The Certass competent person scheme has launched a free-to-search consumer advice and ‘find a trader’ website service, to help homeowners find certified, competent contractors to carry out their home improvements. Certifiedcompetent.co.uk already lists every Certass member company, as part of its growing digital support package for members.
Jason Clemmit, Certass’ managing director, said: “We added the ability to add company logos and business information to the Certass member listings a few years ago, when we launched our verified consumer ratings service. We now have tens of thousands of genuine consumer ratings, and we felt it had now reached the critical mass to launch a dedicated consumer website. It means that homeowners can search for their local, trusted certified trader who is not only highly recommended by genuine customers, but also independently certified to do the job right.”
Homeowners can use Certifiedcompetent.co.uk to get advice, information and inspiration about home improvements, as well as details of their local Certass installer. All homeowner leads will be sent direct to Certass members via their members area.
Jason added: “With Certifiedcompetent.co.uk, our aim is to professionalise consumer ratings. There are many ‘Find a Trader’ services advertised on TV and radio that are designed to provide the trader with business sales leads. But these schemes can cost into the hundreds of pounds per month. They don’t validate consumer ratings, and the providers don’t actually check the trader for work standards. We do both.
“Even better, a listing on the site is included at no additional cost to Certass members, providing extra leads for free! Each company listing includes a dedicated page on the site which can be linked to social media profiles and feature the services you provide as a good online alternative to websites for SMEs.”
According to the consumer and market data provider Statista, “approximately nine in ten UK consumers stated they would check online reviews before buying from a particular business. Even more shoppers said they often avoid enterprises with a rating lower than four.”
“CertifiedCompetent.co.uk further demonstrates our company ethos of putting customers first,” continued Jason, “and promoting our members, rather than promoting ourselves. It’s a free opportunity, and it’s easy for members to update their profile and encourage their previous clients to leave reviews, to help their listings stand out to potential consumers looking for competent traders in a very competitive market.”
