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We at FENSA are very pleased to announce that we have recently been granted ‘TrustMark Operator’ status.
This means that any installer either currently registered with FENSA or considering registration with the scheme is now able to apply for TrustMark status
through ourselves. Successful applicants will therefore be able to display their TrustMark status alongside their standard FENSA registration.
What is TrustMark?
TrustMark is an independent Government-backed scheme developed across the home improvement industry after consultation with Trade Associations, Consumer Groups and prominent leaders in each industry sector. Launched in 2006, TrustMark aims to recognise those companies who are able to provide considerable customer satisfaction and services that meet the stringent criteria lain down by Government. A consumer utilising a TrustMark status company can do so in the confidence that the company in question will have been thoroughly checked and assessed as to the standards of their work and the services they are able to provide to their customers in terms of any issues, complaints or concerns that arise as a result of their work.
How does TrustMark work?
It is not possible for an installer to register directly with TrustMark – instead, TrustMark works on the basis of having licensed ‘operators’ within industry sectors (usually Trade Associations or Competent Persons Schemes). Companies can then register for TrustMark with these operators alongside whatever other registration services the operator provides. It is the operator’s responsibility to ensure that the applicants meet the standards of TrustMark and to oversee all aspects of registration, assessment and monitoring.
What are the benefits of TrustMark registration?
There are a number of benefits to a FENSA registered business becoming TrustMark approved, particularly in generating increased business leads and recognition with consumers.
- Approval from a cross-industry and publicly-recognised, Government-backed standards body.
- Joint logo utilised by all operators across the home-improvement sector.
- Full use of the TrustMark logo for utilisation on stationery, advertising, promotional material and van decals.
- Online search function on the FENSA homepage enabling consumers to locate FENSA TrustMark registered businesses within their area.
- Full marketing and promotional campaign from FENSA to increase customer awareness in the FENSA TrustMark scheme.
- Continued marketing and promotion from TrustMark to continue to raise awareness in the scheme.
- Access to cheap, comprehensive Guarantee Insurance policies for your customers.
- Comprehensive complaints procedures in place (including access to independent arbitration services) to assist in the resolution of any disputes that may arise with consumers.
What are the requirements?
Of course, to achieve TrustMark approval status will require you to provide further information in addition to that required for FENSA registration and to meet the requirements of TrustMark registration as defined by Government. Therefore, FENSA TrustMark registered businesses must be able to satisfy the following (in addition to the requirements of standard FENSA registration):
- A once-yearly inspection on an installation randomly selected by FENSA TrustMark. This must be in addition to the inspections carried out on behalf of your normal FENSA registration and will address workmanship and customer satisfaction issues in addition to Building Regulations compliance.
- That they have in place a comprehensive written procedure for resolving complaints that they receive from customers.
- A full check on their credit history.
- Provides a guarantee covering all aspects of the installation work carried out upon completion of each job. Full warranty insurance must at the very least be offered on all guarantees provided.
What will this cost me?
Registration for TrustMark is not expensive and is based on a yearly subscription fee. The fees charged are pitched to cover the costs of the additional yearly inspection and administration required. The registration costs vary depending on whether or not you are using GGFi to provide guarantee insurance to your customers. There are no other hidden costs or extra charges that you will need to be concerned about – the charges listed below are the only payments that you will need to make in relation to FENSA TrustMark
First years application (and subsequent yearly registration) with FENSA TrustMark if already utilising GGFi as an IBG provider - £175 plus VAT, (£100 application fee and then £7.50 per month for 10 months).
First years application (and subsequent yearly registration) with FENSA TrustMark if GGFi is NOT your IBG provider - £250 plus VAT (£100 application fee and £15.00 per month for 10 months).
How do I apply?
If you are already registered with FENSA, applying for TrustMark status could not be easier – either contact FENSA on 020 7645 3700 to request an application form or alternatively, log on to your FENSA account to download an application form.
If you are not yet registered with FENSA, you will first need to achieve FENSA registration by contacting FENSA directly or request an application pack here. Once you are registered with the FENSA scheme, it will then be simplicity itself to apply to register with TrustMark.
