TrustMark and Age UK have launched a new TrustMark directory to help older people find trusted landscapers more easily.
The tool which can be found on Age UK’s website gives older people a trusted resource to turn to when looking for quality tradespeople by providing them and their families with a selection of vetted traders in their area.
By using the tool the user has the assurance that they are hiring people who have passed the most stringent business and customer service checks, but have also had previous work checked onsite by qualified inspectors.
The tool will also be an advantage to members of The Association of Professional Landscapers which is an annually inspected membership of domestic landscapers licensed by TrustMark. Donna Hanlon, HTA Business Development Manager, says “We are pleased to have the opportunity to be able to give confidence to this vulnerable community, so that they can find a trustworthy landscaper who will extend the enjoyment of their garden”.
TrustMark teamed up with the country’s leading charity for older people, Age UK, to produce the tool as a response the issue of anxiety surrounding finding trustworthy tradespeople that is leaving older people across the country struggling with home repairs.
New research released by TrustMark, the Government endorsed find-a-tradesperson scheme, has revealed that almost a quarter (23%) of 65+ year olds don’t know where to find information and are not confident when it comes to choosing a tradesman to carry out work in their homes. As a result one in five older people are leaving household jobs and repairs or attempting to carry out work themselves.
Those that are choosing tradespeople are placing themselves at the risk of rogues by not checking they have the right skills. Only 2% of the older people questioned said that they based their selection of a tradesperson on whether or not they had the right qualifications for the job.
John Edwards, Head of Service Delivery at Age UK, comments “Age UK provides advice on anything to do with getting older and information to help ensure older people make informed choices and get the support they need. Our work with TrustMark means we are able to offer an important resource for older homeowners looking for expert and trusted tradespeople”.
www.ageuk.org.uk/trustmark