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Find a reputable trader by checking out the register

INDING a reputable trader to carry out home and garden improvements is often a source of worry because there are very few checks and measures to ensure that the person or business you are inviting into your home or garden is insured, honest and hardworking. Before going ahead and booking the first trader you find it is always advisable to shop around for a reputable trader to ensure what they are offering is good value and good service. One way to avoid falling victim to rogue traders is to search for a trader on Worcestershire Regulatory Services Trader Register at worcestershire.gov.uk/traderregister. The Trader Register is an online directory that is free for people to search for a local reliable Worcestershire trader. Every trader who is on the database has signed up to a code of practice, has public liability insurance, has demonstrated that they are dedicated to fair and honest workmanship and, most importantly, have passed a number of searches and checks carried out by Worcestershire Regulatory Services.

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UP ON THE ROOF: Make sure that you always find a trader whos reputable.
The Trader Register database is free to use and has more than 300 fully registered businesses covering 49 trades that include everything from ariel Installers to waste disposal. Steve Jorden, head of Worcestershire Regulatory Services, said: Finding the right trader has never been easier with the Trader Register and we try to ensure that the traders on the database are reliable, offer value for money and believe in good honest workmanship to give you confidence when booking a job.

HELP AND ADVICE: Steve Jorden.

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Firms have signed code of practice

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VERY trader who joins the Trader Register has to sign up to the code of practice. The Trader Register is not an approval scheme but is intended to demonstrate the commitment of traders in Worcestershire to dealing fairly and honestly with their customers. The register is maintained by Worcestershire Regulatory Services, Worcestershire Care and Repair Agencies and Age Concern and the code of practice states: Businesses must comply with all trading standards legislation and all legal obligations, civil and otherwise relating to their business. When a business employs sub-contractors, the business will be responsible for ensuring all sub-contractors comply with all trading standards legislation and all other legal obligations relating to their business. Businesses must possess public

liability insurance covering a minimum of 2 million pounds liability. Where applicable, businesses must also possess employers liability insurance covering a minimum of 5 million pounds liability. Businesses may be requested to agree to a criminal records check. Businesses must not state or otherwise imply that they are approved by any partner agency of the Worcestershire Trader Register steering group. Customers should be treated in a polite and courteous manner at all times. Where appropriate to the size and nature of the business and where reasonably practicable full written information concerning the contract should be provided on request. Completion/delivery dates should be agreed in advance. Where delays prove unavoidable the consumer should be

PLEASANT: You should expect service with a smile from any workman who you choose from the Worcestershire Regulatory Services Trader Register.
given as much advance notice as possible. Where relevant, clear and accurate information should be given on cancellation rights, including any additional rights offered. Where guarantees and/or warranties are included as standard in the transaction, clear and accurate details should be provided to the consumer. Clear and accurate details should be provided. There must be no highpressure selling of additional guarantees or warranties. All terms of the contract for any repairs and servicing work should be clear and precise. All work undertaken must be carried out with reasonable skill and care, for a reasonable charge and, unless specifically agreed otherwise with the customer, within a reasonable time. Invoices should be clear and show exact details of the work carried out and any parts charged for and the date that payment is due. Traders registered on the Trader Register must commit to working with consumers, trading standards and other partner agencies to seek positive solutions to issues and problems if and when they arise.

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Choosing a trader and what to do if the job goes wrong

ANSWERS to some of the most frequently asked questions. Are traders on the Trader Register approved by trading standards? No, the register does not approve traders, however they have all signed the code of practice which commits them to honest and fair trade and providing good customer service. They also go through a vetting process which should identify if they are unsuitable. In such circumstances they will be refused membership. If any serious and justified complaint or complaints about a trader are received they will be removed from the register. How do I choose a trader from the Trader Register? Enter your postcode and the type of trader you are looking for and the website will find the traders located closest to your home. You can ask for the list to contain five, 10 or all traders. You can then look through the list produced and decide which traders to contact. You may need to ask the trader if they are qualified to do the work required if the details do not show this, especially with regard to plumbers. Get three written quotes for the job before choosing a trader. What if something goes wrong? The traders on the Trader Register are required to commit to working with customers and to try and resolve any problems that may arise. If you cannot resolve the issue satisfactorily with the trader then contact Worcestershire Regulatory Services and staff will work with you and the trader to seek a positive solution to the problem. How can I avoid problems? Print off the contract from the Trader Register website and put all the details of the job onto this. If everything is put in writing and signed by both parties there is far less chance of things going wrong. Do not rely on either verbal quotes or verbal agreements as these can cause misunderstandings and problems, even with a good trader.

