Consumer protection organisation DGCOS and certification specialist Certass have agreed a partnership deal, commencing 1 August 2018. The agreement marks the start of a close collaboration between the two groups, one that will reportedly benefit installers that are members of both and the industry as a whole.
Certass, the glazing industry competent person scheme, has recently launched the Certass Trade Association, with the aim of offering business and technical support to its members while promising to act as a voice promoting progress within the industry.
The Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS) is a consumer protection organisation designed to bring peace of mind to homeowners. It offers a free package of protection that includes a consumer advice line, insurance backed guarantees, mediation and access to an independent ombudsman. Installers that are part of the scheme are often said to benefit from increased sales and margins through consumer confidence, backed up by DGCOS’ marketing support.
Initially, the partnership will see the two organisations work together on promoting the industry’s professionalism, while supporting installers in a range of areas, including business, technical and consumer issues. There will also be cross-promotion of the schemes between the Certass Trade Association and DGCOS, with specific benefits available to members of both. For instance, Certass members will be able to use DGCOS to cover their mandatory alternative dispute resolution (ADR) requirement, while the joining fee for new Certass members will be covered under the agreement between the two organisations.
Jon Vanstone, chair of the Certass Trade Association, commented: “There’s a clear synergy between our organisation and DGCOS; both are focussed on promoting our industry and its professionalism to consumers, to the benefit of everyone. Certass leads the field in certification and installer support, while DGCOS leads the field on consumer advice and protection. By getting together and collaborating we can support and champion the installers that are out there every day offering great products and service to homeowners.”
Tony Pickup, founder of DGCOS, commented: “We’re known for our unrivalled consumer protection and support credentials, but an important part of what we do is promoting the quality and best practice of our members to consumers. I was delighted to see the launch of the Certass Trade Association, providing wide-ranging support to its members. It mirrors what we do but from a different angle, so the partnership between us makes sense – benefitting the industry as a whole by working and growing together.”
