RENEWED BACKING FOR TRUSTMARK PAYS OFF
Figures released by TrustMark show that the number of searches for reputable tradespeople on the TrustMark website reached an all-time high of 728,000 in 2014, 38% up on 2013 (527,000), demonstrating that the renewed commitment and backing for the scheme made by the Government in early 2014 has paid off. The figures are good news too to the Building & Engineering Services Association (B&ES) with searches for heating and air conditioning engineers during 2014 (services offered by B&ES members) reaching 263,000, over 30% up on 2013.
10 February 2015 – Figures released by TrustMark show that the number of searches for reputable tradespeople on the TrustMark website reached an all time high of 728,000 in 2014, 38% up on 2013 (527,000), demonstrating that the renewed commitment and backing for the scheme made by the Government in early 2014 has paid off. The figures are good news too to the Building & Engineering Services Association (B&ES), with searches for heating and air conditioning engineers during 2014 (services offered by B&ES members) reaching 263,000, over 30% up on 2013.
Originally launched in 2005 with full backing of the Government, it is fair to say that TrustMark has lost profile in recent years; overtaken by numerous other ‘trade competence’ schemes, most privately run with a commercial motive. To create some ‘clear water’ between these and the only high profile scheme that is both a not-for-profit organisation and also verifies the technical competence of a company before they can join, the Government reaffirmed its commitment to TrustMark in early 2014 with renewed support and Peter Hansford, Government Chief Construction Adviser, saying at the time that “The message from Government is simple: TrustMark is the scheme we are backing.”
B&ES were one of the first organisations to be appointed a scheme operator under the TrustMark initiative and have been a staunch supporter from the outset. Commenting, Mark Oakes, Head of Specialist Group Services at B&ES, said, “We were delighted when the Government reaffirmed its commitment to TrustMark last year with a strong vote of confidence in its future growth. By some margin the TrustMark Scheme operates the most rigorous entry criteria for member companies and, importantly, it’s the only scheme that verifies the technical competence of a company before they can join”.
“By employing the services of TrustMark registered traders, homeowners can be assured that they are using a firm that operates according to industry best practice, with a standard of workmanship that has been independently verified.”
The TrustMark Scheme covers virtually all the trades householders look for, such as builders, heating engineers, plumbers, electricians, glaziers, roofers, landscape gardeners and damp-proof specialists. All B&ES companies providing services to homeowners are TrustMark members and all B&ES members that undertake gas work are also Gas Safe registered.
For more information about the TrustMark Scheme, visit http://www.trustmark.org.uk.
Ends
Issued on behalf of the Building & Engineering Services Association (B&ES) by Next Step Marketing Ltd
Media enquiries to: Heather Lambert. Tel: 44(0)1256 472020;
Fax: 44(0)1256 471010; E-mail: heather@nextstepmarketing.co.uk
Notes to editors
Since its formation in 1904, B&ES, the Building & Engineering Services Association (formerly the HVCA) has represented the interests of companies engaged in a wide range of building and engineering services including domestic heating and renewable technologies.
B&ES members are subject to regular, third-party inspection and assessment of their technical competence and commercial capability, carried out by an independent certification body at least every three years.
B&ES members who undertake gas installations are registered with Gas Safe – the gas safety watchdog body – and are also members of TrustMark, the Government-endorsed scheme designed to direct customers towards reliable tradespeople.
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