[woodman]

I took an interesting call from trading standards today, apparantly some one had checked on my advertising and enquired if I actually belonged to the organisations that I say I do.

There was some confusion over the NCCA membership which was sorted (eventually :).The other organisations were all checked as well,all this with out my knowledge.

The guy from trading standards was very informative and explained a lot of problems they have with bogus carpet cleaners and they are stepping up efforts to track down dodgy cleaners.I told him how furious we get when we take the time & trouble to get properly insured,trained and accredited,not to mention the money it costs only for Harry & Billy splash & dash to come along and give us all a bad name with no come back.

He told me about the Trading Standards Approved Contractors list as apparantly NO carpet cleaners are on it and he is not sure if we can join : I will let you know if we, as carpet cleaners are eligible.

I must give a thumbs up to the NCCA for being on the ball over miss- use of the NCCA badge/logo and fully endorse any action they see fit for its un-official use.Even if, as in my case a mistake was made.

[Derek]

Thanks Trevor

The NCCA do try very hard (John Claydon our Vice President and Trading Standards Director in particular)

I will get John to check out the approved contractors list

Cheers
Derek

[woodman]

Hi Derek

I contacted Trading Stanadards this morning and they invited me to apply where upon they will review my application.

They did say that could see no reason why suitably qualified CC should not apply as we are a service business which carry out work within domestic properties, the very people they are trying to protect.

Only certain areas of the country have an approved scheme though, which is strange you would think they would want it nationwide.

I have sent the application form and will wait and see what happens.

[Gavin Reardon]

My local Trading Standards dont do this down in Cardiff what a shame 

[Neil Gott]

Trading Standards in Hampshire and Southampton run schemes called "Buy with Confidence". Main criteria for membership are:

Clean Criminal Record Bureau disclosure
No CCJs
Five referees
A customer complaints procedure
Satisfactory interview and visit to premises
Membership of a trade organisation