance or energy efficiencies in or around the home gazza Fri, 17/01/2020

A new Financial Protection Panel of independent experts and industry representatives has been formed by TrustMark, the Government Endorsed Quality scheme, to assess the financial protection available to consumers looking to undertake any home improvements, repairs, maintenance or energy efficiencies in or around the home.

The panel aims to provide reassurance to consumers that if they employ a TrustMark Registered Business they will have the correct financial protection mechanisms in place, such as insurance backed guarantees and warranties, that will protect prepayments, deposits, post completion workmanship, rectification of defects or major damage and non-compliance with Building Regulations as a minimum.

Chaired by TrustMark’s Non-Executive Finance Protection Director, Lynn Hugo, the Finance Protection Panel is a working group that consists of two layers – the ‘Finance Protection Oversight Panel’ and the ‘Industry Assessment Panel’. Together their collaboration will bring together a wealth of knowledge, proficiency and views to ensure that the financial protection stage of the consumer journey is safer and there are no gaps in the provision of consumer protection.

The Finance Protection Oversight Panel is made up of well-respected senior industry experts in regulation, insurance, finance, consumer protection and legal and they will appraise and validate the different financial protection policies from the TrustMark Scheme Providers to ensure they are providing fair terms without consumer detriment and abide by the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Supporting this panel will be the Industry Assessment Panel, which is a representation of TrustMark Scheme Providers, and they will review and focus on each of the financial provider policies to ensure they are all offering a robust and impartial method of financial protection for use within their schemes.

Lynn Hugo, says: “The Financial Protection Panel is a collaborative approach from the industry to provide the consumer with optimal protection for any work they choose to have carried out by a TrustMark Registered Business. We will only accept financial protection schemes that have been through rigorous approval and meet the TrustMark Framework Requirements and appropriate standard of financial protection. We have a fantastic team who are committed to enhancing consumer protection, and by working together, we can ensure that the consumer journey is as safe and secure as possible. Consumer protection is at the heart of TrustMark’s vision and service delivery, so this is one important step to achieving this.”

A register of verified financial protection schemes will be published by TrustMark and be publicly available for both consumers and businesses on the TrustMark website under ‘Services’ heading. All works carried out in and around the home will have financial protection as required by the Framework Operating Requirements including all energy efficiency improvements, and have a duration cover of a minimum of two years, with the exception of certain energy efficient measures that will require a minimum of 25 years.

The Financial Protection Panel is one of three councils being developed to support the TrustMark Board with the strategic direction of the organisation, as well as providing strong collaborations and developments to serve the industry and consumer.

For further information about TrustMark and the services it offers, visit www.trustmark.org.uk.

trustmark financial protection

Lynn Hugo

TrustMark Registered Electrician

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Trading Standards Approval Scheme

gazza — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 08:29:02 +0000

Trading Standards Approval Scheme gazza Thu, 05/12/2019

TrustMark and Trading Standards offers additional level of consumer protection and trade accreditation. Following on from the recent inclusion in the ECO3 regulations, TrustMark, the only Government Endorsed Quality Scheme, is offering an additional level of consumer protection and trade accreditation to both householders and tradespeople looking to do any repair, maintenance or improvement work in or around the home.

In partnership with Buckinghamshire & Surrey Trading Standards, the two government organisations are delivering the ‘Trading Standards Approval’ scheme to help consumers gain confidence when looking to employ a trader. The scheme is an accreditation that reassures and protects homeowners that the firm they employ to work in their home complies with TrustMark Government-endorsed quality for workmanship, understands fair trading practices and has consumer protection as an integral part of their business.

The scheme, which is being delivered by local authorities across the UK, gives firms local reassurance with national recognition. It also provides firms with further credibility that they are reputable and have a solid trading history as customers will know they have been thoroughly checked and approved by both Trading Standards and TrustMark to use this accreditation.