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WATCHDOG: The Trader Register is a list of reputable traders working in Worcestershire.

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ORCESTERSHIRE Regulatory Services is pointing anyone wanting work carried out on their home or business to its easy-to-use Trader Register database and has issued a warning to people to be on their guard against doorstep callers. The advice to people is to log on to worcestershire.gov.uk/traderregister to look for vetted tradesman and never agree to have a job done on the spot by people who call without an appointment. All members of the scheme are local traders who have signed up to a code of practice and are dedicated to fair and honest workmanship. Remember, it is your doorstep and your decision about whether you answer calls at the door. Do not feel guilty if you want to say no. Jamie Colley, Worcestershire Regulatory Services technical officer, said: We always advise consumers to get about three quotes for any job that needs to be done. If someone turns up at your door offering to do work at a bargain price it may be tempting but you will have no idea whether or not they are cowboys.

Dont employ anyone whos not been vetted W

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ADVICE: Jamie Colley is Worcestershire Regulatory Services technical officer.

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Remember that doorstep callers are probably bogus

Frequently such people try to inflate the price once the work is done. If you do not want the salesman on your property clearly ask him to leave. If he doesnt then contact trading standards or the police. Check their references, or better still, only use traders who are registered on the county councils Trader Register. To help people deter tradesman from visiting properties without an appointment the trading standards department has free notice to caller cards that can be displayed in windows. The notice also contains useful information on how to deal with cold callers. Worcestershire County Councils trading standards department has issued the following tips on how to deal with cold-callers: Display a No Callers at the Door card which advises anyone coming to your home that you do not buy on the doorstep. This is available through consumer direct on 08454 040506 or the Worcestershire Hub on 01905 765765. Do you need to answer the door? No, you do not have to answer the

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door if you do not want to. Never invite an unknown doorstep seller into your home and make use of security measures such as spy holes or door chains. Check business details. Check for identification and get all names, address and telephone numbers. Always get a written quote from a trader which include full business details this means the owners name and address on headed paper. Ensure the price is clearly written on the quotation and an idea of the length of time the job will take before agreeing to the contract. Never pay the full amount up front. It is wise to withhold an amount of money until the job is completed to a satisfactory standard. Be wary about being offered generous guarantees. Remember that a guarantee is only as good as the business unless it is insurance backed. Consider other local options such as the trading standards Trader Register which is an online directory of tradespeople who are committed to providing good workmanship.

BEWARE: Shut the door of doorstep salesmen.

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USINESSES are being encouraged to sign up to Worcestershire Regulatory Services Trader Register to demonstrate their commitment to dealing fairly and honestly with customers. Theres never been a better time to get involved and join the popular scheme, which is absolutely free. If youre a Worcestershire business that offers anything from building work, plumbing, gas fitting, fencing, flooring or even solar panel installation then the Trader Register, which exists to support local businesses and trades people, is here to help. All businesses that join have to sign up to the code of practice that defines the minimum standards required to register with the scheme. These have been specifically designed to ensure that traders are equipped with the tools and skills to deliver good customer service.

Sign up and show youre a fair trader B

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Each and every business that applies to the scheme is vetted by the regulatory services team. When those checks have successfully taken place traders receive a special certificate of membership and business details are included on the Trader Register website. Members are also allowed to use Trader Register documentation and logos in accordance with copyright regulations and relevant national advertising and display code of practice on business documentation, business premises and in other advertising media. Are you interested in registering your business? Then find out more and signing up is easy. You can start the registration process by logging on to worcestershire.gov. uk/traderregister and printing off the application form. Once completed, simply return it to the regulatory services team together with a copy of the business public

SIGN UP: Its easy and free to get your companys name in the Trade Register.
liability insurance and the membership application will be considered. Anyone looking to find out more can call 01905 765394, e-mail tradingstandards@worcestershire. gov.uk or write to Worcestershire Regulatory Services, PO Box 866, Wyatt House, Farrier Street, Worcester WR1 9DP.

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TAFF at the regulatory services are urging people to use the Trader Register and say no to doorstep callers. Householders are being reminded that the best way to get work done on properties is by using the register, not by parting with cash to workmen who call at your door. Each year Worcestershire Regulatory Services receives complaints from people who have been ripped off after being cold called. Cold callers are often reported for deceiving people into having unnecessary work, grossly overcharging or not carrying out the work agreed. The advicefrom officers to householders is to stop falling foul of this practice by never agreeing to have a job done on the spot by people who call without an appointment. Instead log on to the Trader Register at worcestershire.gov.uk/ traderregister to find a local and reliable business that's made a commitment to good customer service To further assist people in combating this crime Regulatory Services produces a Notice to Callers card that identifies households will not buy from doorstep traders.

