EAST LOTHIAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEWS


ISSUE 13 : : SUMMER 2012


TRUSTED TRADERS SCHEME LAUNCHES TO BUSINESSES experience in their field.


Businesses in East Lothian are being invited to sign-up to a new scheme that will help them to market their company and distinguish themselves


from rogue traders.


If The East Lothian Trusted Trader scheme is run by East Lothian Council’s Trading Standards. The scheme was launched to businesses at an event at Musselburgh Racecourse attended by a number of local companies. Similar schemes are already operating in other local authority areas including Dundee, Angus and Renfrewshire.


Member companies will be listed on a dedicated Trusted Trader website which allows customers to leave reviews – good and bad – of the company and their experiences. This means members of the public searching for a trader can find recommendations of businesses that are reliable and trustworthy with


e-Buzz


Following feedback about the Buzz magazine from our readers we will be trialling electronic only versions of the Winter and Spring issues. To make sure that you receive your electronic version, take a minute to double check your details on the council’s Business Directory which can be found here: http://bit.ly/ELCBizDir Changes can be made by emailing: economicdevelopment@eastlothian.gov.uk


Businesses signing-up to the scheme all agree to trade fairly and sign-up to a Code of Practice. The Code covers complaint resolution processes, transparent procedures for quoting for and carrying out work, and staff training. In return, companies can use Trusted Trader logos and materials in their own marketing, benefit from all year- round promotion at events, through the directory and on the Trusted Trader website www.eastlothian.gov.uk/trustedtrader


East Lothian’s Trading Standards Manager Tony McAuley said: “We are delighted to support this initiative which helps consumers make a more informed choice when choosing a trader to carry out work for them. We expect that the scheme will provide reassurance for consumers that the trader they choose to do business with have public liability


insurance, can prove their qualifications and membership of trade associations. They can also be able see previous reviews of those that have used the trader.”


“Customers are more likely to trust word of mouth recommendations when choosing a trader to do business with. The Trusted Trader Scheme provides a more formal setting for this decision, and gives firms the chance to distinguish themselves from rogue traders.”


The scheme will be administered by East Lothian Council. Online


reviews will be checked to ensure they are submitted by genuine customers and traders will have the opportunity to respond to negative feedback before it is published.


Businesses that want to find out more about becoming a Trusted Trader can contact East Lothian Council Trading Standards on 01620 827365 or apply online at www.eastlothian.gov.uk/trustedtrader


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