Simon Ayers, CEO of TrustMark, said: “With rising consumer expectations, homeowners are seeking higher levels of service and quality workmanship, resulting in tradespeople having to meet and deliver better standards of work and customer service for every job they do. The Trading Standards Approved scheme isn't just another 'badge' to add to a firm’s website, van and marketing materials, it's an investment offering great benefits - consumers like the added confidence when seeing businesses that have been ‘approved’ directly by Trading Standards and businesses want to provide a clear message that they can be trusted and relied on.”

Steve Ruddy, Head of Service Buckinghamshire & Surrey Trading Standards, added: "We are keen to help residents find reputable traders to work in their homes. We are proud to work with TrustMark to provide this reassurance to residents and to support local businesses. I think it’s a great example of how organisations can work in partnership to deliver more.”

To join the scheme, firms will need to be TrustMark registered and then they will be able to apply to TrustMark to complete the necessary checks in order to gain the approved accreditation. Trading Standards will carry out a background check, and subject to passing[MME1] [g2] [g3] these safeguards, the firm will then be accredited with trading standards approved status.

The cost of becoming Trading Standards Approved through TrustMark is £90 + VAT per year and is in addition to any Scheme Provider fee.

For further information about TrustMark and the services it offers, visit www.trustmark.org.uk

trustmark, Chartered Trading Standards Institute

Trading Standards Approval Scheme

Government Endorsed Quality Scheme

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TrustMark's new Board of industry experts

gazza — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 19:18:28 +0000

TrustMark's new Board of industry experts

gazza Wed, 14/11/2018

A new independent Board of industry experts has been appointed to TrustMark, the Government Endorsed Quality Scheme for tradespeople, to further enhance the levels of consumer protection, whilst achieving better business for reputable tradespeople. The Board, which comprises of a new Chairman and seven non-executive directors, ensures adequate representation of all the industry sectors TrustMark works with, coupled with experts from a wide range of industries, to provide a fresh knowledge and insight to the running of TrustMark.

A number of councils are being developed, including a Consumer Protection Council, in order to support the Board with the strategic direction of the organisation, as well as providing strong collaborations and developments to serve the industry and consumer.

The change of Board has taken place to help facilitate a number of significant developments at TrustMark following the industry led, Government commissioned Each Home Counts Review. This review led directly to the expansion of TrustMark’s scope in order to become the new all-encompassing mark of quality, that consumers can recognise and trust when selecting a tradesperson to carry out any type of work in or around their homes.

The new Board includes:

Chairman - Ranil Jayawardena
Ranil has a background in financial services at the UK’s largest mortgage lender, as well as being heavily engaged in exploring the complexities and implications of ‘Brexit' in his role as a Member of Parliament and on the House of Commons International Trade Committee. Ranil’s strategic leadership will be invaluable in his role as TrustMark Chairman, and galvanised by the experiences from local government, HM Courts and Tribunal Service, and a housing association, he will be well placed to support the organisation through the challenges ahead.

Non-executive Directors

Julie Hunter
Julie has worked exclusively in the field of consumer advocacy, policy and protection for almost 20 years. She has developed an enviable network and reputation in this field and has considerable experience of media engagement and will assist TrustMark with new initiatives and aims.

Emma Clancy
Emma is a well-known and respected voice within the construction sector with considerable senior level experience in other industries including consumer protection and financial services. This, along with her role on several significant committees, will make Emma a highly valued technical as well as strategic voice within the Board.

Anna Scothern
Anna is a long-standing leader within the built environment and housing sector with a focus on improvements to all aspects of energy and health in the home. She is keen to contribute to TrustMark as an evolving organisation, utilising cross industry and consumer champion expertise, alongside a talent for future thinking and scenario forecasting in order to help achieve TrustMark’s corporate vision.

David Oakley

David has an enviable track-record in senior roles at global corporations such as Twinings, Coca-Cola and KPMG, and is a passionate, entrepreneurial leader. His strategic leadership expertise will be invaluable, as will his ability to manage stakeholder engagement.

