Rogue plumber cons pensioner!

Police have renewed appeals for elderly people to beware of rogue traders after an 88-year-old pensioner was conned on her doorstep.
 

A man posing as a plumber visited the woman at her home in Mansfield Road, Coley, at 10am yesterday 1st December, claiming a water main had burst down the road and that he needed to check the stopcock in the outside toilet.
 

She left her front door ajar while she accompanied the man round to the back of the house to look at the toilet, but after he had left, she noticed her handbag - containing cash, keys, credit cards and glasses - had disappeared from her bedroom.
 

The conman is aged 35-40, not very tall, has brown hair, is clean shaven and wore a dark overcoat.
 

Detective Sergeant David Turton said: "Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area on Wednesday morning is asked to come forward.
 

"This man may also have been working with an accomplice."
 

Call 101 or Crime stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Plumbers

Birmingham couple win £70,000 after suing "Cowboy Builder"

An Angry Birmingham couple have been awarded almost £70,000 in damages and costs after successfully suing a “cowboy builder” who botched work on their house so badly it could even put their lives at risk.
 

Kate Theophilus and her partner Stephen Playfor hired Neil Hancox to extend their semi-detached house in Haunch Lane, Kings Heath, after a friend recommended the builder.
 

The couple paid Hancox – owner of NDH Construction in Tipton Street, Dudley – £50,000 for the work, including a ground floor and second floor extension and a new garage.
 

But instead of transforming the property into their dream home, Hancox turned it into a house from hell – eventually taking all the cash but leaving the job unfinished and leaving behind a catalogue of almost 50 building defects that could have cost the family their lives.
 

His Honour Judge David Grant, sitting at the Technology and Construction Court at Birmingham Civil Justice Centre last week, ruled that Hancox pay the couple £43,925 in damages and £29,419 in legal costs for his blunders, as well as the “nuisance, inconvenience and distress” they suffered at his hands. Hancox failed to attend the hearing.
 

The court heard how work began in December 2008, but alarm bells began ringing within a few months when the family returned home one day to find the kitchen flooded, with water pouring through the spotlights and electrics after the flat roof above it had not been properly covered.
 

The property was flooded time and time again during the following seven weeks. Kitchen units were damaged beyond repair, and the burglar alarm was hanging off the wall with water dripping off live wires, said nurse Kate, aged 37, who has two daughters Amy, nine, and Lucy, six, with partner Stephen, a 44-year-old doctor.
 

But the crunch came when one day a concrete lintel supporting part of the ceiling “dropped out”, crashing through the first floor into the kitchen below, smashing the fridge and the electrics unit.
 

“I was in bed when I heard this almighty bang, it sounded like a bomb going off,” said Kate. “I was horrified. 

Thank goodness nobody was in the kitchen when it happened because they could have been killed.”
 

The family was forced to stay in a hotel but the stress was taking its toll, with one of Kate’s daughters suffering a fit.
 

“I remember sitting in the hotel bathroom after my daughter had recovered from the fit and just crying my eyes out,” said Kate.
 

She said even though Hancox had replaced damaged kitchen units, the boiler and burglar alarm, the work was still not finished and by January last year communication had broken down.
 

“We went to his house, sent him texts, even tried him on Facebook to beg him to finish the work but we were getting nowhere,” said Kate.
 

Feeling they had no other option, the couple decided to sue Hancox.
 

An independent survey of Hancox’s work by chartered surveyor Ian Fowler found a catalogue of 48 errors – including a major leak from the underground drainage system which was causing the left corner of the house to sink and the brickwork to crack.
 

The lintel that fell out had been placed on crumbling brickwork; the WC was so small the door could not be closed if someone was sitting on the toilet and the downstairs extension had not been built according to the approved plans.
 

Giving evidence, Mr Fowler said Hancox’s work was not of a standard expected of a “competent tradesperson”.
 

Now, three years on, the house is still not finished and the couple have had to pay new builders £36,000 to fix Hancox’s botched work.
 

Kate said: “The last three years have been a living hell.’’ She added that “Hancox is the definition of a cowboy builder and I hope people read our story and make sure they do their research when it comes to hiring tradespeople.”
 

“Nobody deserves to go through what we have.”
 

Stephen added: “I feel disappointed as both a man and a father that my family has had to cope with all of this.”
 

Please believe in the best. Check references from previous customers before you assign work.

www.checkatrade.com

Warning as rogue traders target elderly in Cambridgeshire!

Cambridgeshire residents have been warned about rogue traders who are knocking on doors and conning people out of as much as £7,000.
 

Cambridgeshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service has had reports that residents, specifically the elderly, have been called on by drainage contractors claiming to be working at a nearby property or business with blocked drains and claiming that the problems are coming from blockages in the resident’s drains.
 

The residents are then charged up to £7,000 for the repair. It is believed this is the work of rogue traders.
The approach is similar to a drainage scam that has emerged this week in London where people call on householders claiming to be neighbours and asking the householder to contribute to the cost of repairing a damaged drain.
 

In London the fraudsters are using A1 Drainage Solution to carry out the work, although now this has been publicised, they may use a contractor with a different name.
 

Trading Standards’ advice is that if you are approached by an individual claiming emergency drainage work needs to be done and asking for immediate payment, do not to hand over any money. Send them away and contact the police on 999.

Local Tradesmen

Rogue trader convicted!

 A rogue trader who conned an 80-year-old Melton man into having his driveway resurfaced has been sentenced after pleading guilty to fraud.
 

Qughie Doherty (21) received a 12 month suspended prison sentence, a three month night-time curfew and will be required to pay a total of £2,000 in compensation to his victim and to a company he stole Tarmac from.
 

Doherty, of Ceder Lodge, Radcliffe on Trent, was sentenced at Coventry Crown Court after pleading guilty to fraud in a case brought by Leicestershire County Council.
 

Doherty had cold-called the elderly Alzheimer’s sufferer last November and offered to resurface his drive for £502.
 

The rogue trader started the work immediately and when he was asked why he was only doing the edges of the drive told the victim it would cost £1,500 if he wanted the drive doing completely. This left the pensioner feeling he had no option but to agree to the work.
 

