Trader Information

What is it?

The County Durham Registered Trader Scheme is designed to encourage and promote fair-trading in home repair businesses across the region. Businesses who are members of the scheme, are put on a list of reputable traders. This will be promoted and accessible via a wide variety of partners throughout the county. Applicants will go through a series of checks and vetting procedures to ensure they are reputable and dependable. Members will also agree to abide by the Code Of Practice of the scheme.

Why should I join the County Durham Registered Trader Scheme?

• Beneficial publicity for your business.
• Independent recognition of your business standards.
• Proof of membership by Registered Trader Scheme certificate for display.
• A Registered Trader Scheme window sticker to show you are a member.
• Use of scheme logo on your company documentation, advertisements and other promotional material.
• Your business held on the Registered Trader Scheme list which will be widely available across the county.
• A place on the Registered Trader Scheme website which will include a link to your company website should you have one.
• An improved relationship with the Trading Standards Service based on co-operation instead of enforcement.
• Free advice on legislation and information relevant to your trade.
• Increased consumer confidence which will lead to fewer complaints.
• A mediation service should there be any disputes with customers.
• The Trading Standards Service can offer you and your employees relevant training seminars to assist you with legal compliance in your business.

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What is the vetting procedure?

The vetting procedure consists of a number of stringent checks to make sure businesses are suitable for the scheme. These will include:

• Trading Standard Service's own database of enquiries.
• County Court Judgements.
• Disclosure Scotland Check
• A Companies House check.
• Membership of any trade associations or other professional bodies.
• References from previous customers and a trade reference.
• Consumer Credit Licence where applicable.
• Checks on your business documentation to make sure it complies with the law.

Who is running it?

Durham County Council Trading Standards Service will run the scheme, in conjunction with the County’s Community Safety team, the Police and other agencies in the voluntary, public and private sector.

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Limitations of the Scheme

Please see our Disclaimer for limitations of the scheme.

What will it cost?

Membership costs £150 per year. Annual renewal is £90. All fees to be reviewed annually.

Appeals Procedure

Applicants refused entry onto the scheme will be charged for any payment incurred by checks already made. If membership is revoked after joining the scheme, the fee paid is non-refundable. Reasons for refusal or revocation of membership will be given in writing. Any appeal against the decision must be made in writing to the Head of Service of Trading Standards Service within 14 days of the decision to refuse or revoke membership. The scheme also reserves the right to cancel a trader’s membership at any time if the business is not abiding by the principles or commitments of the scheme.

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How to Join

Once you have read the Code Of Practice, contact:

Registered Trader Scheme
Durham Trading Standards Service
Annexe Building
County Hall
Durham
DH1 5UB

We will send you an information and application pack out for you to complete and return.

Alternatively you can register your interest at Registered Traders Scheme and we will send an application pack out to you.

You can download Adobe Acrobat Reader from the Adobe web site.

Registered Trader Scheme - Application Form.pdf (3 pages, 44kb)

Registered Trader Scheme - Application Form.doc (3 pages, 60kb)