2008
Looking for a reliable business? Take some advice from Consumer Direct
Finding a reliable business in your area can sometimes be tricky, but there are ways of increasing your chances of success, advises Consumer Direct.
13 March 2008
A number of government-supported schemes currently exist to help you avoid the rogue traders and find businesses that offer high standards of customer service.
One such initiative is the OFT's Consumer Codes Approval Scheme which aims to influence and improve standards across industry sectors.
Businesses displaying the 'OFT Approved' logo must be members of a trade body whose code of practice guarantees a higher standard of customer service than required by law.
Currently there are a number of trade bodies with codes approved by the OFT in markets such as car servicing and repair, removals, estate agency, direct selling and home furnishings. You can search by postcode for businesses that follow an 'OFT Approved' code by visiting the website at www.oft.gov.uk/codes
The government-endorsed TrustMark scheme focuses on helping find reliable tradespeople to carry out repair, maintenance and home improvement work. Trustmark-approved tradespeople, including plumbers, electricians and kitchen and bathroom installers can be found on the Trustmark website at www.trustmark.org.uk
The OFT also supports a network of schemes managed by local authority Trading Standards Services which help identify assured local traders. To find out if your local authority is a member of the Local Authority Assured Trader
Scheme Network, visit: www.oft.gov.uk/oft_at_work/consumer_initiatives/trader/network-members
Michele Shambrook, Operations Manager at Consumer Direct said:
'The government supported schemes can take a lot of the worry out of finding reputable traders, but it's worth talking to friends and family who can also be a valuable source of advice.'
Further advice and information on all consumer issues is available by calling Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visiting the website www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
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Editor's Notes:
1. Consumer Direct cannot recommend individual businesses but it can direct you to government-supported schemes.
2. Consumer Direct is a telephone and online consumer advice service funded by government and managed by the Office of Fair Trading. It operates in partnership with Local Authority Trading Standards Services to offer consumers clear, practical and impartial advice and information.
3. Consumer Direct has around 350 trained advisors in 11 contact centres across England, Wales and Scotland.
4. The information and advice helpline is available on a single national telephone number - 08454 04 05 06 from 0800 – 1830 Monday to Friday, and 0900 – 1300 Saturday, excluding bank holidays and public holidays.
5. A Welsh-speaking Consumer Direct service is available on 08454 04 05 05. Minicom users should call 08451 28 13 84.
6. Calls to the Consumer Direct 0845 numbers are charged at no more than four pence per minute from a BT landline. Call charges from other landline providers or mobile phones may vary. Please check the rate with your phone service provider.
7. Northern Ireland has its own service called ConsumerLine (available on 08456 00 62 62) which is similar to Consumer Direct.
MEDIA enquiries: Frank Shepherd: 020 7211 8133/ 07747 457616
