Understanding the Safe Trader Scheme

Safe Trader is a trading standards approved scheme that helps residents in Preston and South Ribble find reliable, vetted local traders for their home improvement and repair needs. The scheme provides peace of mind by connecting you with businesses that have been thoroughly checked and approved by your local trading standards service.

How Does Safe Trader Work?

The Safe Trader scheme operates by carefully vetting local businesses before they can join. This includes:

• Verification of business credentials and qualifications
• Checks on insurance and public liability cover
• Review of trading standards history
• Assessment of customer feedback and reviews
• Ongoing monitoring of performance and complaints

Benefits of Using Safe Trader

When you choose a Safe Trader approved business, you benefit from:

• Pre-vetted traders: All businesses have passed rigorous checks by trading standards
• Insurance protection: Traders must have appropriate insurance cover
• Quality assurance: Regular monitoring ensures maintained standards
• Complaint resolution: Support from trading standards if issues arise
• Peace of mind: Confidence that you're dealing with reputable businesses

Finding a Safe Trader

To find an approved Safe Trader in the Preston and South Ribble area, you can:

• Visit your local council's trading standards website
• Search the Safe Trader directory by trade type or location
• Request quotes from multiple Safe Trader approved businesses
• Check recent customer reviews and ratings

What Types of Traders are Available?

The Safe Trader scheme covers a wide range of trade services, including:

• Builders and general contractors
• Plumbers and heating engineers
• Electricians
• Roofers
• Decorators and painters
• Gardeners and landscapers
• Window and door installers
• And many more specialist trades

Consumer Protection

Using a Safe Trader approved business provides an additional layer of consumer protection. While no scheme can guarantee that things will never go wrong, Safe Trader ensures that you're dealing with businesses that have been properly vetted and are committed to maintaining high standards.

If you do experience problems with a Safe Trader approved business, the trading standards team can provide support and guidance on resolving the issue. Serious or repeated complaints may result in a business being removed from the scheme.

Why Choose Safe Trader?

Choosing a trader can be daunting, especially with so many rogue traders and scams targeting homeowners. The Safe Trader scheme takes the risk out of this decision by only approving businesses that meet strict criteria and maintain good trading standards.

Whether you need emergency repairs, routine maintenance, or a major home improvement project, starting your search with Safe Trader approved businesses gives you the confidence that you're making a safe choice.