Thankfully, a care worker visiting the house was concerned about why a perfectly reasonable drive was being ripped up and the matter was reported to Leicestershire Trading Standards.
 

Officers and the police visited the victim’s home and Doherty was arrested. Doherty had already convinced the victim he needed his patio cleaning for a further £1,000, but Trading Standards officers stepped in before this was paid.
 

In mitigation, the court heard Doherty had no previous convictions, had done his best to do the job properly and there was no overt pressure placed on the victim.
 

David Bull, head of Leicestershire Trading Standards, said: “I am pleased the court has taken this case seriously and that Mr Doherty has to personally compensate those affected by his actions and he faces prison if he commits a similar offence.”

www.checkatrade.com

Rogue trader warning over Drummonds Drives from Halton Trading Standards!

Trading Standards in Halton and Warrington are warning residents about a rogue trader operating in the area.

In August, a trader named Drummonds Drives, handed out leaflets in the Widnes area.

The tradesman was offering driveway cleaning and resealing, as well as roofline cleaning.

The leaflet stated the traders address was 3 Victoria Buildings, High Street, Runcorn, which was misleading as no such business operates from that address.

Following a complaint from a resident, the trader is no longer responding to calls from the consumer and all attempts to make contact by Trading  Standards have also been unsuccessful.

For more information on Drummonds Drives or any other general advice please contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.

Warning after tree surgeons convicted!

A pair of rogue tree surgeons has been convicted of harassing a victim into paying for unauthorised work at his home in North Yorkshire.
 

Stenie Wilson and Frank Foy Lowther, both of Long Street, Thirsk, were found guilty yesterday at York Crown Court of two offences of engaging in aggressive trading practices.
 

The prosecution was brought by North Yorkshire County Council’s trading standards officers, and a warning has been issued that a tough stance will be adopted against any other rogue traders.
 

The council’s executive member for trading standards, Coun Chris Metcalfe, said: “These are not the acts of genuine traders and these aggressive and intimidating trading practices will not be tolerated in North Yorkshire.”
 

The court heard Lowther and Wilson knocked at the door of a Scarborough resident in November last year, offering to provide a written quote for gardening work.
 

The man, who had just finished a night shift, agreed and closed the door to return to sleep.
 

When he heard a noise like a chainsaw several minutes later, he got up to investigate to find the two men in his rear garden chopping down trees.
 

Despite not having the work authorised, Lowther insisted they should be paid £1,800. The two men went with the victim to the bank, where he withdrew £750. They then told him they would return for the rest of the money.
 

The victim reported the matter to North Yorkshire Police officers, who then informed the council’s trading standards department.
 

Three days later, the traders returned to the property, and while the victim did not answer the door, he went to report the matter again to the police. As he returned to his car, the victim was once again approached by the rogue traders. He then reported the men to the police for a third time.
Both men were ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work, and each was ordered to pay £375 compensation to the victim.

Local Tradesmen

Give ‘rogues’ the cold shoulder!

Rogue traders who cold call vulnerable residents and scam their way to thousands of pounds are to get an icy reception, warn police and trading standards watchdogs.
 

Officers have teamed up as part of a national campaign to tackle rogue traders, and are urging neighbours to turn away cold callers who offer work such as gardening, roofing and resurfacing. They have been out on patrol stopping workmen and checking their activities.
 

Watchdogs warn the work is often unnecessary, done to a poor standard and substantially overpriced.
Insp Derek Riley said: “This has been a successful operation, and we hope it encourages people who have been victims of this kind of crime to come forward.”
 

Councillor Alison Bacon said: “It is important for Trading Standards and the police to do as much as possible to stop these criminals.”
 

Legitimate workmen stopped by the patrols were offered advice on joining St Helens’ Trading Standards Trader Register.

Local Tradesmen

'Heartless' workmen con Eastbourne Woman!

At about 2pm on Thursday 17 November a man called at the 69-year old woman's house in Tollgate Gardens asking if she would like the gutters cleaned. The tradesman was very persistent and eventually she agreed. The tradesman was joined by a second tradesman who looked in the loft. They then quoted £80 for the work to be done, which she paid this in cash.

They went outside apparently to do the work, but were seen to drive off hastily in a white panel van. The woman was not convinced the work had been completed as she was unable to see any ladders and local workmen saw the two tradesmen picking up mud and throwing it along the ground directly beneath the guttering. She later found that a further £100 cash had disappeared from a bedroom in the house.

Both tradesmen are described as white. The first worker was between 18-22, slim build, 5' 8 to 5' 10", with short dark hair and was wearing a black jacket and dark colored jogging bottoms.

The second tradesman had a round shaped face, was in his late 20s to early 30s. and of medium build. He had short dark hair and was wearing a dark trench coat and blue jeans.

A third man who may be involved was seen nearby but no description is available.

The white panel van is possibly a Peugeot model and had pale blue writing on one of the side panels
Detective Constable Annie Nash said: "This was a disgusting crime committed against a woman in her own home by two heartless thieves. If you were in the Tollgate Gardens area on Thursday afternoon and saw these men, their van or you have any other information which may help, please contact us on 101 quoting serial 1056 of 18/11.

"Although this type of crime is infrequent, it serves as reminder to residents, especially the elderly, of the importance of keeping unannounced callers out of your property or parting with your money unless you are absolutely satisfied that they are who they say they are and that that they are there for a lawful purpose."

Rogue Traders Target Pensioner!

Rogue traders stole £900 from a home after offering to fix the owner’s guttering.

The pair of tradesmen turned up at the house in South Kilworth offering to carry out the work and asked the 67-year-old resident to hold a ladder on the pretense of one of them going up to have a look.

While he was distracted, the other cowboy tradesman walked into the house and stole £900 from a bedroom.

The incident happened sometime between 10am and 11am on Tuesday, November 8.

Now police are appealing for anyone else in the area visited by traders offering to carry out guttering or cladding work, to contact them.

Anyone with information of rogue traders is urged to phone 101 and leave a message for PC Read, badge number 4750.

What is Checkatrade?

