23 August 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
New Directory Fights the Rogue Traders
Expanding into Berkshire
SUMMARY
Published in The Advertiser (Newbury) 23 Aug 2011
PRESS RELEASE
A company that helps combat the problem of rogue traders in the UK has recently expanded into Berkshire.
Since 1998 Checkatrade has been helping members of the public avoid rogue traders by providing a free directory of more than 6000 vetted tradesmen and service providers across the UK.
The company's move into Berkshire follows a recent month-long campaign by the Office of Fair Trading aimed at reducing the number of people scammed by rogue traders, which has been described by one Newbury resident as a "tsunami of crime" affecting eldery people in West Berkshire."
The founder and managing director of Checkatrade, Kevin Byrne said: Every year over a million UK homeowners have to spend money fixing work carried out by tradesmen without the correct qualifications or training.
"The scourge of rogue traders and cowboy builders is very worrying for many people, especially the elderly and other vulnerable groups, so we're delighted to bring the service to Berkshire."
Trades are currently being invited to register for approval to join the directory, while customers can access the member directory online to find a reliable, genuine tradesman or service provider locally.
Visit www.checkatrade.com
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
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 over 6,300 genuine trade members, growing by an average 120 new members every month, and, via the Royal Mail, distributes 5.9 million directories a year into communities throughout Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Dorset and Berkshire, while the website includes traders from across the UK.
CONTACT INFORMATION
PR / Marketing, Checkatrade
5 - 6 Sherrington Mews, Ellis Square, Selsey, West Sussex, PO20 0FJ
Tel: 01243 601234
Fax: 01243 601246
info@checkatrade.com
