Wirral Trader Scheme

Traders must demonstrate a commitment to trade fairly and honestly, and to deal effectively with any dissatisfaction expressed by their customers. They also have to meet minimum standards of quality set out in the ‘Code of Practice’. Applicants are checked out by Wirral Trading Standards with regard to any complaint history with Wirral and neighbouring Authorities, court proceedings and business practices. The range of service provision contained within the scheme is wide although not all businesses who apply to join the Scheme have been accepted.

2007 Wirral Trader Awards

The reception took place at Wallasey Town Hall to recognise the many businesses in Wirral who provide a high-quality service to their customers.

At the reception, the Mayor and the Chief Executive, Steve Maddox, presented the certificates to members of the Wirral Trader Scheme, who have consistently received positive feedback from their customers.

The Wirral Trader Scheme was set up by the Council’s Trading Standards Team in response to demand from local consumers to access reputable and reliable services near to home.

The traders who apply to join the scheme are vetted by Fair Trading Officers to establish whether they are suitable to be a member of the scheme. Traders are monitored to ensure they maintain and improve their service by continued discussion with them about their work.

At the start of 2006, the Scheme introduced a new feedback questionnaire to encourage the public to provide useful information about the services provided by traders they had used. These feedback forms have been continued to be used throughout 2007. There is also the facility to give feedback on the Trading Standards website at ftsviews.htm

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The winners are detailed below:

• Trader of the Year Award 2007:- Wholesale Windows at Wholesale Prices Ltd
• Joint Runner up:- D & R Services
• Joint Runner up:- Colin Jones Bathrooms

The following members received certificates in recognition of their service to consumers and their contribution to the Scheme:

• Martyn Baxter T/A STS Aerials
• Clive and Susan Marshall T/A Tax Assist Accountants
• Mr John McManus
• Village Motor Company
• MCA Security Services
• Bebington Glass and Glazing
• Wendywise Garden Services.

What’s in it for business?

• Partnership with Wirral Council Trading Standards Service.
• Consumer recognition of your commitments to high quality customer service.
• Consumer confidence that Members will provide or supply high quality goods or services.
• A better relationship with the Trading Standards Service based on co-operation rather than enforcement.
• Prompt and up-to-date information on new legislation.
• The benefit of access to an alternative method of dispute resolution.

For details of how to join, click here

What’s in it for consumers?

• Access to a list of members of the Trader Scheme who satisfy the requirements of the Code of Practice.
• Confidence that Members will strive to offer quality goods and services.
• Confidence that Members will be committed to a high standard of customer care and after sales service.
• Members are committed to complying with both the spirit and letter of civil and criminal law and with the Trader Scheme Code of Practice.
• Confidence that Members operate an effective complaints resolution process.

Trading Standards Division, 3rd Floor, Wallasey Town Hall, Brighton Street, Wallasey, Wirral CH44 8ED
Telephone: 08454 04 05 06    Fax: (0151) 691 8098
Internet World Wide Web http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/wirral/
Electronic Mail: tradingstandards@wirral.gov.uk