The St Helens Borough Council Trader Register is not an approval scheme but is a register of businesses in the St Helens area. It is promoted by Trading Standards to consumers in the area, to help them find a reputable trader.

In order to be registered with the scheme you will have to demonstrates a commitment to fair and honest trader, provide good customer service and work alongside Trading Standards.

Traders will need to have a minimum of £2 million Public Liability Insurance and £5 million Employers Liability, if applicable. 

Traders must also agree to abide by our Code of Practice , a copy of which is available online.

Traders must be able to provide at least 6 customer references which will be verified by Trading Standards.

If you do join our Trader Register scheme you will be able to use the Trader Register logo in your advertising.

To become a member you will need to apply online, or you can contact Trading Standards who will assist you with the application.

The cost of applying to join the Register is currently £35 plus VAT and Members are charged an Annual Fee which is currently £86.00 plus VAT. Payment will be requested via an invoice. All fees are used to operate and promote the Trader Register. 

In recognition of the difficulties our businesses have faced over the last 2 years, we have not requested payment of the Annual Fee and will not do so this year. So, at present membership of the Trader Register is FREE. We will not request either the application fee or Annual Fee. No charge will be made for new applications and the Annual Fee will be requested in April 2023 to cover the following 12 months. We are using money awarded to us by the Courts under the Proceeds of Crime Act, taken from rogue traders who we have prosecuted to fund this. 

If you are a trader interested in joining the Trader Register, please take a look at the Code of Practice which sets out exactly what is expected of traders signing up to the Register.