Monday, July 11, 2016

Councils join forces on trader approval scheme

Six of North Wales’ Trading Standards services have come together in an effort to work collaboratively to deliver the Buy With Confidence (BWC) scheme.

The project is eager to attract more of the region’s businesses in particular those in the home maintenance and gardening sectors, domestic cleaners and general skilled tradesmen.

This nationally recognised trader approval programme was originally  designed to ensure businesses operate in a legal, honest and fair way, and tackle the issue of  ‘rogue traders’. It also provides consumers with a list of local businesses which have given their commitment to trading fairly.

Kevin Jones, Chair of the North Wales Heads of Trading Standards Group, said “This important scheme enables Trading Standards in North Wales to showcase reliable businesses we are proud to recommend, which allows consumers to make educated choices and avoid getting ripped off. “

The scheme is open to any manner of businesses wishing to apply to advertise themselves as “Trading Standards  Approved”, and must take part in a series of detailed checks by Trading Standards which will then be continually  monitored for their quality of service.

Membership of the scheme is not given lightly , and in order to become a BWC member a business must first apply or be recommended to join the scheme and pass a set of tailored background checks.

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.

If you are confident of your business and want to apply to advertise yourselves as approved traders by Trading Standards please visit the BWC webpage at, buywithconfidence.gov.uk, or follow the Facebook page,  tinyurl.com/northwalesBWC.

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