Lynn Hugo
Lynn has a broad background at senior level encompassing FTSE 100 and Global plc organisations, but also not for profit, public sector and enterprise start-ups. This range gives her considerable insight into the diversity that comprises TrustMark’s stakeholders. Lynn’s values, combined with experience in human resources, law, business transformation, organisational development and design, culture change and improved ways of working will make a significant contribution to TrustMark.

Richard Saggers

Richard brings an understanding of how to create customer proximity in order to drive new revenue opportunities, due to his experience in senior roles at international telecommunication businesses, as well as the establishment of a trade association. He has an excellent track record of innovation, operational leadership and value creation both in the UK and internationally and will help shape the organisation going forward.

Stephen Huller

Stephen has over 20 years’ experience in a variety of senior financial roles and a special interest in helping consumers save money and reduce carbon emissions through access to appropriate energy efficiency measures. He will assist and guide TrustMark in the implementation of a robust and fair finance and insurance structure that will protect consumers making such improvements to their homes.

Simon Ayers, CEO of TrustMark and executive director on the Board, says:

“TrustMark is at an important stage as an organisation where it has a genuine opportunity to create far-reaching, positive change and significantly enhance the levels of protection consumers can rely on. The directional support and input of this new Board will be invaluable and we look forward to working together to deliver the best outcomes possible for both consumers and the trades within our scheme."

Simon Ayers is the only executive director on the Board and has been TrustMark’s Chief Executive Officer for over four years. Prior to TrustMark, Simon’s career included many leadership roles within the energy and consumer protection sectors.

For further information about TrustMark, visit www.trustmark.org.uk

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Government names TrustMark as the new quality mark for consumers

gazza — Fri, 19 Oct 2018 08:52:42 +0000

Government names TrustMark as the new quality mark for consumers

gazza Fri, 19/10/2018

GOVERNMENT NAMES TRUSTMARK AS THE NEW ALL-ENCOMPASSING MARK OF QUALITY FOR CONSUMERS IN AND AROUND THE HOME - Energy efficiency and clean growth are a key part of the new TrustMark - In support of the Government’s Green GB Week, TrustMark, the Government-endorsed quality scheme for tradespeople, announces that it has expanded its remit to include Repair, Maintenance and Improvement (RMI), retrofit and energy efficiency sectors, in order to now cover any work a consumer chooses to have carried out in or around their home.

TrustMark has extended its responsibilities following the industry led Government-commissioned Each Home Counts review in 2016, which identified a requirement for an all-encompassing mark of quality for consumers to recognise and trust. TrustMark was chosen to be the brand that the quality mark has now become with clean growth and energy efficiency being a key focus of the scheme.

TrustMark’s expansion has bought significant changes to the scheme, including:

The Core Criteria document will be replaced by the Framework Operating Requirements (FOR). This will be delivered through the network of Scheme Providers who will vet and monitor each business registered within the scheme.

The FOR will be supplemented by additional documents such as the Code of Conduct (setting out requirements to Registered Businesses) and the Customer Charter (outlining the rights and responsibilities of customers), both of which aim to improve clarity of communication for tradespeople and their customers.

New and updated branding, which includes a refreshed logo to reflect the significant incoming changes, whilst celebrating the core values and name that remains at the heart of TrustMark as an organisation.

The TrustMark website has also been updated to display the new branding and features an enhanced consumer search facility. A customer/business portal will also be available over the forthcoming months to handle all aspects of communications between consumers and trade, from quote to payment.

TrustMark’s new independent Chairman, Ranil Jayawardena, says:

“The evolution of TrustMark into the Government Endorsed Quality scheme for any work that a consumer has done to their home is great news. I want to make sure that TrustMark puts consumers first and gives them the best information from which they can make their own decisions. At the same time, I believe this will be good for the industry in the long run, as it should mean that consumer-power drives the industry to be better.”

