Many consumers find it difficult to find a trader they can rely on when they need building or repair work carried out upon their homes. Tales of rogue contractors, be they builders, plumbers or electricians, cause many people to worry about being ripped off. At the same time, reputable tradespeople that take pride in doing a fair job at a fair price, deserve to be seen as different.

The St Helens Borough Council Trader Register has been set up for the benefit of both local consumers and businesses in the borough. It is not an approval scheme but it aims to reassure consumers, providing advice and information on employing a trader and working together to get things right first time.

The Trader Register is operated by St Helens Borough Council Trading Standards Service. The scheme provides consumers with a list of local businesses that committed to a Code of Practice that defines the promises made by the businesses in delivering goods and services to you.

We check that the traders are complying with certain legislation and we check the previous trading history of all businesses which apply to register.

The Trader Register covers all aspects of home improvement and repair work, gardening services, car repairs and servicing.

In choosing a trader from the Register, and following our simple advice to getting it right first time, St Helens consumers can make an important first step to finding a reliable trader to work for them.