Dont get ripped off by those doorstep callers S

FACTFILE

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GO AWAY: Have the confidence to say no when confronted by a cold caller.

The notice also contains useful information on how to deal with cold callers and other workmen who may call. To obtain one residents should call the Worcestershire Hub on 01905 765394 or Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.

Cold calling is the marketing process of approaching prospective customers or clients either by telephone, or at the door who were not expecting such a call. The word cold is used because the person receiving the call is not expecting it or has not specifically asked to be contacted by a sales person. In some areas of Britian No Cold Calling Zones (NCCZ) have been set up as an initiative to help combat this problem. The zones do not ban cold callers or create exclusion zones but they can be effective in deterring unscrupulous cold callers from approaching people and they give residents the confidence to say No. NCCZ can either be set up from local intelligence or a request, but both require the successful completion of a consultation process. This can then lead to the provision of door stickers and signs, for the purpose of labelling the zone and empowering householders.

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Will you play your part in stopping rogue salesmen? W

ORCESTERSHIRE Regulatory Services formerly trading standards and local police officers, have been working together across the county clamping down on rogue traders who are targeting local people. Rogue traders are criminals. They often appear in the guise of professional tradesmen, using printed leaflets and well maintained vehicles to fool consumers. Criminal activities carried out can include fraud, charging high prices for poor workmanship or work that is not even carried out. There are also known links between burglary and rogue trader activity. As this type of crime happens at the homes of consumers, this is often ITS A CRIME: Rogue traders can be prosecuted for conning people out of cash. known as doorstep crime. The criminals concerned are known to out a clear message that members of the seven days expire, unless written actively target and seek out vulnerable the rogue trader response team will act permission is provided by the members of the community. and use the legal powers at their householder. The Worcestershire Rogue Trader disposal. This cooling off period is designed to response team attends incidents in the When a contract is agreed in a allow the consumer breathing space county when it is believed a rogue consumers home a written and a chance to change their mind. trader is targeting local residents. cancellation notice must be provided If these cancellation rights are Apprehending criminals and detailing a seven-day cooling off ignored by the trader an offence will be disrupting their activities is the period. committed and the trader will not be objective of the team and acts as a If a cancellation notice is provided able to legally make you pay for any forceful deterrent to criminals, sending then a trader cannot start work until work provided.

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Worcestershire has developed an early warning system that alerts residents to rogue trader activity in the county. Information is passed through neighbourhood watch co-ordinators and parish councils so that residents can be on their guard. The number of recorded incidents involving doorstep crime in Worcestershire is low. This may be because the majority of victims are elderly or vulnerable people who are worried about reporting crime. Some people are also embarrassed that they have been conned or fear reprisals. It is vitally important that all incidents of this type are reported, however insignificant they may seem. If you think rogues are targeting your area then contact the regulatory services or the police. Regulatory services can also provide no cold calling cards which housholders can display on their door to deter cold callers. If you need tradesmen dont rely on door-to door-callers, always get further quotes and use the Worcestershire Trader Register, a register of local tradesmen.

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Only employ a professional S

OME of the jobs in our home are just too much for us and we dont have the proper understanding and knowledge of how to fix and repair them. Electricity is perhaps the most obvious and so too, is plumbing. No one wants to put their family and home in jeopardy just to save a money. We need to know when to step back and let someone else come in who is a skilled professional to do the job safely and someone who can be trusted to do the job properly, such as all those listed on the Worcestershire Trader Register. Dont ever do a job just because you think you can do it especially when it comes to the electricity in your home. Electricity can be very dangerous and its not worth taking the risk of being hurt or injured by doing a job that you are not sure how to do in the first place. Some people can manage to do simple work such as installing a light fixture. But even then, they have to be careful doing it and make sure that all of the wires are connected properly at the completion of the job. Whenever you need repairs or installations to the electrical components in your home it is best to hire a professional electrician to do the work for you. Dont ever try and do this kind of work yourself or have a friend or family member to do the work for you. Even though they may think that they can do the job, they are probably not a skilled professional

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EMPLOY A PROFESSIONAL: The best place togo if you are looking to find someone to carry out work is the Trader Register at worcestershire. gov.uk/trader register.
electrician and could still get hurt if it is not done properly. If you do any small jobs in your home it is good to have a skilled professional come out and inspect the work for any mistakes you might have made and ensure everything works properly. If you are handy at doing small electric jobs you have to watch out because you can still overload a circuit without knowing it, just by adding new light fixtures. And if you add a new light fixture or wall outlet this will just aggravate the problem making it worse than before. This could cause you to damage the new fixture or even an appliance and in worse cases this could start a fire in your home.

