TrustMark licences to first eight scheme operators

TrustMark licences to eight trade bodies, marking a critical stage in the development of this new consumer protection initiative for the home repair and improvement sector

Construction Minister Alun Michael MP awards TrustMark licences to eight trade bodies, marking a critical stage in the development of this new consumer protection initiative for the home repair and improvement sector.

The licensing of these organisations to become approved scheme operators for TrustMark paves the way for 10,000 firms to become TrustMark registered, including general builders, glaziers, roofers, heating engineers, electricians, fencing specialists and damp proofing contractors.

This number and range of tradespeople within the TrustMark scheme will provide the critical mass that makes it possible for the scheme to be launched to the general public on a national basis in January 2006.

The Minister's presentations will take place at TrustMark's inaugural Annual Lunch in London.

Marking the first day of National Consumer Week, the lunch celebrates the successful growth of TrustMark since its launch to the construction industry in June.

The Annual Lunch will be attended by more than 70 representatives from the construction industry as well as consumer protection groups such as Citizens Advice, the Home Improvement Trust and Help the Aged.

Alun Michael says: "I want to see consumers empowered and confident they are making the right choice when selecting a builder or tradesperson to work on their home.

"I am pleased that the construction industry has made a very positive start by recognising the need for collective action and the benefit of protecting their customers from cowboy traders.

Government has supported and facilitated this scheme but now it's over to you to make TrustMark a reality and provide consumers with the single brand that will deliver the peace of mind they need.

"I urge all trade associations and other organisations in the domestic repair and improvement sector of the construction industry that are interested in raising standards and improving the image of the industry to join their peers, sign up and become approved scheme operators and help make TrustMark a valued and respected scheme.

"In parallel, I urge consumer organisations to start briefing their members about the benefits provided by TrustMark in preparation for the official launch to the public in the New Year".

Ian Livsey, chairman of TrustMark, says: "The amount of progress made by TrustMark in the last four months has been phenomenal, and by the end of this year we will have around 10,000 firms on board, working to a set of standards that consumers have been demanding for years.

The Board and I are confident that we are building solid foundations for a scheme that will deliver real benefits to the public and will reward the best in the building trade".

The first eight scheme operators for TrustMark are:.

* National Register of Warranted Builders - a group of 3,500 general builders that belong to the Federation of Master Builders' MasterBond scheme.

* Heating and Ventilating Contractors Association (HVCA) - an association for companies active in the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of heating, ventilating and air conditioning.

* National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) - the UK's leading trade association for the roofing industry.

* Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) - the trade association for employers and companies within the flat glass, glazing, window, home improvement, plastics and applied window film industries in the UK.

* British Wood Preserving and Damp-Proofing Association (BWPDA) - representing companies that tackle timber and damp problems including woodworm, dry rot and wet rot.

* National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers (NAPIT) - a specialist trade association for firms involved in electrical inspection, testing and system verification, and which also runs a Part P Competent Persons scheme for electricians.

* European Fencing Industry Association (EFIA) - a well-established association of fence designers, manufacturers and installers.

* AJA Registrars - an independent certification body that vets a wide range of traders for financial stability, technical competence, sound health and safety practices and other essential criteria.

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