June 14, 2010 2.05 pm This story is over 165 months old

New scheme to approve trusted traders

Trusted traders: The Approved Trader Scheme will give people a place to find anything from plumbers to hairdressers they can trust.

A new county-wide database of vetted companies has been introduced, giving people a place to find anything from plumbers to hairdressers and handy people they can trust to deal with.

The Approved Trader Scheme is the product of cooperation between Lincolnshire Trading Standards, Age UK and the Home Improvement Agency, and already has over 40 local businesses on record.

The scheme aims to protect vulnerable people from rogue traders and increase consumer confidence. The businesses on the list will be able to set their own prices and customers will pay them directly.

“Our involvement will be to support businesses, advise on legislation and oversee any complaints directed at traders within the scheme. We can also vet new applicants,” said Graham Penn, the doorstep Crime Initiative Co-ordinator at Lincolnshire Trading Standards.

Business who want to get their name on the list will have to go through the Home Improvement Agency, while people who want to consult the list will need to call Lincolnshire Trading Standards at 01522 782 341.

There is no online version of the vetted businesses list, which will be updated on a monthly basis. Alternatively, people can consult the Approved Trader Scheme by calling Consumer Direct on 08454 040 506.

“The Approved Trader Scheme will allow people to make confident choices and feel safe within their own homes,” said Sarah-Jane Freeman, who is the Community Safety and Crime Reduction Manager for Lincolnshire Police.

“Falling foul to a rogue trader can have lasting and detrimental effects on anyone, but the implementation of this scheme should contribute towards reassuring members of the public that there are legitimate traders out there that are honest and trustworthy,” Freeman added.

Source: Lincolnshire Police | Photo: Chris Brandrick for The Lincolnite