Blog>Trade>What the new standards for home improvement mean for you
Last updated: 27 March 2025
What the new standards for home improvement mean for you
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is introducing new guidelines which all trader recommendation platforms (TRPs) must follow from April 2025 onwards. It's in the interests of consumer protection - and here's what it means for trades.
Changes are coming – here’s what you need to know
With more homeowners than ever turning to trusted platforms like ours, the spotlight is firmly on quality, transparency, and trust. That’s why the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) – in the interests of consumer protection is introducing new guidelines which all trader recommendation platforms (TRPs) must follow from April 2025 onwards.
What the CMA guidelines mean for you
The CMA wants to make sure all platforms play fair and keep consumer trust front and centre. The guidelines are designed to ensure that TRPs:
Avoid making misleading claims about how trades are vetted and monitored
Vet and manage trades properly – and act when things go wrong
Offer clear, accessible complaints processes
Present reviews honestly and take steps to remove fake ones
Checkatrade’s always backed raising the bar
Since launching in 1998, Checkatrade has stood for quality and trust. Our mission has always been to keep rogue trades out and support skilled professionals like you. We support these CMA standards.
We know trust is what wins you work, and we’re here to help you stand out for all the right reasons.
What we're doing to stay ahead
To help keep us the most trusted name in the game, we’re making a few key updates:
Our terms and conditions are being refreshed to align with the CMA’s latest guidance
We’re being crystal clear on your responsibilities when it comes to subcontractors and employees
We’re tightening our rules around brand misuse and how we tackle it
And we’re doubling down on transparency and compliance to make sure you can keep doing what you do best – delivering quality work
You can check out our updated T&Cs here.
Let’s keep the conversation going
You may have already heard from our team about what this means for you. If you’ve got any questions, big or small, just give us a shout. We’re here to support you through every step.
Thanks for keeping standards high
Your hard work helps keep Checkatrade the go-to platform for consumers who want the job done right. So, thanks for standing with us as we lead the way in raising standards across the industry.
Let’s build better – together.