When you need work doing around your home, finding reputable tradesmen can be difficult. Can you really trust them? Checkatrade is a free service that gives you the background information you need to make a confident decision.
 

We offer you a directory of trades and services that have been vetted to our high standards, for example by verifying their insurance, qualifications and professional memberships. Not only that, but we also monitor their work on an ongoing basis by collecting feedback directly from their customers.
 

Since 1998 we have collected 519,136 customer reports which give you the facts about the strengths and weaknesses of our listed companies. You know what you are getting. Recommendation, reputation, and a standard you can trust.

Rogue plumber's £700 bill!!

A rogue plumber charged more than £700 for a boiler job which should have taken two minutes, a court heard.
 
But Paul Forse, 39, had no idea he was being watched as part of a sting operation to catch cowboy tradesmen.
 

He was called out to a house to examine a faulty boiler and told the 'householder' - an undercover Trading Standards worker - he needed to fit a new circuit board.
 

He said the piece would cost about £215, which took his total bill for the work to £719.59, and set off apparently to buy a new circuit board.
 

But when he returned, he simply reinstalled the same piece. It had been marked with a unique scratch which meant it could be identified.
 

Buckinghamshire Trading Standards set up a range of simple household faults to test whether tradesmen called out to fix them were being dishonest.
 

Experts had tampered with the boiler, making it break down by loosening a wire. Video evidence showed Forse examining the boiler and spotting the wire.
 

Judge Roger Connor, at Aylesbury Crown Court, said: 'He was observed to note the loose wire connection which would have solved the problem, then pretended to note a faulty circuit board and pretended to buy a new circuit board.'
 

Forse, of Ruislip, North-West London, was ordered to do 120 hours of community service and pay costs of £6,893.

Read company profiles and customer feedback for Plumers working in your area at www.checkatrade.com.

Rogue builder warning as elderly lady loses over £5,000!!

South Ayrshire Council is issuing a warning to householders in the local area, as they suspect a rogue building and roofing gang is operating in the area.
 

The warning comes after one consumer was intimidated into paying over £5,000 in cash for the repair of just a few loose slates on her roof.

The elderly Ayr consumer, who lives alone, says she was ‘cold-called’ by the gang’s front-man who claimed to be working on another house on the same street. He advised her that her roof had ‘a few slates loose,’ but they could fix it that same day.

No price was agreed, but after a few hours work, the trader demanded £2500 in cash to ‘pay his boys’. The consumer felt she had no option but to pay, but when she was later informed that further roof sealing work was required - she refused.

She alleges the roofers then returned when she was not home and carried out further repairs and maintenance - this time demanding another £2,700.

The workmen allegedly surrounded her in an intimidating manner, and she felt there was no option but to return to the bank to again pay in cash.

The case is now being investigated, but the council is warning people, especially the elderly or vulnerable, to be on the look-out for the rogue outfit.

Read company profiles and customer feedback for Builders working in your area at www.checkatrade.com.

Checkatrade Reveals Revamped Website to Combat Rogue Traders!

Checkatrade (http://www.checkatrade.com), one of the first ‘anti rogue trader’ websites to open for business in the UK, is celebrating its growth as a champion of informed consumer choices by launching a revamped website today.

Recently nominated for a ‘Sussex Enterprise Business of the Year Award’, the West Sussex based company protects consumers against rogue traders by making public reports received about its members (trade and service providers) – now numbering 1,660 across the British Isles. All member traders have agreed to be vetted, as well as agreeing to a code of ethics, and are continuously monitored for quality and service.

The new-look Checkatrade.com has an expanded set of features that helps traders and the public alike. Thanks to the upgrade, Checkatrade can automatically provide each of its members with their own website, free of charge. These micro sites will include all the information Checkatrade holds about the trader, such as previous customer comments and scores out of 10 across eight elements of workmanship and service. In the past, traders were charged for this facility.

Meanwhile, the home page clearly shows the current number of members and the number of feedback cards received from consumers reporting on members in the previous month. New member company names are displayed, as well as examples of recent public feedback.

Consumers can easily search for vetted and monitored traders in their area, based on the reports and scores published on the members’ profiles. Details of a trader’s qualifications, public liability insurance, experience and membership of trade organisations are also shown to help the consumer make an informed decision.

Furthermore, site users can view footage of Checkatrade’s Kevin Byrne explaining the system, as well as videos of selected Checkatrade members (none of which are posed by actors!). Additionally, the site features a report produced by ITV Meridian about Checkatrade in July 2006.

Kevin Byrne, founder and managing director of Checkatrade, says: “Just about every day, we hear and see reports of people being ripped off by rogue traders. The public’s obvious need for a resource to help combat this problem has fueled our expansion during the last few years.”

He adds: “Our previous website served us well when Checkatrade was a small company operating out of a shed at the bottom of my garden. Now, as we have grown into purpose-built office premises with a staff of 40, over 1,600 members and website hit rate of 45,000 unique visitors a month, we have recognised the need for a clearer, more informative site that will benefit the public and our members.”

Why the UK needs Checkatrade and how it Works!

www.checkatrade.com the consumers champion is fast becoming the No 1 free information site to use when looking for a tradesperson or service provider.

Taking the time to check out a company to a sole trader prior to employing them is extremely important.  Do they have the correct and up to date Public Liability Insurance, the right qualifications, where they are based, how much work they have carried out in and around your area, do they have a good history of customer satisfaction?

Checkatrade.com have checked and display all this information and more.  A few minutes spent at the beginning could save hours of heartache for you at the end.  So make sure you are not the victim of a rogue trader and visit Checkatrade.com.

Two members of Checkatrade.com - Safe Gas Plumbing and Mr Trax feature in the write up about Checkatrade.com.

One in six families in Scotland falls victim to cowboy builders!

SCOTS are among the biggest victims of cowboy traders, a new survey shows today.

More than one in six householders north of the Border has suffered from dodgy workers botching jobs over the past five years.

The damage caused has cost a total of £737 million a year to fix across Britain, with 6.2 million people being affected.


Plumbers were the greatest cause of complaint, followed by roofers and builders, electricians, and painters and decorators.

