PLUMBERS, electricians, builders, gardeners and handymen are among the latest companies to receive certificates for giving their customers a fair deal.
The companies are members of Lancashire County Council’s Safe Trader Scheme.
Established in October 2009 by the county council and Help Direct, the scheme helps people in Lancashire to find out whether a trader will treat them fairly and honestly.
County Councillor Janice Hanson, cabinet member for public protection and waste, said: “I’d like to congratulate all of the companies that have been awarded a certificate and thank them for treating their customers honestly and fairly.
“As I speak to residents around the! county, I am left in no doubt as to how important the scheme is. It has made a huge contribution to ensuring customers feel confident about the traders they use and to say no when they aren’t happy.
“The Safe Trader Scheme is open to all businesses in Lancashire providing property repairs, home improvements and practical support services such as cleaning, laundry and shopping delivery to people in their own homes.”
To find out more about the scheme visit www.safetrader.org.uk or contact Help Direct on 0303 333 1111.
Case study:
One Lancashire business that has benefited by joining the Safe Trader Scheme is Property Care North West. Based in Wilpshire, the business was set up by Amanda Wrigley in 2003 and does both domestic and commercial work.
Amanda’s work includes the redevelopment and redesign of houses which includes flagging, plastering, painting and decking.
Amanda is clear on her reasons for adding! her details to the Safe Trader Register:
Amanda Wrigley and her team at work
“I signed up for the Safe Trader Scheme when it first started. I joined because having a good reputation and integrity are hugely important to me.
“I regularly meet customers who have either been ripped off or are very dissatisfied with the service they have received. As a result, they lose faith in traders.
“However, those of us who are on the scheme have really benefited. Because we’re a small family business, I can take time to listen to customers to help them work out what they need.
“I would have no hesitation in advising other traders in Lancashire to sign up to the scheme.”
You can keep up to date on any new scam alerts sweeping the county by ‘liking’ Lancashire Trading Standards Facebook character Scambuster Stan at www.facebook.com/StanleyDards.
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