Simon Ayers, CEO of TrustMark, says:

“These steps only represent the beginning of change at TrustMark and I am delighted with the direction the scheme is going in and believe these improvements will pave the way for positive, far-reaching change for both consumers and businesses. We have significant plans for developing the services to our Scheme Providers, Registered Businesses and the consumers that rely on them and together we can carry on our journey.”

Claire Perry, Minister for Energy and Clean Growth, says:

“The UK has led the world in cutting emissions whilst growing our economy - with clean growth driving incredible innovation and creating hundreds of thousands of high quality jobs. on our successes and explain the huge opportunities for business and young people of a cleaner economy. I’m delighted to see how many more businesses and organisations, such as TrustMark, are seizing this multi-billion pound opportunity to energize their communities to tackle the very serious threat of climate change.”

Since 2005, TrustMark has been a champion of consumer protection and when a consumer sees the TrustMark logo they will know the business they are engaging with is technically competent and has made an additional commitment to customer services and trading practices. This will be the case regardless of the type of work they require on their property.

For further information about TrustMark, visit www.trustmark.org.uk

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Homeowners Continue To Seek Trusted Professional Electricians

gazza — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 23:00:00 +0000

Homeowners Continue To Seek Trusted Professional Electricians

gazza Thu, 18/07/2013

TrustMark, the Government endorsed quality mark for tradesmen, has recorded its highest number of tradesmen details displayed on its website, trustmark.org.uk. More than 2.3 million search results were given to homeowners who used TrustMark’s website and telephone helpline to find local tradesmen to carry out work on their properties or gardens since the start of the year, an increase of 22% compared to the same period in 2012.
Increased searches were particularly pronounced for some trade categories, including handymen (55%), window installers and glaziers (36%), carpenters and joiners (35%), painters and decorators (33%) and roofers (24%) seeing the largest rise, mostly due to homeowners choosing to renovate and refresh their properties rather than move on.
June saw the greatest number of firms displayed and all trades were up by 48% compared to the same month last year and 42% since 2011. Builders, electricians and handymen were the most sought after trades.
Stuart Carter, Head of PR & Marketing at TrustMark, said: “This could be the best time for years for homeowners to spend, mend and extend their properties. Our high number of tradesmen details displayed since January show that many people are still requiring professional experts to do their work and the trades that have seen the highest increase demonstrate that homeowners are staying put to update and renovate their homes.“
All TrustMark firms’ technical skills have been independently checked through on-site inspections to ensure a high quality of workmanship and trading practices. TrustMark is the only scheme that requires qualified inspectors to do these visits, so that technical competence is checked as well as business practices and customer satisfaction.
TrustMark currently has around 14,900 registered businesses, with some being registered under more than trade giving a total of over 23,500 licensed trades represented nationally.

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Government confirms its strong commitment to TrustMark in new Industrial Strategy

gazza — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 23:00:00 +0000

Government confirms its strong commitment to TrustMark in new Industrial Strategy

