Trade "Associations" - UK Business Labs

**yourlocaltrades** · #1 (**permalink**) 05-10-2008, 10:43 AM

Is it about profit, or about consumer protection?

Do you think they have been "devalued" lately?

I speak to tradespeople daily, and alot of them seem to think they really are about profit, if you pay, your "professional", as anyone with the £££ can join.

What do you think? how do you perceive someone rgistered with an association to someone who isn't?

**NikkiPilkington** · #2 (**permalink**) 05-10-2008, 01:14 PM

I think it depends on the association to be honest.

For example, I would hire a Gas fitter who wasn't Corgi registered, but whether or not my decorator is a member of Fab Decorators R Us probably wouldn't bother me.

I'd prefer to see tradespeople say "I am a member of XYZ association and this helps you BECAUSE...." then give me a list of reason why being a member of that association is a good thing.

**yourlocaltrades** · #3 (**permalink**) 05-10-2008, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NikkiPilkington

I think it depends on the association to be honest.

For example, I would hire a Gas fitter who wasn't Corgi registered.

??????????????????????????????????????????????

It is ILLEGAL to trade without the corgi!!!!!!!!

If you willingly use one who isn't, this could not only result in possible death dur to workmanship, but a hefty fine for you!!

**NikkiPilkington** · #4 (**permalink**) 05-10-2008, 04:37 PM

I meant I wouldn't - pesky wireless keboard and low batteries

I don't live in the UK so I don't hire Corgi registerered gas fitters anyway, but just to clarify, I meant I wouldn't hire a non registered person for that kind of thing but wouldn't care for other things.

phoneforbusiness · #5 (**permalink**) 05-10-2008, 05:32 PM

Having made contact with a lot of different Industry and Trades associations in the past year - 18 months, the diversity in their attitudes, fortunes, standing, and availability is pretty staggering.

Some are thoroughly professional and run like businesses, always looking out for ways in which they can provide new services and/or opportunities whilst remaining open minded about events outside their direct industry. Others are insular to the point of being like exclusive clubs. Some don't even answer the phone on a regular basis making you wonder if they're just a bunch of part timers.

Plush · #6 (**permalink**) 05-10-2008, 09:00 PM

I'm a member of the PDA (Painting and Decorating Association) and there has been some discussion on the message board about "what does it actually DO for us?" Us being small one man or so concerns, as some take the view that it seems to be the association is really for the big boys when representing the Painting trade to government etc.
On the positive side I think the Association really does care about the future of skilled trades and is keen to promote high standards and professionalism amongst tradesmen and apprentices. On the other hand, I think the leadership reflects the age of a lot of the members who are older (I don't mean decrepit!), because the skilled trades find it so difficult to recruit young people. So its all a bit un-dynamic. I suppose they would argue that I should take a more active role in it but I am a long way from most of the action (?!).(and I'm not that young meself!)
As for whether it promotes my business to the customer, well, most haven't heard of it, but I suppose it shows I'm more willing than the average tosher.

streetslocal · #7 (**permalink**) 07-01-2009, 01:28 PM

I think it is quite diffucult to determine what TA are actually Bona fide as there seems to be so many where you can pay a small fee and your a member.

Before you know it there will be a trade associations,trade association

We at Streets Local business directory are soon to be working with the trade associations in that all there members will get a discount with us and they will be able to display membership and check the registration is legit on our website.

I would not however choose a tradesmen on being in a trades association on its own merits i would look at the tradesmens reviews along with checking refrences etc.

**yourlocaltrades** · #8 (**permalink**) 07-01-2009, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by streetslocal

We at Streets Local business directory are soon to be working with the trade associations in that all there members will get a discount with us and they will be able to display membership and check the registration is legit on our website.

Trades people can freely advertise and use the logo of the trade association in question when advertising.
Corgi have a great site, easily used and if you have a Corgi member, they should be using the Corgi registration number they get, which helps to check them up on the Corgi site.

Checkatrade IS NOT an association, which most people dont understand either!
I dont allow this on my site, no mention whatsoever, as it is unofficial, basically it was started in order to cash in on the destruction caused 10 years ago by the weather and cowboys coming in and doing nothin but take peoples money, so they done the same-from tradespeople!

One of yourlocaltrades new Home Improvement Planner members has already stated that after £*** expenditure, he received nothing and gained nothing in any shape or form from this site, so the point of it is???? (MONEY!!)

**OldWelshGuy** · #9 (**permalink**) 08-01-2009, 09:10 PM

Corgi have also lost the contract to do what they do. As from April 1st this year, they will no longer exist!
The new compani running it will be CAPITA, YES THATS RIGHT, the ones who's boss got caught bunging labour a million, the company that screwed up the Individual learning accounts and the CRB checking system for education etc.

YES THEM

**yourlocaltrades** · #10 (**permalink**) 09-01-2009, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldWelshGuy

Corgi have also lost the contract to do what they do. As from April 1st this year, they will no longer exist!
The new compani running it will be CAPITA, YES THATS RIGHT, the ones who's boss got caught bunging labour a million, the company that screwed up the Individual learning accounts and the CRB checking system for education etc.

YES THEM

Do you have any links for me to read on this? not that i don't believe you-just AMAZED!! plus if it is true i can put it up on my forum and site!!
Cheers!

**Emma** · #11 (**permalink**) 09-01-2009, 09:28 PM

Remember you heard it here first!

**OldWelshGuy** · #12 (**permalink**) 09-01-2009, 09:49 PM

No probs.

HSE announces preferred bidder for new gas registration scheme

Trades 4 Work · #13 (**permalink**) 15-02-2009, 08:15 PM

if your looking for accredited tradesmen couriers and other trades were launching a website this week called trades4work com
its free to post jobs as soon as you post a job ie, boiler needs changing in leeds etc, the site will send texts to all plumbers in yorkshire then they contact you directly,

**Mark** · #14 (**permalink**) 15-02-2009, 08:30 PM

Welcome aboard but here isn't really the place for an ad. Please take a look at the welcome message for some tips.

Why not post an introduction to yourself and what your business is all about?

.

Trades 4 Work · #15 (**permalink**) 15-02-2009, 08:56 PM

Sorry i was'nt sure if i was allowed to to that

With so many members asking about tradesmen, its always better to get a proper tradesman because if your house blows up or burns down & you got a cowboy, or someone you know who can do the job because he works for a reputable firm but has none of his own credentials. Then you've got no comebacks. your stuck..