Kent County Council is teaming up with Checkatrade.com in a bid to protect the county’s 1.5m residents from rogue traders and support legitimate businesses.
To launch the partnership brand ambassador, Craig Phillips, will join Linda Barker to host a special launch event on Thursday 27th November at Wyvern School in Ashford. A school for special needs/vulnerable children, Checkatrade will also be sharing their latest initiative to support the Young Consumer of the Year Competition, investing in young people to protect the next generation against rogue traders.
Famous for their participation in ITV’s 60 Minute Makeover and other shows, Linda and Craig will be taking part in an ‘upcycling’ challenge on the day, where they will work their magic on some old furniture and this will be given back to a local charity shop and sold on. Linda and Craig will also offer practical advice and top tips on a range of home makeover and DIY topics, answer questions and chat with visitors.
Craig said: “I’m thrilled to be an ambassador for Checkatrade at such an exciting time. This new partnership with Trading Standards highlights the fantastic work they do and I’m looking forward to sharing this at the launch on Thursday”.
KCC Trading Standards and Checkatrade.com are inviting local tradespeople to join its website directory, which gets over 105,000 hits every month from people in Kent looking for a reputable trader. New trade signups will receive benefits such as dedicated Checkatrade.com support, Kent County Council ‘Trading Standards Approved’ status and free vehicle signwriting.
Checkatrade.com MD Kevin Byrne, Bryan Sweetland KCC Cabinet Member for Commercial and Traded Services and Acting Superintendent Lee Russell will also be at the launch event to talk about the partnership’s benefits, both for tradespeople and homeowners living in the area.
Bryan Sweetland said: "We are delighted to enter into partnership with Checkatrade and are confident that by working together we are offering consumers the best protection from rogue traders and supporting legitimate and hardworking businesses".