Those who have suffered have paid out an average of £2,077 over the last five years, along with nearly £600 for repairs or completing unfinished work.

The poll showed just one third had sought several quotes or received a written quote first.

It found 17 per cent of those polled in Scotland had been victims, compared to 13 per cent across Britain. Only Londoners fared worse, 20 per cent of whom had lost out.

The Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland warned people against agreeing to unsolicited offers.

Chairman Neil Coltart said: "When a tradesman appears at your door offering to replace the missing tiles on your roof or cutting back the trees in your garden, it may end up costing you more than you bargained for.

"Not all doorstep tradesmen are criminals but consumers should be on their guard when conducting business on their doorstep.

"Always ask for some form of identification from the trader, also get a quote and then compare their price with at least two other local businesses.

"Ask for a testimonial from other householders in the area."

Ben Tyte of Sainsbury's Home Insurance, which commissioned the survey, urged homeowners to use only reputable traders.

He said: "We're concerned so many homeowners have to rectify poor workmanship carried out by people they've employed in good faith to work in their homes. It's completely unacceptable the remedial costs are exceeding £700m."

Read company profiles and customer feedback for Builders working in your area at www.checkatrade.com.

Warning over Falkirk bogus builders!

Conmen took a 67-year-old Falkirk man to the bank to withdraw more than £1,000 for work on his house that was never even started, police have said.

Three bogus builders called at the house in Marchmont Avenue and persuaded the owner to have the work done.

Central Scotland Police said householders should not pay for jobs until they are complete, unless a contract has been signed.

The force has appealed for information about the trio.

One is described as being about 5ft 7in tall with short blond hair which was spiked into the centre. He was wearing a black top with multi-coloured logos or badges and blue jeans. The second man was described as being about 6ft and was wearing a dark hooded parka-style jacket. The third was said to have brown short hair and was about 5ft 8in tall.

The trio called at the house between 3 and 8 October.

A Central Scotland Police spokeswoman said: "One of the men even took the elderly man to the bank to withdraw money. We strongly urge householders to turn cold callers away.

"If you are needing work done to your house then get quotes from reputable tradesmen and don't rely on those who cold call.  Check out recommended, vetted and continuously monitored trades & service providers at www.checkatrade.com

"No reliable tradesman will take the customer to the bank to withdraw funds. Under no circumstances should payment be made until the job is completed - unless by prior arrangement when a contract has been signed."

The spokeswoman also said that by law there was a "cooling off period" after agreeing to work to allow people to change their mind.

Read company profiles and customer feedback for Builders working in your area at www.checkatrade.com.

Builder approval schemes provide reassurance!

A construction industry source has hailed the added reassurance offered to consumers by approval schemes, saying they give a real indication of which professionals are trusted tradesmen.

Chris Doogan, managing director of paving manufacturer Brett Landscaping, explained to the Builders Merchant Journal that high standards of service are a priority for all good firms, so the success of such initiatives should be applauded.

In his opinion, the reputation of the whole industry is damaged by tradesmen who carry out poor work and 'recommended' status can set these people apart from more skilled workers.

"Approved installer schemes, be it installers of gas boilers or driveways, are essential in improving and protecting the reputation of the construction industries," said Mr Doogan.

Better technical advice, support and craftsmanship are among the benefits people can expect to enjoy from hiring a recommended tradesman, he added.

As well as losing money, being the victim of a rogue builder can be a hugely upsetting experience, with entrepreneur Harvey Ellingham recently telling the This Is Local London that it recently happened to his parents.

He described how it was "devastating" for them to realise they had been conned out of £23,000 and stressed that there are new reports every day of people being duped in a variety of ways by untrustworthy tradesmen.

Read company profiles and customer feedback for Builders working in your area at www.checkatrade.com.

Positive times ahead for home market!

By 2013, the home and garden market will have fully recovered from the recession, according to research from Mintel.

This may mean that professionals from builders to gardeners experience a rise in business, sparking a positive turn of events for their respective industries.

Mintel's recent British Lifestyles 2011 report revealed that over the next year and a half, growth will continue within these sectors, DIYweek.net reported. Although there may be a slight dip in 2012, it seems spending levels on home and gardens will reflect those seen pre-recession by 2013.

Mintel prides itself on provide "comprehensive" research, Mintel.com revealed, so it is thought industry professionals will likely trust the predictions.

Furthermore, the home and garden industries will likely welcome the positive outlook; particularly given recent reports suggested things might get worse before they can get better, correlating with Mintel's findings.

Alexandra Richmond, a lifestyle analyst for Mintel, confirmed this, stating: "The cost of living is rising and we are changing the way we shop as a result. Half of us no longer [want] to pay full price for anything."

Despite this, if electricians, locksmiths and other professionals can hold out for just 18 months longer, then they will probably experienced increased profits. In order to achieve this however, they may have to put extra effort into retaining their existing customers - as Richmond added brand loyalty had effectively gone out the window during the recession.

Read company profiles and customer feedback for Builders working in your area at www.checkatrade.com.

Taxman offers tax amnesty to plumbers!

Chartered Institute of Taxation said that there was a risk that too many amnesties might be counter-productive.

Under the terms of HMRC scheme plumbers with undisclosed tax liabilities have until May to own up or face hefty penalties.

The taxman is to offer plumbers an opportunity to come clean on their tax affairs, outlining a tax "amnesty" for tradesmen.

HM Revenue & Customs today set out what it called the Plumbers Tax Safe Plan – a scheme whereby plumbers can admit to undeclared income and pay a lower penalty than would otherwise apply.

"This is the first step in enabling those with undisclosed income or gains to avoid a full tax investigation with much higher penalties. The message is clear: contact us before we contact you," said Mike Wells, HMRC's director of risk and intelligence.

A plumber who had been hiding income from the taxman would have to pay income tax on those earnings, national insurance contributions, interest going back six years and also a penalty under the scheme – but the penalty is likely to be 10% and a maximum of 20%, rather than the up to 100%, and threat of prosecution, which can apply. Plumbers have until 31 May to take advantage of the scheme.

VAT owed by plumbers will be dealt with "separately", Down said. A spokesman for HMRC said however that a VAT disclosure, while handled separately, would "be part of the PTSP disclosure".

