TrustMark has welcomed the Trading Standards Institute's (TSI) new Consumer Codes Approval Scheme. Launched this week (18 June), the scheme aims to give customers greater confidence in various codes of practice operated by trade associations and business organisations.

Liz Male, chairman of TrustMark, said: "TrustMark has always enjoyed a good working relationship with the Trading Standards Institute and is fully supportive of the launch of the Consumer Codes Approval Scheme, which was originally run by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT). It is a very timely change that will help empower consumers and support good business.


"There is a great deal of symmetry between this scheme and the TrustMark scheme, which covers the domestic repair, maintenance and improvement (RMI) sector, as we are both aiming to provide a strong and healthy consumer environment of trust whilst trying to eliminate poor trading practices and rogue traders from breaking the law and ripping off customers with shoddy work.


"We are working together with the TSI to establish a robust partnership between our schemes. We feel that we can help to clarify rights for traders whilst improving consumer empowerment and confidence."


For further information about TrustMark, visit www.trustmark.org.uk/.