Before you hire a tradesman/company it’s wise to be sure they are reputable, established and reliable. One way to do this is to check whether they are registered with the relevant trade association/organisation.
You can also verify most of them on various review and comparison websites.
We’ve put together a list of resources for various trades, where you can check the credentials of firms or individual you plan to hire.
Note: We do not claim to have covered every trade or resource possible in this list, nor can it’s accuracy be 100% assured. It is updated on a regular basis, but Dentons can’t be held responsible for any errors or ommissions.
Aerial Installers
The CAI is the UK’s representative trade association for businesses across the whole spectrum of delivering video, audio and data around the home and commercial properties. Formed in 1978 the Confederation represents installers, manufacturers, distributors & broadcast operators engaged in networking signals to all types of properties.
Applicants for membership have to undergo an assessment to check they can achieve compliance to the CAI’s codes of practice & conduct which are recognised by broadcasters and government as best practice.
Contact details:
Communications House, 41a Market Street, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0PN
Email: office@cai.org.uk
Tel: 01923 803030
Air Conditioning
ACRIB provides a central forum for all sectors and interests which fall within or are served by the air conditioning and refrigeration industry.
Its member organisations represent manufacturers, distributors, contractors, consulting engineers, specifiers, end users, training providers, researchers and others with a direct interest in the environmentally friendly and cost-effective provision and use of refrigeration, air conditioning and mechanical ventilation equipment.
Contact details:
Kelvin House, 76 Mill Lane Carshalton Surrey SM5 2JR
Online Contact Form
ARC is a nationwide organisation of selected air conditioning and refrigeration contractors who are privately owned and funded and whose primary aim is to provide good quality service.
ARC aims to maintain the very highest standards in design, installation and after-sales service and is also active in promoting energy conservation and maximum plant efficiency.
Contact Details:
Online Contact Form
Blinds, Awnings & Curtains
The BBSA is the national trade association for the shading industry in the UK, representing member companies that supply, install and manufacture blinds, grilles, shutters, and awnings. The BBSA promotes high service standards throughout the industry.
Contact Details:
PO Box 232, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 9AR
Tel: 01449 780 444
Email: info@bbsa.org.uk
Builders
The FMB trade association was formed in 1941 to protect the interests of small to medium-sized building companies, help builders run better businesses, and advise the public on how to choose a builder. Members are listed on the FMB website.
The FMB also has a complaints procedure in place to deal with disputes with FMB members. It holds frequent industry workshops, conferences and exhibitions and the highly reputed Master Builder of the Year Awards.
Contact Details:
David Croft House, 25 Ely Place, London, EC1N 6TD
Tel: 020 7025 2900
Email: reception@fmb.org.uk
The Chartered Institute of Building is an international, influential body which accredits construction professionals and managers across the full range of building work. Members are known as “Chartered Builders”. Construction companies employing a large proportion of chartered builders are given Chartered Building Company status and must abide by the Code of Professional Conduct.
Contact details:
1 Arlington Square, Downshire Way, Bracknell, RG12 1WA
Tel: +44 (0)1344 630 700
Email: reception@ciob.org.uk
The Guild was formed in 1992 with the aim of bringing together a Guild of reputable firms and individuals actively involved in the building industry, who are “experienced, knowledgeable and trade with integrity”.
The Guild also follows up complaints regarding members through an established complaints procedure and can expel a member who conducts business improperly or dishonourably or in a way prejudicial to the interests of the Guild members or the building industry in general.
Contact details:
Crest House, 102-104 Church Road, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 8PY
Tel: 020 8977 1105
E-Mail: info@buildersguild.co.uk
The NHBC is an independent organisation that protects homeowners and keeps a register of the builders of new houses. The organisation runs the Buildmark scheme which provides cover for homes built by NHBC registered builders for ten years. The scheme covers things like defects which might arise or protection for the buyer if the builder goes bankrupt.