Read company profiles and customer feedback for Plumbers working in your area at www.checkatrade.com.

Thieves targeting trademen's vehicles "at place of work"!

The Elmbridge Community Safety Partnership has warned that the theft of equipment from trade vehicles parked close to properties being renovated is a "growing problem" in the borough.

Thieves are now targeting tradesmen's vehicles in Elmbridge at their place of work, the borough's community safety partnership has warned.

The organisation described the theft of equipment from vehicles close to properties being renovated as a"growing problem".

The thefts, it added, are primarily taking place during daytime hours, while workers are busy inside the properties.

Elmbridge Community Safety Partnership manager Peter Kipps said: “Tradespeople have suffered from thefts from their vehicles for some time and many now remove items when parking vehicles overnight.

“The thieves are now changing their tactics and targeting them at the place of work.

“It’s fairly easy to spot premises under renovation and building sites and keep an eye out for when people such as electricians carpenters and plumbers are working.

“Police Community Support Officers are handing out warning flyers when on patrol and we have requested Check a Trader to issue reminders to their members.

“However, it’s not just the builders who live locally that this will effect so everyone who employs a tradesperson can do their part by at least reminding those people who are working for them that added security measures need to be considered.”

The community safety partnership has issued the following security advice for workers:

- Whenever possible, any tools required should be offloaded from vehicles and taken into the property rather than being left in the vehicle and taken out as and when required.

- Lock your vehicle and keep the keys with you whenever you leave it, even if only for a few minutes.

- Fit and use an alarm system.

- Security mark all your tools so they can be identified.

- Consider where and how you park your vehicle.

Reversing into a drive way will make the rear doors less accessible.

Parking alongside a wall, hedge or other vehicle will prevent access to a side of the vehicle and reduce the opportunity for a forced entry.

Read company profiles and customer feedback for Builders, Plumbers and Electricians working in your area at www.checkatrade.com.

Pensioner stung by scam builders !

A WIDDOWER who suffers from cancer has been left reeling by cowboy builders who scammed him out of £2,800.

And Charles Hilliard, 82, who lives in Ruffs Furze, Oakely, believes that it is pensioners that have been targeted by the unscrupulous firm.

He said: “I actually feel like I have done my neighbours a favour because I was able to tell them not to get any work done.

“We are all over 80 and we have all been approached so they are obviously looking us out.

“I have a daughter in her 50s who lives a few doors away, her guttering needs doing and they never bothered her.”

On September 30, men claiming to be from a company called J and B Building Services, attended Mr Hilliard’s property and told him that work needed to doing on his roof, but police claim that name of the company could be a front because there are many reputable companies registered under that name in the area.

Mr Hilliard, who is currently being treated for cancer and is disabled after a tumour was removed from his leg, said: “I was out in the garden and they pulled up in a multi-coloured transit van and one of the men called out of the window did I know that my chimney needed work.

“He got out of the van and came up to me and claimed that he would do it for a reasonable price.

“I was thinking straight because of all the worry regarding my health, he said he could clear all the guttering, downpipes and facias for £120 and I agreed.”

But when work began on the property the next day the gang claimed that more work needed to be done and the estimated price began to escalate.

Mr Hilliard said: “They helped me to climb up onto the roof and showed me a piece of it and said it was all loose.

“Then one of the pieces that I think they had loosened fell down and smashed on the patio.

“They’d opened up all the roof, if I said I didn’t want it doing they would have just left it or wouldn’t have put it back properly. They told me it was going to cost £4,200.”

Further alarm bells started to ring for Mr Hilliard when the workmen claimed that they could no accept a payment by cheque for £2,800 as the first instalment for the works.

He said: “He said that is how builders work, they wanted the full amount in cash but the bank would only let me draw out £2,800 which I gave to them.

“I had to go to hospital in the morning of the next day but before they arrived I got up on the step ladder to check the work and they hadn’t even touched the gutterings.

“I sat down and worked out the costings and I felt like such a fool, I had been paying them about £200 an hour.”

Mr Hilliard immediately rang the Office Of Fair Trading and the police who are investigating the incident.

A spokesman for Bedfordshire Police said: “We are investigating this, even though they had J and B on the side of the van it is a common name used by reputable builders and it is highly unlikely that this is their name.”

Read company profiles and customer feedback for Builders working in your area at www.checkatrade.com.

City West Housing Trust skills programme provides 140 jobs!

A scheme designed to break down barriers for Salford people interested in working in the construction industry has led to the creation of 140 jobs since its launch two years ago.

Operated by social housing landlord City West Housing Trust, the City West Works' Skills Programme is aimed at providing a “pathway to employment” for the long term unemployed, women and ethnic minorities.

Participants undergo a short training scheme with City West and are then helped to find permanent employment with a company in the construction sector.

 “To date, 31 per cent of the trainees are women, which is way above the national average of 10 per cent.

“The skills programme has provided the trainees with a renewed sense of self-worth, career aspirations and a positive attitude about what the future holds.

“The trainees are now working in a range of roles from plumbers and electricians to quantity surveyors and trainee tenant liaison officers.”

Read company profiles and customer feedback for Builders working in your area at www.checkatrade.com.

Army returns to finish eco village!

Twenty-six soldiers from Linton Military Camp have begun their three-month stint at Mistletoe Bay Eco Village to finish building the campground their predecessors started in 2006.

An advance group of nine soldiers arrived last week to start laying the foundations for the camp kitchen and conference room, while the rest arrived on Monday.

The group is made up of qualified builders, plumbers, and electricians, as well as chefs, and men from the signals unit.

They will build a new conference centre and camp kitchen area  including a science laboratory, shop, laundry and storage space  extend the ablutions block and add a disabled toilet to the existing kitchen.

Corporal Ricky Kernohan said they had been planning the project for five months, and enlisted the manpower from units based at Linton, south of Palmerston North. 

Read company profiles and customer feedback for Builders working in your area at www.checkatrade.com.

HSE campaign aims to fill in knowledge gaps!

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a new campaign targeting joiners, plumbers and electricians who are not aware of how to deal with asbestos.