A professional electrician is trained to understand and look at the your whole electrical layout.He will know exactly what you will need and how to do the job. Its the same with any other job about the house that requires a skilled tradesman plumbing, roofing, bricklaying, painting and decorating, plastering... Whatever the job, big or small, the golden rule is to head to the Trader Register, always employ a professional and always be on your guard against scam calls. Worcestershire Regulatory Services says it cant emphasis enough for householders to be on their guard against potential telephone scammers, not to be taken in by cold callers at the door and to log on to its website to find a local and reliable trader whos committed to offering good customer service. Unfortunately, criminals target people right across the county all-year around in a bid to part them from their hard-earned cash. Usually phone callers use a false story to try and get those on the other end of the line to give out personal and banking details to access accounts. The simple message is to never give out this information because genuine organisations do not operate in this manner. The best place to head to if you are looking to find someone to carry out work is the Trader Register at worcestershire.gov.uk/traderregister.

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Why bother to DIY when you can call in an expert?

ORCESTERSHIRES Regulatory Services are encouraging people in to take advantage of the successful Trader Register this autumn in order to find their nearest traders. The free online directory of local businesses at worcestershire.gov.uk/traderregister which has gone from strength-tostrength over the past 18 months has been accepted and recommended as a member the Local Authority Assured Trader Scheme run by the Office of Fair Trading. Worcestershires Trader Register now boasts hundreds of members

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offering a range of services. The numbers of consumers using the database has also soared from an average of about 100 a month to more than 500. Anyone considering home improvements can use the register to find their nearest traders by simply entering their postcode and choosing from the extensive list of trades on offer which include builders, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, tree surgeons and many more. Steve Jorden, head of Worcestershire Regulatory Services, said: The Trader Register scheme has grown bigger and better this year. Its fantastic news for everyone involved that its received this national

USE IT: The Trader Register is the best way of finding reputable workmen.
recognition. The directory exists to help both consumers and traders living and working in the county. Anyone wanting work on their property using the database is assured that the local businesses listed have made a commitment to honest and reliable work practices. Id encourage anyone interested to log on and join the thousands of people whove already taken advantage of this free scheme so far this year. For more information about finding a trader, or to start the process to register your specialised business, simply visit worcestershire.gov.uk/ traderregister or telephone 01905 765394.

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Oh so many trades are covered by the register

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time. Using the Trader Register should help to provide you with piece of mind knowing that by using it you have taken steps to ensure that you get value for money, honesty and good quality workmanship from the person you employ. Any Worcestershire-based business offering similar services to the ones listed here and are interested in being included on the register should get in touch and the trading standards team will be happy to assist. Aerial/digital installers. Air conditioning. Bathroom installers. Block paving. Bricklayers. Builders. Carpenters and joiners. Carpet fitters. Central heating. Cleansing services. Conservatories.

HE Trader Register lists about 50 different trades from aerial installers to waste removal experts and new trades are being added all the

YOU CHOOSE: Selecting the right man for the job is east with the Trader Register.
Damp proofing. Disabled adaptations. Domestic appliance repairs and servicing. Doors installation and maintenance. Double glazing and replacement windows. Drainage clearance and repairs. Driveway contractors. Electric garage doors and gates. Electricians. Extensions for houses. Fascias, gutters and offits. Fencing. Fitted furniture. Flood drainage restoration. Flooring. Gardeners. Gas fitters. Glaziers. Handyman. Home Iinstallation. Home security Kitchen installers Locksmiths. Loft conversions Painter and decorators Pest control. Plasterers. Plumbers. Property repairs and maintenance. Roofer. Scaffolding. Solar installer. Stained glass. Tarmac. Tiler. Tree surgeons. Waste removal/recycling. Visit worcestershire.gov.uk/ trader register to find a relevant trader near to you. Alternatively call 01905 765394 (Worcestershire Hub open Monday to Friday 8am-8pm and on Saturday 9am-5pm, excluding bank and public holidays). Also e-mail: trading standards@worcestershire. gov.uk.

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