Why become a member of The Guild of Master Craftsmen?

The Guild of Master Craftsmen promotes skilled tradespeople. Our article outlines the benefits of joining and how to get on board.

Membership of a trade association is a sign you can expect quality work from a business. You can also expect them to be highly professional and trustworthy. Many customers look for it when choosing a tradesperson.

Trade association membership also helps to reduce the risk of people using rogue traders. It does this by ensuring only the most reputable businesses are promoted and endorsed.

The problem of poor workmanship can blight the reputation of all tradespeople. So, it’s in the interests of professional tradespeople to consider joining a trade association.

Checkatrade and other trade associations work very hard to ensure high levels of quality in their members are maintained.

As well as providing assurance to your customers, trade association memberships offer many other benefits.

What is The Guild of Master Craftsmen?

The Guild of Master Craftsmen is a trade association that has supported tradespeople for over 40 years.

The tradition of craftsmen guilds dates back to medieval Europe when groups of skilled workers came together. Their aim was to support their members’ interests.

From blacksmiths to builders, electricians to furniture restorers, The Guild helps its members to grow their businesses by increasing public awareness of their craftsmanship.

Today, The Guild represents more than 500 different trades. Its members provide modern-day and traditional skills that include:

• Blacksmiths

• Bricklayers

• Builders

• Cabinet makers

• Carpenters

• Electricians

• Flooring professionals

• French polishers

• Furniture restorers

• Ice sculptors

• Interior designers

• Kilt makers

• Landscape designers

• Masons

• Paving contractors

• Plasterers

• Plumbers

• Quilt designers

• Sash window makers

• Stoneworkers

• Thatchers

• Upholsterers

• Artisans from every field of craft and arts

Benefits of being a member

Membership of The Guild of Master Craftsmen brings a range of benefits for craft and tradespeople. These help to build a business’ work and reputation.

Members of The Guild are allowed to put its logo alongside their business name. The logo can be displayed on vehicles, websites, advertising materials and stationery.

The Guild protects the use of its logo. In a recent case, a business in Scotland was fined £2,000 for misuse of the Guild emblem.

Membership benefits

Some of the key benefits of being a member of The Guild include:

• Recognition as an expert in your field

• Promotion of the Guild nationally and locally

• Free expert business advice to help you win more work

• Membership card and letter of introduction to reassure customers

Business advice

Members are able to call on The Guild for different types of business-related help and advice. This includes:

• A business review

• Sales and marketing mentoring

• A conciliation service for members and their customers

• Credit management and debt recovery services

• Credit vetting of customers

• Health and safety advice

• A standard ‘minor works’ contract template that could be useful on projects worth up to £50,000

• A terms and conditions template to use with customers

Cost savings

Membership offers a range of discounts on products and services. These include:

• Tradepoint and B&Q discounts

• Moneypenny pocket phone system

• Paya card acceptance service discount

• Vehicle purchase discounts with a number of leading manufacturers

Another benefit of trade association membership is that the cost is tax deductible as a business expense from a tradesperson’s profits.

The Guild of Master Craftsmen publications include its annual magazine for members.

How do you join The Guild of Master Craftsmen?

The Guild of Master Craftsmen brings together tradespeople who demonstrate skill and professionalism in their trade. It conducts a thorough assessment of tradespeople before accepting them as members.

An experienced assessor visits the tradesperson’s workplace as part of the application process. They look at all aspects of their business, including:

• High quality of workmanship

• Continual commitment to customer care

Applicants also have to provide good-quality references from previous customers.

What is the membership cost?

The cost of membership to The Guild of Master Craftsmen varies depending on the number of employees in the business.

Members aren’t reassessed each year, but The Guild closely monitors their activity. This ensures members continue to deliver high-quality standards to their customers.

Tradespeople can find out more about membership costs when they apply.

How can people find The Guild of Master Craftsmen members?

The starting place for people to find Guild members is its online directory of local craftspeople.

People can search by trade, postcode and name. The member listings include images of their work and customer reviews.

FAQs

What is The Guild of Master Craftsmen?

It is a trade association that promotes a wide range of skilled and professional trade businesses.

What are the benefits of belonging to The Guild of Master Craftsmen?

As well as promoting its members’ businesses, The Guild offers advice, a conciliation service and discounts on various products and services.

What is the cost of joining The Guild of Master Craftsmen?

Membership costs vary depending on how many employees a business has. Apply today to find out the exact price for your trade business.

How can people find a member of The Guild of Master Craftsmen?

The best place to look is The Guild's online directory of members.