Karen Clayton, a representative from the industry body, described how the key is to minimise the risk to workers, particularly younger tradesmen who may not be aware of the lethal effects of the substance, reported the Mirror.

She said: "We want to help tradesmen understand the life-saving fact that asbestos exposure is not just a historical problem. Our initiative is about tradesmen finding out exactly what they need to do to protect themselves by taking advantage of free training."

Ms Clayton pointed out that there is little that can be done for those who have already suffered from the effects of asbestos, but a series of free classroom-based training sessions should help prevent problems in the future.

The HSE training will be available in October and November, according to gazettelive.co.uk. Bob Stephenson, co-ordinator of the Northeast Asbestos and Support Awareness Group, told the publication the scheme must be given a high priority.

He noted that even short periods of exposure can lead to mesothelioma, which is the asbestos-related cancer that has claimed so many lives over the years. In the north east alone, 1,446 people died of the disease from 1998 to 2008.

Read company profiles and customer feedback for Builders, Plumbers and Electricians working in your area at www.checkatrade.com.

Business information portal for builders launched!

DIY chain Wickes has launched a new website to assist builders with the business-side of running their own company.

Noting that builders want to go into the trader to work with their hands - as opposed to sit indoors filling out forms all day - Wickes has launched its Wickes Trade Builder platform, to assist with the management and business side of owning a building firm.

Set up as part of a collaboration with the government's Business Link resource, the site aims to give the sector a boost; helping trusted tradesmen establish their business and distance themselves from any rogues working in the same area.

The site contains content written specifically for tradesmen relating directly to their business. It aims to cover everything from legal issues, hiring employees, taxation and the taking of of apprentices. It came about after research showed that as many as 35 per cent of builders claimed they could not find relevant business information pertaining to their sector, diyweek.net reports.

Speaking to buildersmerchantjournal.net of the new platform, Wickes' marketing director, Rob Murray, explained: "It's imperative that tradesmen understand how to protect and grow their business effectively, but our research has shown that many tradesmen don't know where to find this kind of advice easily.

"Wickes recognises that it has a responsibility to provide the essential information a tradesman needs to run a successful business, from tax return dates to managing money. This means that tradesmen get exactly what they need to know in just a couple of clicks."

Read company profiles and customer feedback for Builders working in your area at www.checkatrade.com.

Five million Britons 'suffering from oikodomophobia'!

London: It may sound a bit strange, but some five million men in Britain are suffering from oikodomophobia -- a fear of tradesmen, a new study has revealed.

Researchers have found that British men suffer symptoms such as sweaty palms, breathing difficulties and breaking into a cold sweat when negotiating work with builders, plumbers or electricians, the 'Daily Express' reported.

The men worst affected by oikodomophobia tend to be those who themselves work in advertising, recruitment and banking. More than 30 per cent of men admitted feeling intimidated and confused when speaking to tradespeople. The main reason is their lack of knowledge, particularly about technical terms and whether the price they were being quoted was fair

A third said their minds went blank when talking to tradesmen and that they felt nervous when dealing with them.

One in four men admitted to needing help with do-it-yourself projects, but many turned to friends rather than professionals, the study for 'thomson-local.com' found.

The researchers said these men suffer from oikodomophobia -- a term coined in 2006 from the ancient Greek oikodomo for building.

Jill Pringle, the company's marketing director, was quoted as saying, "As many as 25 per cent of men admit to not being able to change a light bulb properly."

Read company profiles and customer feedback for Builders, Plumbers and Electricians working in your area at www.checkatrade.com.

Builders want VAT reduced!

The government should reduce VAT to 5 per cent for energy- saving measures installed in homes and businesses under its flagship "green deal" scheme, it has been urged.

More than two dozen organisations, including the British Property Federation, have called for an across-the-board 5 per cent VAT rate for the green deal, instead of 20 per cent, which they say is needed to ensure take-up of the programme to reduce carbon emissions from buildings and cut fuel bills.

Read company profiles and customer feedback for Builder working in your area at www.checkatrade.com.

Tradesman fined for shoddy work!

A kitchen and bathroom fitter has been prosecuted for shoddy work.

Colin Jones of Newton-le-Willows, admitted an offense under the Companies Act when he appeared at St Helens Magistrates’ Court

The 58-year-old was prosecuted by St Helens Council Trading Standards officers following sub standard kitchen work at a house in Nutgrove.

Jones was fined £300 by a district judge, last Thursday, September 1, and ordered to pay £300 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

Cllr Alison Bacon, cabinet member for environmental protection, said: “When people have work done by tradesmen they have a right to expect it to be done competently, safely and to a reasonable standard."

www.checkatrade.com is a directory of recommended and trusted tradesmen who have been vetted and monitored and meet our standards of trading. 

Complaints against Tradesmen

We can only assist you with complaints about Checkatrade members.

In the rare event that you have been let down by a business that is a member of Checkatrade, please let us know. Either fill out a customer feedback card or phone our Trade Appraisal Line. We can send you a card if you have not already received one.

Where you are happy for us to contact the business involved, we raise any issues of concern directly with them. This gives them the right of reply and encourages any necessary reparation.

Usually the problem is one of communication or expectation, and it is in the interest of our trades and services to put things right. When the job is finished, your feedback is made public on our web site (your identity is not published). This monitoring system prevents things from going wrong in the vast majority of circumstances.

Further to this process you may also register a complaint with your local Trading Standards.

Should you feel it necessary to take a complaint further or resolve a serious dispute, we endorse the following advice from the Liverpool Environmental Health and Trading Standards Service:

Before you start keep these points in mind

1. Always keep copies of correspondence
2. Make sure you have a proper claim before you start complaining
3. Contact the trader you bought from or hired as soon as possible
4. It is always this trader who must sort out your problem
5. Always stay calm and be fair but be firm and stay determined
6. Tell the trader all the story not just the parts which help your claim
7. If your problem is still not solved it is only a court that can order the trader to do something
8. Courts should only be used as a last resort
9. You may have extra rights if you bought on credit
10. You have fewer rights if you buy from a person who is not a trader

Approaching the trader or workman at fault

Seeking redress...

