A campaign to protect Welsh householders from rogue traders and incompetent operators launches this week as the Welsh Government joins force with TrustMark to promote its consumer protection service.

TrustMark, a not for profit organisation, is a voluntary accreditation scheme that helps householders find reputable local tradespeople who have been vetted and inspected to work on their properties.

The integrated marketing campaign – which coincides with TrustMark’s 10th anniversary  – will target Welsh traders whose businesses can benefit from gaining accreditation and also raise awareness of the scheme amongst consumers in Wales.

Economy Minister Edwina Hart said she was pleased the Welsh Government was actively supporting and promoting the benefits of TrustMark.  The campaign will raise consumer awareness while also highlighting the business benefits for reputable traders.  Traders who are accredited can provide reassurance that their work is of the highest standard.

TrustMark was established to eliminate poor practice and is a quality scheme that covers the full range of trades in and around the home,  acting as a signpost to help householders find local firms and expert tradespeople and providing them with choice, confidence and protection.

Liz Male MBE, Chair of TrustMark, commented:

“We know it’s not always easy to find a reputable local tradesperson, especially if you’re new to an area or are bombarded with conflicting advice. But there are some really fantastic firms out there who are completely committed to doing a great job.

“Rogue traders are the scourge of the sector, seeking out vulnerable homeowners and taking valuable jobs away from the best tradespeople in the country. Checking things like recent work and up to date qualifications are vital checks, so if you don’t know who to turn to, trust TrustMark.”

All TrustMark firms commit to work to Government-endorsed standards and, unlike any other ‘find a trader’ scheme, are checked for all three cornerstones of quality – their trading practices, customer service and technical competence.

TrustMark continues to expand its database of over 13,000 individual firms across the UK and covers 38 trades. There are registered firms in Wales specialising in key trades including building, electrical, plumbing, heating installations, glazing, roofing, and painting and decorating.

Last year more than 8.1m search results for registered firms were provided to homeowners through TrustMark’s website and telephone helpline.

In the image above, left to right, householder Jenny George meets James Tierman owner of Trustmark- registered firm James Installation and Maintenance, Economy Minister Edwina Hart and Liz Male OBE, Chair of TrustMark.