Contact details:
NHBC House, Davy Avenue, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, MK5 8FP
Tel: 0844 633 1000
Email: cssupport@nhbc.co.uk
Trustmark is a government supported scheme that involves consumer groups and the building industry, aimed at helping homeowners find reputable tradesmen and companies to carry out repair, maintenance and improvement work for homes or gardens. TrustMark registered tradespeople are thoroughly checked for competence, their trading record and creditworthiness.
Contact details:
TrustMark House, 5 Prisma Park, Berrington Way, Basingstoke, RG24 8GT
Tel: 0333 555 1234 (operating 24/7)
Email: info@trustmark.org.uk
Chimney Sweeps
The National Association of Chimney Sweeps (NACS) formed in 1982 as a professional Trade Association, promoting high standards for the sweeping, inspection and maintenance of chimneys.
With over 600 Members, the NACS is recommended by all major fuel organisations, including the Solid Fuel Association, HETAS (Heating Equipment Testing & Approval Scheme), and OFTEC (Oil Firing Technical Association).
NACS Members work strictly to the NACS Code of Practice © 1982 and Code of Conduct for the cleaning of chimneys. On completion of work, NACS Sweeps issue a Certificate of Chimney Sweeping and recommend when future cleaning is necessary.
Contact Details:
Units 14-15 Emerald Way, Stone Business Park, Stone, Staffordshire, ST15 0SR.
Tel: 01785 811732
Online Contact Form
Car Body Repairs
The VBRA is the UK’s leading body for the Vehicle Bodybuilding and Vehicle Body Repair Industry. The Association sets and monitors its members’ industry operating standards to ensure that customers who choose to use a VBRA member will have confidence and assurance of high standards of service and repairs.
VBRA members are required to comply with current legislative and environmental requirements together with the VBRA Consumer Code of Practice. If a customer is dissatisfied the VBRA Consumer Code has a system of Conciliation and Arbitration to employ.
Contact Details:
1 Howley Park Business Village, Pullan Way, Morley, Leeds, LS27 0BZ
Tel: 0113 253 8333
Carpenters and Joiners
The British Woodworking Federation is the trade association for the woodworking and joinery manufacturing industry in the UK. Its members are drawn from manufacturers, distributors and installers of timber doors, windows, conservatories, staircases, all forms of architectural joinery including shopfitting, timber frame buildings and engineered timber components, as well as suppliers to the industry.
All members are committed to the BWF Code of Conduct, dedicated to a high level of quality and professionalism. The standard set by the Code of Conduct was developed in consultation with the members themselves to reflect the requirements of legislation and acknowledged best practice. An assessment team made up of industry professionals undertakes regular visits to BWF members to determine whether they meet the Code, and to suggest what needs to be done to achieve the standard if they do not.
Contact Details:
The Building Centre, 26 Store Street, London, WC1E 7BT
Tel: 844 209 2610
Email: http://www.bwf.org.uk/
Cleaners
The Federation of Master Cleaners is a trade association formed to promote high standards throughout the domestic and commercial cleaning industry in the UK. By becoming a member of the Federation cleaners send out a clear message to clients that they are trustworthy and take their business very seriously.
The Federation of Master Cleaners protects not only its members but also consumers, by way of ensuring cleaners are vetted and committed to providing a professional service.
Contact Details:
Forum House Business Centre, Stirling Road, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 7DN
Tel: 0845 519 5852
Email: info@fmcleaners.co.uk
Drainage and Sewers
The National Association of Drainage Contractors is a central representative body for the drainage industry which provides training and promotes certified and accredited drainage professionals.
Contact Details:
Applegrove, Intwood Lane, Swardeston, Norwich, NR14 8EA
Tel: 07956 187339
Email: info@nadc.org.uk
Electricians
Registered Members of the ECA undergo regular, rigorous technical assessments to ensure they carry out safe work, up to recognised electrical industry standards and practice across a variety of disciplines.