1. For small items, bought locally, visit the trader. Take the goods and any proof of purchase with you.
2. If you cannot take the goods back to the shop, either visit, phone or write to the trader. If you visit, take your proof of purchase with you. It you write, briefly set out the problem and ask the trader to get in touch with you. Include a copy of your proof of purchase. Don't send originals.
3. Ask to speak to, or write to, the manager or owner. Explain your problem, keep calm but be firm. Make it clear whether you want a refund, a repair or compensation. Remember you may be entitled to a refund or repair plus compensation. You may still be entitled to a refund when a repair turns out to be unsatisfactory. Don't demand something you're not entitled to. Your problem may well be solved at this stage.
4. If there is doubt about your claim the shop may want to send the goods to their head office or to the manufacturer for examination. Let them do this as it may help sort things out, but ask how long it will take. The goods must came back in a reasonable length of time - say two weeks. If you feel you are entitled to a refund make it clear that the goods aren't to be repaired without your agreement.
5. For larger items or goods which have been fitted, you may ask or the trader may arrange far somebody to call out and examine the goods within a reasonable period of time, say seven to 14 days. It may be somebody from the shop, the manufacturer, the traders own service department or an independent expert. When they come, make a note of the person's name, where they are from and anything they may say about the problem.
6. If poor fitting caused the fault, contact the fitter - this may or may not be the trader who supplied the goods.
7. If the problem still remains you must write to the trader. If you know the head office address, send them a copy of your letter as well. Send your letter by Recorded Delivery. (You must go to the Post Office for this). Keep a copy of each letter.
8. If the trader replies and asks for more information, be as helpful as you can. This may help the trader solve your problem. If the trader asks for receipts or other documents send copies, not the originals. Keep a copy of any reply you send.
9. If you get no reply to your letter, send the trader a reminder with a copy of your first letter. Remember to keep a copy of both letters. Send your reminder letter by Recorded Delivery.
10. If the trader offers to do something, but not what you have asked for, you can either accept the offer or negotiate for a better offer. Be reasonable in what you are prepared to accept Sometimes it can be better to compromise. Only you can decide this. (Keep a copy of every letter you write).

What if your trader refuses to do anything?

If the trader doesn't reply to your letters, refuses to do anything, or makes a final offer you are not prepared to accept, you will have to think about going to Court. Only a Court can order a trader to sort out your problem. Most claims can be settled by an informal procedure in the County Court in England and Wales or Sheriff Court in Scotland. This does not need to involve a solicitor.

Going to court

If you decide to take the trader to Court you will have to prove what the original fault was and that it was not due to fair wear and tear or misuse since purchase.
Remember, court is a last resort. Before you consider going to court, think carefully. Ask yourself:

Will I be able to find the trader? - It is your job to find him/her.

Have I got evidence? - It is your job to prove your case.

Has the trader got money to pay what the Court may award?

It's not worth suing a person or limited company if they have gone bust. If you have lost money on faulty goods, don't waste more money on a case you cannot win.

Making a claim

To inform you of your chances of progressing a court case there are a number of options.
Information: You can access legal information via the Citizen's Advice Bureau.
Small Claims Court: These are courts set up to deal quickly with claims for small amounts of money. Small Claims Courts can be found in your local County or Sheriff Court.

Legal Aid

Are you entitled to money from a central fund to pursue your claim?
That depends on a number of factors including your income. Different organisations deal with different areas of Great Britain.
England and Wales: What used to be called the Legal Aid service in England and Wales is now run by The Community Legal Service. You can get advice under the scheme as well as representation. Visit their website, use their advice search or look through their directory. 

The benefits of Checkatrade membership

There are 4 main benefits of Checkatrade membership 

and many secondary benefits.

Whether you are a one man band or a larger company, your reputation is paramount to your business success, and gaining credibility and consumer confidence are probably the greatest tools to winning work.

The very base levelCheckatrade membership will give you the tools to convert more quotations into work. We have found that on average trades would win 5 out of 10 quotations. Often Checkatrade membership (used correctly) will increase this to 8 wins. An increase of over 50% in work and turnover.

All members receive a profile page on the main Checkatrade web site. With the facility to upload pictures of your work, your company logo, team photographs, what type of work you do and where.

Often we hear from members “I no longer have to advertise” and “I get far less time wasters when people have checked me out on your site first”.

Secondary benefits are:

• Checkatrade advertising
• Dedicated customer services
• Unlimited amounts of marketing materials
• Members area (take a guided tour below)
• Having your say on how Checkatrade develops
• Discounted services
• Trade chat forum

Take a guided tour below

How Checkatrade works for a trader???

Once you have joined and have successfully passed our vetting procedure (see below) you will need to start building your reputation with us. This is done quite simply by giving all your customers (and we don’t mind you going back to past ones) a Reputation Report Card for them to complete and send back to us.

At that point (usually about a month) members are able to proudly say to a potential customer that they are part of a scheme that is designed to isolate cowboys and only promote honest reliable trades. They give their customers a Reputation Report Card whilst saying, “Can I give this to you now? If you decide to use me, when I’ve finished the job could you please give me some scores and a comment and send it back to Checkatrade, then my next customer will know what you think about me and that’s really important to me”.

They can add, “I want you to know you will get the job done right first time so please visit the web site (www.checkatrade.com/MembersName) printed in the card or call the freephone number and they will give you an up-to-date appraisal of what all my previous customers have said about me.

This has real power in generating consumer confidence and will help massively in helping turn those quotations into confirmed jobs. - Read more about the benefits of membership.

Now you want to join, what happens after you contact us?

Trades and services who apply to join Checkatrade are first informed that they will be interviewed, vetted and then, via public feedback, continually monitored and that the results will be made public.

The interview takes place.

At a mutually convenient time we will visit you, preferably in your office or place of work.

The vetting takes place.

This is comprehensive but most of the work is undertaken by Checkatrade.

