Whether you need an electrician, plumber, accountant or gardener, looking for a reputable, reliable and trustworthy trader is always a top priority.

To assist residents and businesses alike, a ‘Buy with Confidence’ scheme which is run by Local Authority Trading Standard departments, including Havering, provides consumers with a list of various service providers which have been have given their commitment to trading fairly and have undergone a series of detailed checks before being approved as a member of the scheme.

To use the scheme could not be easier – visit the ‘Buy with Confidence’ website HERE, pop in your postcode and then what trade you are looking for and a list of providers will appear, starting with the nearest to your post code. There is no charge to use the scheme.

The intention of ‘Buy with Confidence’ is to provide a register of businesses that have been thoroughly vetted and approved by Trading Standards. ‘Buy with Confidence’ is independently run by the local authority Trading Standards department, is not run for profit and all funds received to the scheme from membership fees are ploughed back into the scheme to further it’s continuation, development and promotion.

In order to become a ‘Buy with Confidence’ member, a business must first apply or be recommended to join the scheme and must then pass a set of tailored background checks. Membership of the scheme is not given lightly – amongst other checks, each applicant will have their complaints history reviewed and will receive a visit from Trading Standards. Good references are required from previous customers and applicants must agree to abide by the scheme’s code of conduct, which requires them to follow the letter and spirit of the law. Criminal records basic disclosure may also be required in some circumstances.

By Editor UCRA on 6th May 2017   /   News   /   Leave a comment