Member Article

New firm to crack down on rogue traders

Two friends from Sunderland have set up a consumer watchdog business to help keep the region safe from rogue traders.

Millicent Warham and Christine York decided to set up the trade referral business Checked and Vetted, to help individuals and businesses access free feedback and reviews about local tradespeople with positive track records.

The pair have already had a fantastic response from 50 traders in the North East, with many more expected to join.

Millicent, co-director of the company said: “The North East is something of a hot spot for rogue traders, with some of the highest rates in the UK.

“While we will never be able to eliminate this problem, we hope that by setting up a service like this, we can protect consumers in the region, particularly individuals who are most vulnerable such as the elderly, from dishonest and second-rate traders.”

She has already witnessed the success of the service after working for a similar company in Sussex, and now hopes to combat the problem in the North East. Traders who sign up to the service are vetted and interviewed by a member of the company, and if they are successful they are then added to the database.

She added: “For traders, being recommended is a fantastic way of growing their business, and for the public we’re like a neighbour, someone they can rely on to give them independent information that could help them avoid being ripped off.

“Our aim is to be the best solution for people in the North East to find reputable, honest trades-people.”

The company is based at the North East Business and Innovation Centre in Sunderland, and where their in-house support team provided advice and guidance before they began trading.
Louise Hardy was her business mentor. She commented: “Millie and Christine are both extremely dedicated and determined people, and are genuinely passionate about protecting consumers from untrustworthy traders.

“I am sure that the business will be a great success, and that with the ongoing assistance of the BIC and by tapping into the fantastic support network here, they will be able to continue the rapid growth they’re already enjoying. I wish them every success.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .