Checkatrade has appointed Mike Fairman as its new Chief Executive to spearhead the next phase of the company’s development.

Mike is currently Chief Executive of mobile phone network giffgaff and will join Checkatrade on 8 October.

On his appointment, Mike said: “This is an exciting time for Checkatrade. The company has ambitious plans in the pipeline and its 30,000 members have a vital role to play. Checkatrade is a vibrant, growing business, set up to help consumers find tradespeople they can trust, with a name known in homes throughout the UK. I’m absolutely thrilled to be inheriting a strong management team, and the prospect of adding new talent at all levels especially in marketing and technology. I look forward to building on the business’s success of the past 20 years.”

Mike’s appointment follows the decision of Checkatrade’s current Managing Director, Gavin Dutton, to step down from his executive role and join the Checkatrade Board as a non-executive director.

Richard Harpin, Chief Executive and founder of HomeServe, owner of Checkatrade, commented: “Mike has the skill set, personality and experience to lead Checkatrade and we’re delighted to welcome him to the team. Mike is a highly regarded leader and brings with him a wealth of experience in developing and scaling businesses. Mike will be instrumental in shaping the future of Checkatrade and will bring fresh thinking and guidance to assist in the development and implementation of our ambitious growth strategy.

“I want to thank Gavin for all of his hard work and dedication over the last seven years, leading the team as Managing Director for the past four. We are pleased that he will continue to advise Checkatrade from his new position on the Board.”