Which? Trusted Traders turns 11!

Like the traders who have joined our scheme, Which? Trusted Traders has gone from strength to strength. It’s now been around for more than a decade, reaching the age of 11 this year.

In 2024, 593 traders celebrated their 10-year anniversary with us and we’ve awarded 12 of the most outstanding businesses Trusted Trader of the Month. We also named Bristol-based Move On Removals and Storage our Which? Trusted Trader of the Year in our annual awards in May.

Which? Trusted Traders exists to help consumers find traders they can rely on who won’t let them down, whether that’s plumbers, roofers, solar panel installers or stairlift companies. Choosing an endorsed trader gives people confidence that they’ll get the best service and the work will be done to the highest standard. 

An endorsement helps you stand out from the crowd, win new customers and develop your business. You also get help with settling any disputes, which can be invaluable when it comes to protecting your reputation.

What traders say

We spoke to some of this year’s Traders of the Month to find out what their Which? Trusted Trader status means to customers and how it has helped their business. 

January 2024’s Trader of the Month, Blackpool-based JR Roofing Lancs, became a Which? Trusted Trader in 2017.

‘The recognition has been invaluable for us,’ said director Josh Morrison. ‘It reassures our customers that we uphold the highest standards of quality and service and helps us build trust with our customers. Being a Which? Trusted Trader sets us apart from our competitors.’

KJM Windows and Conservatories in Hampshire, which was Trader of the Month in February, has been a Trusted Trader since 2014. 

Its managing director, Mark Pearce, commented: ‘There are many review sites but my preference is Which? Trusted Traders. Which? is the UK’s consumer champion and an organisation I remember my parents championing over 50 years ago. That’s what I call longevity.’

Trader of the Month for March, Taskforce Maintenance – a small family run gas and plumbing company in Hampshire – is nearly 25 years old and has been a Trusted Trader since 2014. It gets most of its customers through recommendations and works entirely in people’s homes so trust is very important.  

The company’s owner, Matthew Bowns, said: ‘We have asked our customers which of our endorsements are the most important to them - they say Which? Trusted Traders every time.

‘We received lots of compliments when we publicised our Trader of the Month win. The customers knew this was a real achievement. One said, “I knew you were good, but I didn’t know you were that good! Well done!”.

‘We have never been busier and we are cutting back on our traditional advertising spend as the Which? Trusted Traders logo on our vans, headed paper and uniforms is bringing in lots of business.’

Which? brand recognition

Moving onto our winners in the second half of the year, Barlow Blinds in Leicester, which was Trader of the Month in July, has been a Trusted Trader since 2016.  

‘We are always looking for ways to help our business stand out from our competition and having our Which? endorsement has been a big part of that,’ said managing director Phil Coleman. ‘I know very few, if any, of my competitors will take the time or put in the hard work it takes to become a Which? Trusted Trader. 

‘Those that recognise the Which? brand know that, by association, we stand for quality, reliability and service. I don't know of anything else we could put on our uniforms, vans and paperwork that says all that in one logo.’

Family business Finesse Windows in Birmingham, which has been endorsed since 2016, won Which? Trusted Trader of the Year in 2021 and has been Trader of the Month multiple times, with the latest in August 2024. 

‘This is our sixth Trader of the Month award, which is really special because it means our team is consistently maintaining the impeccable standards set by Which?,’ commented director Ellie Franklin. ‘It's a huge honour for them and testament to their hard work. 

‘Since August we have been sharing our good news with loyal and new customers through newsletters, in our showroom and across social media. Our awards and the Which? endorsement instantly provides peace of mind for our customers and instant recognition that we are a company that puts excellent customer service at the heart of everything we do.

‘We receive regular feedback from our customers explaining how they found us via the Which? Trusted Traders website and chose us because of our endorsement.’

Our September Trader of the Month was Regal Kitchens in Essex. ‘At Regal Kitchens we rely on our reputation and the ability to prove that we take customer service seriously,’ said director John Martin. 

‘The Which? Trusted Trader branding has, for a generation, led the way in consumer confidence and fits perfectly with our own company ethos “client is king”.’

Reputation is key

Easystep Stairlifts in Leicestershire, which was established in 2002, was Trader of the Month in October. It’s one of the traders celebrating its 10th anniversary with us and has found the endorsement invaluable during this time.

Managing director Mark Barwell said: ‘In a competitive industry we recognise our reputation is integral to our success. 

‘Which? supports our business by giving us a platform to demonstrate our commitment to exemplary product and service. By sharing our verified customer reviews and displaying the Which? logo it offers unrivalled consumer confidence.’ 

He added: ‘We are proud of our partnership with this reputable household name and would strongly recommend an endorsement.’

Our final Trader of the Month for 2024 is JPS Renewable Energy in Kent, which installs solar panels and electric vehicle charging points.

‘We sought to become a Which? Trusted Trader because we believe that this accreditation reflects our commitment to the highest quality solar panel installations and exceptional customer service,’ commented its managing director Richard Cromarty. 

‘Becoming a Which? Trusted Trader has significantly benefited JPS Renewable Energy in several impactful ways. It has increased our reputation within the market, it has added confidence to our customers and helped with our brand awareness. 

‘Most customers recognise the Which? brand and it's an assurance of quality to ease their mind when looking at renewable solutions with us. The unique combination of rigorous assessments, consumer focus, ongoing support and strong reputation makes Which? Trusted Traders different and highly valuable for both businesses and consumers.’

Find out more about becoming a Which? Trusted Trader and what it could do for your business.

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When customers see you displaying our logo, they'll know when you're a trader they can trust

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