Confidence schemes prove they are more than just a logo

It’s more than just a logo – that is the message from the hundreds of businesses and care providers who have signed up to East Sussex Trading Standards schemes.

More than 500 businesses and service providers have signed up to the Buy With Confidence and Support With Confidence schemes, with more applying all the time.

Some of the newest members were officially welcomed to the schemes at a ceremony in March.

People looking for anything from a plumber to someone to walk their dog can find approved businesses using the Buy With Confidence, while Support With Confidence can point people in the direction of approved care and support providers and Personal Assistants.

“It is important for the public to understand the checks in place for these businesses and service providers, it is not just a case of including a logo on your company stationery,” said Rupert Clubb, Director of Economy, Transport and Environment.

“Both schemes have a robust vetting procedure in place to ensure anyone who joins either scheme is trustworthy and does not have a history of causing issues for their consumer or client.”

Checks include financial history, qualifications, a basic CRB for applicants that work in and around people’s homes, customer references and relevant insurance as well as compliance with legal standards.

There are currently around 400 members of the Buy With Confidence scheme, launched in 2004, and more than 110 providers approved for the Support With Confidence scheme.

Care and support providers and Personal Assistants interested in joining Support With Confidence can fill in an application form:

Businesses interested in joining Buy With Confidence can contact Trading Standards on 01323 463440 or email buywithconfidence@eastsussex.gov.uk.

Consumers looking for reliable businesses or wishing to have the new 2013-14 edition of the Buy & Support With Confidence directory can contact Trading Standards on 08454 040506 or email buywithconfidence@eastsussex.gov.uk.

Further information

Members joining the schemes in the last quarter

Buy With Confidence:

Battle: Top Coat Painters and Decorators

Berwick: Early Oak Reproductions Ltd

Bexhill: AJ Mobility, The Tidy Tree Company

Eastbourne: PEN Construction Ltd, The Best of Eastbourne, Wealden & Eastbourne Lifeline

Hailsham: AJ Mobility, Oasis Window and Doors Showroom

Hastings: BMG Builders, Hastings Van Centre, Parkwood Construction

Newhaven: David Foster Associates

Ninfield: Foxhills Tree Services Ltd

Polegate: Clearwell Mobility Ltd

Seaford: Clearwell Mobility Ltd

St Leonards: Dashwood Design, Ghyllside Healthcare, In Touch Survey, Design and Management Service

Support With Confidence:

Bexhill: Astral Decorating Company, Barry Janes, Penny Hawkins ITPD, Share and Care

Crowborough: Homelife Care Ltd

Eastbourne: CAYPS Ltd, Chores and Paws, Homesmaid, Housemartins Support Services, Lushington Chiropractic, Misgana Berhane, Steven Young, Susan Lahache Coaching, Wealden & Eastbourne Lifeline

Hailsham: Jean Hedges, Paul Rees, The Build Works Ltd

Hastings: Simply Holistic

Lewes: Sophie Larsen

Newhaven: Livability Lifestyle Choices South East

Polegate: Susan Smith-Taylor

Seaford: Nicola Fisher

St Leonards: Support From Debra