PLUMBERS, builders, and electricians are among those being urged to sign up to the East Dunbartonshire Trusted Trader scheme.
Recently launched by East Dunbartonshire Council, the initiative sees the council’s trading standards team vet traders, regularly examine business practices, and monitor reviews and feedbacks.
The purpose is to increase consumer confidence, promote good practice within local businesses, protect residents from doorstep crime, and help generate custom for local companies.
Backed by Police Scotland, the Trusted Trader scheme first launched in Dundee in 2005 and East Dunbartonshire Council is one of the latest local authorities to sign up to it.
Councillor Paul Ferretti, convener of East Dunbartonshire Council’s place, neighbourhood, and corporate assets committee, said, “I’m pleased that a range of local businesses have joined the Trusted Trader scheme in East Dunbartonshire. Members not only get support from the Council, but are able to highlight their involvement via marketing materials and vehicles – giving potential customers the assurance that they are reputable and reliable. If you’re a local trader, find out more about how you can get involved.”
Community police inspector Alan Ferris, of Kirkintilloch Police Station, added, “Rogue traders and bogus callers can be difficult to distinguish from legitimate service providers. They can persuade householders to part with large sums of money by starting out cheaper than competitors and then falsely claiming urgent, more expensive work is needed. This often requires a reputable trader to come in and repair badly done or incomplete work.
“I hope the Trusted Trader initiative provides householders across East Dunbartonshire with increased confidence that they are engaging the services of legitimate traders. I would always encourage residents to take simple steps to prevent themselves being defrauded by doorstep criminals.”
To find out more about the East Dunbartonshire Trusted Trader scheme, click here.
Elsewhere, Aberdeen City Council yesterday approved the creation and operation of its own Trusted Trader scheme, which is due to come into action shortly.
Aberdeen City Council communities, housing, and public protection committee convener, councillor Miranda Radley, said, “The introduction of a Trusted Trader Scheme will allow residents requiring work to be carried out to find a suitable business with confidence. It can be a difficult task finding the right local trades people to carry out works, so this scheme will help people consider their options, and promote businesses who have a track record of operating in the city.”
