check the trader scheme

about the scheme

East Sussex County Council, Trading Standards Department, having established the need for this scheme requested Ten Sixty Six Enterprise to manage this project on their behalf. The aim is to create a register of accredited trades people who can provide a reliable, quality range of services, primarily to vulnerable members of society, to reduce the fear of crime and to protect individuals from opportunistic callers.

The Steering Group is comprised of Age Concern, Moat Care & Repair, East Sussex County Council Trading Standards Department, East Sussex Social Services, Sussex Police - Neighbourhood Watch, Hastings Borough Council - Community Safety Co-ordinator, and Contracts Manager, Booker & Best. The group holds regular meetings to set the service standard requirement; approve the Registration of Traders and monitor the delivery of the service provided by means of an evaluation report obtained from service users. Failure to deliver a satisfactory service will result in removal of business from the register.

Trading Standards will act as final arbiter in case of dispute between Business and Client.

Criteria for Registration

Each Company must:

1. have been trading for at least one year
2. provide satisfactory audited accounts
3. provide three verifiable references from previous clients
4. have all necessary insurances and Health & Safety Certificates
5. directly employ staff used to carry out the service.
6. be prepared to be subject to a check by the Criminal Record Bureau, (subject to the Provisions of the Data Protection Act)

A company that does not fulfil all the criteria at the time of applying to join the register can be reconsidered at a later date. Ten Sixty Six Enterprise will offer support with Health and Safety Training and with bookkeeping advice.

So far, the scheme has been very successful, with a solid base of contractors, some of which have received multiple jobs from "Check The Trader". The client base grows steadily week by week, and the general feedback has been extremely positive. The scheme is part of a network of similar schemes across the country and therefore receives both local and national publicity.

"Check The Trader" Client Quotes

"Very prompt & efficient, couldn't be faulted. The scheme is extremely reassuring, we were very impressed."

"Although the dishwasher couldn't be repaired, I was very satisfied with the contractors explanation and advice he gave. The receipt he gave me entitled me to a £15 discount from Adams & Jarrett for a new dishwasher. The scheme is fantastic."

"The contractor explained everything to me. He was very helpful and such pleasant people."

"I was very surprised at how clean and tidy the contactors left the place. They did everything they said they would do. The particular electrician was so pleasant and helpful. He had a systematic way of working around me, as I work at home. There was very little disruption at all, I was very grateful to him."

"They were very efficient and extremely quick. I was very grateful as it was treated as an emergency and they came the same morning. The scheme is an invaluable service and has taken a weight off my mind."

"Excellent Scheme. Nice to know you can rely on people"

"A wonderful scheme. The contractor was a Godsend!"

"I honestly wasn't expecting work of this quality from plumbers. I'm very glad the scheme is available."

"Lovely chap. Very clean and tidy. I would recommend him to anyone."

"The staff at "Check The Trader" pointed out contractors who might be able to do all of our work rather than three separate ones. This proved to be the case and was extremely convenient."

"Excellent in every count. Excellent workman, who arrived quickly and was very helpful altogether. We built a good relationship and I will be using him for my other work."

"Charming service. Excellent."

"Excellent advice. Hard working contractor at a fair price."

"Very good at keeping me informed and up to date. Good communicator and customer service"

"An excellent quality of work, carried out efficiently and promptly"

"We have been ripped off before. It was lovely to have such a reliable services with a fair price.

"Marvellous scheme. Very happy with all service received. The contractors were lovely."

"Such a helpful contractor. A most useful scheme that I will definitely use again."

"Very prompt. We weren't let down at all. The contractor wasn't over priced. I am 100% satisfied, am using him again and would recommend him to anyone."

For further information regarding the scheme, please contact us.
"It's great to be reassured."