Why we work with Checkatrade

Company details

Web: www.checkatrade.com

Telephone number: 0333 014 6190

Email: contact@checkatrade.com

I have worked with Checkatrade for some years now as they have been very supportive of our educational initiatives, not just with checklists, but also a regular blog, all of which has helped me spread the word on how to choose a tradesperson and carry out property projects.

In addition I used Checkatrade to find a fantastic local builder who has built a wall and fencing for me and is doing more work on the house. They didn’t just do a good job but were great fun to have a around, very caring about making sure things were done sympathetically to match my 200 year old home.

In reality the day of the ‘cowboy’ builder or tradespeople should be over, if only people used recommended trades who have been carefully rated.

What do they do

Checkatrade has been connecting consumers with recommended, vetted and monitored tradespeople since it was created in 1998 by Kevin Byrne to rid the UK of rogue traders. It is a completely free service for consumers and gives them the background information they need to make a confident decision when allowing people into their home.

Its trades and services have not only been vetted to high standards by verifying their insurance, qualifications and professional memberships but Checkatrade also monitors their work on an on-going basis by collecting feedback directly from their customers.

Checkatrade was the first business in its sector to partner with Trading Standards and currently has nine partnerships in place.

From the beginning

Checkatrade was formed by Kevin Byrne after seeing how rogue traders were taking advantage of stricken householders whose homes had been damaged by a tornado which swept through the West Sussex town of Selsey in 1998.

To make it easier for people to sort out the genuine tradespeople from the cowboys, Kevin started Checkatrade, a free information service based on reputation. The business grew by word of mouth and now hundreds of new tradespeople are interviewed to join each month.

How much does it cost?

Consumers can search for reputable tradespeople in their area free of charge.

Awards

• Sussex Business Awards 2011 – Entrepreneur of the Year

• Payroll Giving 2012 – Platinum Award

• Best Business Awards 2012 – Best Customer Focus

• 2013 National Payroll Giving Excellence Awards – Best SME Campaign

• Payroll Giving 2013 – Platinum Award

• Sussex Business Awards 2013 – Sussex Company of the Year

• The Sunday Times – Top 100 Best Small Companies to Work For 2014

• Gatwick Diamond Business Awards 2014 – Business of the Year

• Queen’s Award for Enterprise and Innovation 2014

• Sussex Business Awards 2014 – Greatest Contribution to Sussex Charity

• 2015 National Payroll Giving Excellence Awards – Most Innovative Campaign (Small Employer)

• Sussex Business Awards 2015 – Healthiest Workplace Award

• South East Dealmakers Awards 2015 – Entrepreneur of the Year

• Institute of Directors London and the South East 2015 – Director of the Year (Medium Company)

• The Sunday Times – Top 100 Best Small Companies to Work For 2015

• 2016 National Payroll Giving Excellence Awards – Most Sustained Scheme (Small Employer)

• 2016 National Payroll Giving Excellence Awards – Most Innovative Campaign (Small Employer)

Top three tips

1. Approach at least three traders to get quotes for the work you require doing.

2. Make sure your trader can provide you with an up-to-date copy of their Public Liability Insurance and all the necessary accreditations.

3. Make sure you have a written agreement of what work will take place and how much you have agreed to pay for the labour, materials and any other costs.