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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 fuelled 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.”

Checkatrade helps combat the UK's rogue trader problem by continuously vetting and monitoring local traders such as builders, plumbers and electricians. The idea was born in 1998 after a tornado hit the small West Sussex town of Selsey. Traders poured in from as far away as Liverpool and Manchester. Unfortunately, some ripped off the inhabitants of the town. Local businessman, Kevin Byrne, realised there was nowhere to check out the traders’ credentials and the company that became Checkatrade was formed.

Since then, Checkatrade has grown to include nearly 2,000 genuine trade members and, via the Royal Mail, distributes 4 million directories into communities throughout Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Dorset and Berkshire, while the website includes traders from across the UK. In 2007, the company saw a turnover of £1.2 million - an increase of 50% on 2006. After its humble beginnings in a shed, Checkatrade – still based in Selsey - now employs around 40 staff.

In 2007, Checkatrade was nominated for a ‘Sussex Enterprise Business of the Year Award’ and currently sponsors ‘The Rip Off Files’ on Wave 105 FM. They also sponsored the 2007 SpiritFM ‘Local Hero Awards’ and Bright FM's ‘Community Christmas Awards’.