gazza Wed, 03/07/2013

TrustMark, the national quality badge for reputable tradesmen in the domestic RMI (repair, maintenance and improvement) sector, has received a strong vote of confidence today with the publication of the Government's Industrial Strategy for Construction.
The Industrial Strategy recognises the importance of the TrustMark scheme for its role in improving the reputation of construction and building positive perceptions of the industry. The Government has committed to supporting TrustMark, expanding the scheme to include a greater proportion of the industry, and promoting the new core criteria standards and the industry and consumer groups that support them.
Currently there are more than 14,000 individual firms within TrustMark, providing more than 23,000 approved trade services covering a wide range of work in and around the home. The majority of TrustMark registered firms are SMEs. They are vetted, inspected and monitored within the scheme by 28 scheme operators including major trade associations, certification bodies and retailers.
Liz Male, chairman of TrustMark and a member of the new Construction Leadership Council which will drive forward implementation of the Industrial Strategy, said:
"The Industrial Strategy categorically states Government's commitment to TrustMark. It is also rightful recognition of the forward-thinking industry bodies and consumer groups who created the scheme and have remained committed to promoting its Government-endorsed standards.
"TrustMark scheme operators have the capacity and will to bring in many thousands more firms into the scheme, so that the benefits of the TrustMark badge can be extended to all the reputable tradesmen in the domestic RMI sector.
“What they need now is a greater push on increasing consumer awareness of the benefits of using TrustMark-registered firms, so that really good local firms see why it makes sense to be part of this scheme. This is our top priority now, working closely with Government and the many consumer advice bodies that signpost people to the good guys.
"We will work together to improve the image of tradesmen among the general public, because it matters. The domestic RMI sector is economically very significant, accounting for £27 billion spend per year, so we need a sector where increasing levels of work are commissioned with increasing levels of trust and confidence. It's the bit of construction which touches our day to day lives in a very intimate way because it's about our homes. Customers' experiences of this part of construction - good or bad – also have a huge bearing on their image of the wider industry, and this impacts on our ability to attract and retain talent in the industry.
“At last the role of the domestic RMI sector is being recognised for its crucial position with UK construction and our industrial strategy for the future."
TrustMark is a not-for-profit company, a registered social enterprise operating under licence from Government. TrustMark's members are currently conducting a comprehensive review of the scheme’s core criteria, the first such major review since the scheme began in 2005.
To stay up-to-date with developments at TrustMark, sign up for its free e-newsletter at trustmark.org.uk

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3 Million Consumers tune into TrustMark

gazza — Tue, 14 May 2013 23:00:00 +0000

3 Million Consumers tune into TrustMark

gazza Wed, 15/05/2013

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

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Trustmark Tradesmen Reign Supreme

gazza — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Trustmark Tradesmen Reign Supreme

gazza Wed, 27/03/2013

TrustMark, the Government endorsed quality mark signposting consumers to tradesmen, is celebrating after two TrustMark registered tradesmen won the highest accolade for their industries. Both awards recognised and promoted the very best in building and landscaping undertaken by members of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL).
Frogheath Landscapes, a TrustMark registered contractor for five years, was selected as Supreme Winner at the 17th Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) Awards 2013 on 13th March. The firm was chosen for its creation of a spectacular seaside garden retreat, which is a testament to the high calibre landscaping offered by APL members.
Stephen Moody, Founder of Frogheath Landscapes, said: "I was delighted when we were selected as the winner of the APL awards - it is great news for us as a company to win such a prestigious accolade but also to know that our customers recognise and value the work we do for them. We are also very proud to be a member of TrustMark as consumers know that we are a reputable, trustworthy firm working to government endorsed standards. As with the APL, TrustMark aims to meet the highest standards within the landscaping industry, and by being TrustMark approved, we are able to deliver a quality service for our customers."
3W Developments Ltd, a TrustMark registered firm of builders for four years, was presented with Master Builder of the Year at the 11th Master Builder of the Year Awards, a nationwide search to find the best builder in Britain. The company, which was nominated by a satisfied customer, was given the award for a complex project that transformed a two-bedroom dormer bungalow into a spacious family home.
Sam Whiting, Director of 3W Developments, said: "We are proud of our trade and having our name registered with TrustMark is important to our company. Not only does it offer reassurance to people going through the process of choosing builders and contractors, it also lists reputable trades. As winners of this year's Master Builder of the Year awards, it shows the high quality of those who are registered."
Commenting on the winners, Liz Male, Chairman of TrustMark, said: “Both Awards demonstrate a superb showcase of design, skills and professionalism and are a celebration of the quality and commitment that has been achieved - an excellent example of a TrustMark registered firm. We are thrilled for the winners and they should be proud to be recognised as being among the very best in their industries.”
The APL and FMB are both TrustMark scheme operators and have been members of the scheme since it was set up seven years ago. The APL represents professional landscapers in the UK and the FMB is the UK's largest trade association in the building sector.
For further information about TrustMark or to find local quality TrustMark tradesmen visit trustmark.org.uk

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