Latest Buy with Confidence Members Receive Certificates
Published on:
08
January 2013
The latest group of local traders to become members of the Buy With Confidence scheme have been presented with their certificates.
Stirling and Clackmannanshire's Trading Standards Service and Clackmannanshire Council's Housing Services have joined this national scheme in response to concerns about 'rogue traders'. The scheme provides consumers with a list of local businesses which have given their commitment to trading fairly. Membership is not awarded lightly, every business listed has undergone a series of detailed checks before being approved as a member of the scheme.
In order to become a Buy With Confidence member, a business must first apply to join the scheme and must then pass a set of tailored background checks.
The latest local traders to pass these stringent tests have been presented with their certificates by Enterprise and Environment Convenor Councillor Donald Balsillie.
The Buy with Confidence scheme was launched in 1999 and is now the largest scheme of its kind nationally and continues to expand its geographical coverage.
Buy With Confidence is run through the co-operation of a number of Trading Standards Services. It is considered that Trading Standards has the right expertise and motivation to offer a scheme which offers genuine benefits consumers and businesses.
Councillor Balsillie said: "Only when all the scheme requirements are met, is a business granted membership. Their conduct continues to be monitored thereafter. Whilst it cannot be promised that Buy With Confidence members work will be perfect every time, it can be expected that any problems are dealt with fairly by the business, and consumers can turn to Trading Standards for advice in the event of an unresolved issue."
Seven traders were invited to the event and Councillor Balsillie awarded certificates to the six local traders who were able to attend:
- Dollar Design Services
- Kilgannon Motors Ltd.
- Kilgannon Motors Car Sales Ltd.
- Smart Specs
- Smith Landscapes of Stirling
- Tartan Trader Ltd.
John McFarlane & Son, a painter and decorating firm, joined Buy With Confidence but were unable to attend the presentation.
Councillor Balsillie was keen to promote the use by local consumers of local traders who had been able to demonstrate to Trading Standards that they traded fairly and met the high standards set by Buy With Confidence. He also emphasised that the scheme would enable local consumers to have the confidence to commission repair work and improve their home.
Councillor Balsillie encouraged local consumers to use traders who appear on the Buy With Confidence list instead of relying upon traders who cold call.