Trading Standards Safe Traders

Trading Standards Checked is Kent County Council's (KCC) safe traders scheme for businesses in the home improvement sector. Together with Kent Police and our members, we aim to prevent financial abuse, stop doorstep criminals and protect residents, especially the vulnerable, from criminal and rogue traders.

Trading Standards Checked carries out thorough checks on traders and is the only scheme vetted by Kent Trading Standards.

Enhanced by Kent Police

The Trading Standards Checked scheme is further enhanced by Kent Police who carry out criminal record checks as part of the validation of trader applications when required. This is done under the Kent and Medway Data Sharing Agreement.

This gives you additional peace of mind when choosing a Trading Standards Checked trader to do work in your home.

260+ Checked and vetted traders
£7,500 is the average loss by Kent residents to doorstep criminals
2,500 Website searches from residents for safe traders per month
42% of Kent residents likely to be targeted by criminals

Why choose a Trading Standards Checked trader?

With our vetting checks, you can feel confident when you invite a Trading Standards Checked trader into your home. We have access to information and systems that no other scheme in Kent has.

Our checks are further enhanced as Kent Police carries out criminal record checks as part of the validation of trader applications when required.

Our staff are professionals; highly trained, experienced and able to draw on a range of skills developed by supporting Kent County Council Trading Standards in its work. Wherever you see the Kent Trading Standards Checked logo you can be sure that you will be dealing with a reliable, safe trader who is proud to display their logo and provide a service that is compliant with UK legislation.

Reviews

Reviews are particularly important in the home improvement trade for several reasons:

Building Trust: It is important that your customers feel able to trust your business and the person who is going into their home.

Digital Word-of-Mouth: While traditional word-of-mouth is still very valuable, online reviews are now essential in this digital era. Customers researching online before making a decision to spend money has become the norm. Detailed and honest customer reviews can answer questions and address concerns before they make contact with the business.

Set the business apart: Reviews can be a powerful tool to help understand a businesses' commitment to customer satisfaction and adherence to quality standards.

What if things go wrong?

If things go wrong you can seek advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service. Kent County Council Trading Standards monitors complaints on all members of the scheme.

Contact Citizens Advice

0808 223 1133

Are you a trader?

Set your business apart and give your customers confidence when they invite you into their home.