The alliance will encourage tradespeople to join the only government endorsed scheme that covers the full range of trades in and around the home. By becoming TrustMark registered, tradespeople will be able to provide homeowners with greater protection and more reassurance that they are dealing with trusted tradespeople working to government endorsed standards. All firms will also have their trading records, customer service standards and their technical skills checked by an independent qualified expert.
A recent survey by TrustMark of over 2,000 British homeowners found that incompetent tradespeople have cost homeowners in the North West of England an estimated £1.3 billion over the last year. It also revealed that almost one in five (18 per cent) have had to have at least part of the work redone at an average cost of £455 per household in the last 12 months.
To celebrate the partnership, an event was held at Emirates Old Trafford with local firms in attendance to understand how they can grow their business by joining the TrustMark scheme.
Speaking at the event, Mark Rigby, who has been registered with TrustMark since 2009, said, ‘Trustmark is the only scheme that, not only is government backed, but also through on site inspections and ongoing independent assessments, gives that real peace of mind to the prospective client that I am going to be reliable, trustworthy, and will give them a quality service and work to an agreed code of practice.’
Commenting on the new partnership, Jocelyne Underwood, construction sector lead of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said, ‘By launching the Trustmark scheme we are looking to recognise and work with tradespeople who take pride in their work and want to be known as a reputable business. Furthermore, we want to work with these organisations to understand any training needs they might have and to support business growth.’
Simon Ayers, chief executive of TrustMark, added, ‘We are always looking for better ways to increase the visibility of TrustMark so we are delighted that our partnership with the Chamber will not only help homeowners to find good quality tradespeople to improve or repair their properties, but it will also provide reputable trades the opportunity to thrive through reputational benefits, increased business opportunities and quality referrals from the TrustMark website and other signposting channels.’
To find out how to become a TrustMark tradesperson, visit: www.gmchamber.co.uk/pages/gmcc-trustmark-scheme or for further information on TrustMark, visit www.trustmark.org.uk