• Qualifications - We require proof that you are qualified to undertake your chosen profession.
• Insurance - We require proof that you hold Public Liability and combined insurance if you employ people.
• Utility Bills - We require 2 utility bills that show you live / work from the place you state you do.
• Identification - We require to see either your drivers license or passport.
• Tax reference code - We require proof that you are registered with HM Revenue & Customs for tax purposes.
• Trading Standards - We require you to sign a document that will permit us to talk to trading standards about you.
• Referees - We require 6 referees for us to write to: 4 customer, 2 trade/professional.
• Code of Ethics and Conduct - We require you to sign to agree to follow them.
• Credit Check - We will perform a Credit Check on you to check your financial history.

Substandard businesses do not get past this point. However genuine professionals have nothing to fear!

The monitoring takes place.

All members agree to give out personalised Reputation Reports to all their customers at the start of a job. Filled in by your customer and sent back directly to Checkatrade via freepost, your customer comments and scores will start to build your reputation.

The results are made public via our web site on your very own profile page. We notify our members when new feedback is received via email and text. All customer feedback is handled personally by Checkatrade. They are checked for authenticity by phoning back the customers, or verified automatically via email.

Aproximately 33% of all feedback is verified or spot checked by a member of staff.

The satisfaction takes place.

Read and view some of our members testimonals, they areall genuine and new ones are added regularly. This could be you in 3 months!

Checkatrade Standards Where you can trust

People trust Checkatrade because we are independent and impartial. We do not offer an opinion on tradesmen but the facts. We are transparent and fair in the way that we operate. Every trade or service that applies to join Checkatrade is rigorously vetted and the results are made available to the public. Businesses agree to be monitored by their customers and have the results published for all to see. Our information is comprehensive and does not discriminate between the good and the bad results. We have been developing our public information system since 1998 , making us the first point of call for consumers nationwide for years. Our dedication to tackling dishonesty among tradesmen allows only the best to join us. Our retention rate for member businesses is 97%.

We have listened to consumers and worked with tradesmen long enough to know what a fair standard is for quality work. From the outset we have been advised by local Trading Standards. With our Checkatrade Standard, consumers know what they can expect from the trades and services they use. And the trades themselves are proud to be known as high quality businesses who will meet those expectations.

The Checkatrade Standard

Reputation reports from real customers:

Excellent job done promptly and courteously. Would recommend for any electrical work.

Customer in Folkestone, 19 September 2011

Replacement of fascia board

Very good and would highly recommend.

Customer in Alton, 19 September 2011

Check banging noise          and replace pump

Reliable and efficient.

Customer in Bagshot, 19 September 2011

Our trades and services pledge to you, their customers, to:

	Be honest.
	Inform you of any call-out fees before attending the work.
	Be realistic regarding start dates and how long work will take.
	Return all phone messages you leave promptly.
	Keep all appointments booked and be on time. If unable to make original time or date, they will call you to let you know and reschedule where necessary.
	Let you know immediately if they are unable to carry out estimated work, referring you back to Checkatrade for assistance in finding another tradesperson.
	Be courteous and respectful to you, your property and your belongings.
	Keep you notified of all aspects of the work being undertaken.
	Advise you before commencing any works that generate further costs due to variation from the original contract.
	Create an additional contract for any variations to the original contract agreement, signed by both parties (you and the tradesperson).
	Never demand cash.
	Never be threatening, or verbally or physically abusive.
	Deal with any complaints promptly and professionally

Why Checkatrade Works???

The success of Checkatrade lies in the power of partnership.

Consumers want to find tradesmen on whom they can rely to do a good job. Our trades and services want the phone to be ringing with genuine customers who trust them from the start. Checkatrade brings the two together.

Years ago neighbours would recommend a local trader over the garden fence, and through word of mouth a reputation was built. These days it can be harder for the word to spread and the threat of rogue traders has increased. Checkatrade has brought word of mouth recommendation back for the twenty-first century using modern technology and the Internet.

We rely on consumers to give us feedback on our member trades and services. This information is presented here for all to see. We rely on our member businesses to maintain the Checkatrade standard, knowing that they will be publicly exposed if they do not. For our part, we continue to display honestly the results of consumer feedback and our vetting procedure.

This three-way partnership is a powerful combination to solve the problem of rogue traders across the UK.

Checkatrade History

Watch Checkatrade on ITV, 2 June 2006

Video courtesy of Meridian News

When a tornado damaged hundreds of Selsey buildings in 1998, cowboy operators travelled from all over the country to take advantage of the situation. Homeowners were deceived and there was no easy way for them to discern between genuine tradesmen and swindlers.

Local businessman Kevin Byrne discovered that little was being done to help the consumer, and that reliable information about the businesses was hard to find. He started Checkatrade, a free information service that runs on the basis of reputation. With all member businesses being recommended, vetted and monitored, the public were able to find the latest facts about trades and services in their area.

The system worked, and the service soon dealt with thousands of businesses. Trades and services were proud to be listed and shown to be trustworthy. What started as a local initiative is now an international service, improving the standard of work and delivering peace of mind.

A message from the founder

For too long cowboy tradesmen have been preying on consumers. Despite the good efforts of community organisations such as Age Concern, Citizens Advice Bureaux, Neighbourhood Watch and Trading Standards, the rogues are still out there.

We all prefer a recommendation from a friend or neighbour because we want to avoid the uncertainty involved in asking a stranger to come and work in our home. There are no guarantees of a good standard of work. There is no way to tell if you’re going to be ripped off. But failing a recommendation, what can we do? Anyone can advertise in the phone book or newspaper. The good and bad are listed together and it is left to chance what we will get.

That is where Checkatrade comes in. We separate the trustworthy from the dishonest with these simple principles:

• Rogues do not want to be vetted.
• Rogues do not want to be monitored.
• Rogues do not want the results of their work made public.

Our stringent vetting filters the cowboys out at the start. Monitoring keeps our members on their toes. Whether they are being scored one or ten out of ten, the information is publicly available here and via our free Trade Appraisal Line.

So we need your help. Inform us of the standard of workmanship of any trades or services you have used. If you continue to recommend and warn us about who is out there, I give my commitment to keep on publicising this information. Together we can remove the uncertainty, raise the standard, and cut the rogues out of trading.

Yours sincerely,

Kevin Byrne, CEO and founder