TrustMark records its highest number of 'tradesmen viewings' on its website with 3.9 million homeowners searching for local tradesmen in 2012 to carry out work on their home or garden.
TrustMark, the government endorsed quality mark for tradesmen, records its highest number oftradesmen viewings on its website, www.trustmark.org.uk, with 3.9 million homeowners searching for local tradesmen in 2012 to carry out work on their home or garden.
The average number of viewings across all trades increased by over 20% in 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. Heating engineers and plumbers saw a rise of 18% with October having the largest number of views primarily due to homeowners wanting urgent work on their properties as a result of the poor weather conditions.
Stuart Carter, head of PR & marketing at TrustMark, said: “With the economy in its current state, we are delighted to see such high numbers of viewings from homeowners searching for TrustMark tradesmen.
“TrustMark tradesmens' details have been increasing year on year and this considerable success has been a result of a number of marketing initiatives carried out during 2012 and working in partnership with key consumer organisations such as Citizens Advice, the Trading Standards Institute and National Home Improvement Council who are all signposting people to TrustMark.”
All TrustMark firms’ technical skills have been independently checked through on-site inspections to ensure a high quality of workmanship and trading practices. TrustMark requires qualified inspectors to do these visits, so that technical competence is checked as well as business practices and customer satisfaction.
"The TrustMark database not only enables consumers to find their local reputable tradesmen but it will also bring many benefits to the tradesman,” Carter added.
“Being TrustMark registered enables tradesmen to gain financial and reputational benefits for their company as they will be able to win better business and be able to offer a warranty on their work that will give both the customer and themselves extra peace of mind."
All TrustMark registered firms must sign up to a code of practice that includes insurance, good health and safety practices and customer-care, including a user-friendly complaints procedure. They are also able to offer an insurance backed warranty to homeowners for jobs over £250, which covers deposits, pre-payments and work in progress should the firm cease trading. It also covers, as a minimum, two years warranty on materials, design and workmanship.
