National Consumer Week highlights consumer rights

National Consumer Week starts on September 14th supported by local authorities and trading standards organisations across the country.  The focus for this year’s Week will be on consumers’ rights. Leading specialist accreditation company, Exor Management Services, which operates the TrustMark scheme on behalf of a number of local authorities around the UK, is urging traders to capitalise on the raised consumer awareness of their rights as a result of the Week, by signing up to the scheme in their area.

“Consumer rights is one of the most important factors behind the TrustMark scheme,” confirmed Ian McKinnon, Managing Director, Exor. “One of the key benefits of the scheme is the emphasis it places on the standard of service expected of the trader – and this gives the consumer confidence in their choice.  The TrustMark symbol is synonymous with two key words; quality and reassurance. When a trader is TrustMark accredited, it means they operate to a certain standard, employing the correct and most efficient processes to ensure the job is done properly.”

Online access to the TrustMark database 365 days a year, gives consumers across the UK the ability to search for specific types of trades people, secure in the knowledge that any companies they choose are competent, have the right insurances and qualifications, and have their work regularly inspected.  They will also have the peace of mind that their deposit will be protected should the business fail and, if there is an issue with the quality of the work, there is a clear and user-friendly complaints procedure to help resolve the matter.

Exor operates Trustmark schemes in the following areas across the UK:

Bridge End
Caerphilly
Cardiff
Conwy
Hertfordshire
Hounslow
Kingston Upon Thames
Lambeth
Leicestershire
Lewisham
Merthyr Tydfill
Monmouthshire
Neath Port Talbot
Newport
North Yorkshire
Rhonda
Richmond
Swansea
Torfaen
Vale of Glamorgan
Wandsworth
Wrexham
 

Ian McKinnon concluded:  “TrustMark is playing a key role in the current recession – not only by protecting families and individuals but by stimulating the local economy by empowering consumers to make buying decisions confidently.  Traders benefit from being associated with the TrustMark scheme, giving them a strong endorsement for potential customers.”
 
When a firm displays the TrustMark logo it signifies that they have fulfilled the following criteria:

• Their technical skills have been independently checked through regular on-site inspections, as well as checks on their trading record and financial status
• They have signed up to a code of practice that includes insurance, good health and safety practices and customer care
• Checks are made with local Trading Standards departments to ensure no complaints of a significant nature apply to the trader
• The quality of work, trading practices and customer satisfaction have been checked by Exor and will continue to be monitored 
• They are able to offer an Insurance Backed Warranty
• Deposit Protection Insurance is available for consumers in the event of the business going bust
• The company will inform the customer about any building regulations which must be complied with will also be able to provide appropriate certificates
• If there is a problem or disagreement with the company, there is a clear and user – friendly complaints procedure to help resolve the issue.

TrustMark accredited traders can be found by going to the Trustmark website at http://www.trustmark.org.uk/  or by calling Trustmark on 0330 1000 021.  Finding a trader from the Trustmark website is as simple as entering your postcode and then selecting the category of trader e.g. roofer that you need.  You will then get details of traders listed by how far they are located from you.
Traders who wish to join the TrustMark scheme should contact Exor at 0871 930 7274.