ECA Registered Members’ electrical work is covered under the ECA Guarantee of Work Scheme, assuring consumers that their work is of a satisfactory standard. This guarantee is the highest level of accountability and protection provided by anybody representing electrical installers.
Contact Details:
Lincoln House, 137-143 Hammersmith Road, London, W14 0QL
Tel: 020 7313 4800
Email: marketing@eca.co.uk
Landscape Gardeners
The Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) comprises accredited landscape companies who design, build and maintain gardens throughout the UK. The rigorous inspection process to join is the toughest within the industry. Along with the initial inspection, each member is inspected annually to ensure each member has up to date insurances, complies with health and safety law and their quality of work is to the highest possible. The APL is the only landscaping scheme operator of Trustmark; a Government endorsed initiative that promotes professional trades to consumers.
Contact details:
19 High Street, Theale, Berkshire. RG7 5AH
Tel: 0118 9303132
Email: apl@the-hta.org.uk
Painters and Decorators
As the UK’s largest trade and employers’ association for contractors in the painting and decorating industry, the PDA has members across the length and breadth of the country and has been committed to encouraging best practice across the industry since 1894.
The member organisations within the PDA vary from sole-traders to large national contractors. Members adhere to the PDA code of practice which demonstrates their commitment to professional, quality workmanship and fair practice. The Association offers an arbitration reconciliation service to give peace of mind to both members and their customers.
Contact Details:
32 Coton Road, Nuneaton Warwickshire CV11 5TW
Tel: 024 7635 3776
Email: info@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk
Pest Controllers
The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) is the leading UK trade association representing organisations with a professional interest in the eradication of public health pests. The BPCA is a not-for-profit organisation which promotes high standards of professionalism in the industry; members have to prove their competence before acceptance. The Association has several roles: it highlights the risks of inadequate control, offers guidance in what to look for when searching for a pest control contractor, provides general pest advice and guidance documentation, and advises consumers on how to select an appropriate pest control professional.
Contact Details:
4A Mallard Way, Pride Park, Derby, DE24 8GX
Tel: 01332 294288
Email: enquiry@bpca.org.uk
Plumbing and Heating contractors
Founded in 1906, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) is the professional body for the UK plumbing and heating industry.
Membership is made up of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds such as consultants, specifiers, designers, public health engineers, lecturers, trainers, trainees and practitioners. The CIPHE investigates complaints against its members according to a set procedure.
Contact Details:
64 Station Lane, Hornchurch, Essex RM12 6NB
Tel: 01708 472791
Email: info@ciphe.org.uk
The National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers (NAPIT) is a government-approved organisation which maintains a register of contractors in the electrical, plumbing, heating and ventilation sectors. The registered contractors have to work to industry technical standards which are assessed and monitored by NAPIT.
NAPIT operates an internal complaints procedure to resolve disputes over the technical standard of work carried out by a NAPIT member. If the contractor is found to be at fault, they will have to put the work right at no cost to you. If necessary, a NAPIT inspector may be sent to assess the work. If the contractor fails to put the work right, under its ‘Work Quality Guarantee Scheme’ NAPIT may appoint another contractor to carry out the work. You will not have to pay for the work to be done. NAPIT will not investigate if the complaint is about the cost of the work, or the time taken to complete it.
Contact details:
4th Floor, Mill 3, Pleasley Vale Business Park, Mansfield, Notts, NG19 8LR
Tel: 0345 543 0330
Email: info@napit.org.uk
Removals and Storage
The National Guild of Removers and Storers is concerned primarily with consumer protection. Its database of members has been recognised by consumer champions such as Which Magazine and its advisors have featured on the media regularly.
The Guild also pioneered a number of consumer protection “firsts”, one of which was the founding of The Removals Industry Ombudsman Scheme (RIOS).
Contact Details:
PO Box 690, Chesham, Bucks HP5 1WR
Tel: 01494 792279
Email: info@ngrs.co.uk
Return to Informational Guides Menu