A SCHEME to help consumers avoid rip-off merchants and cowboys has signed up its 200th member.
“Buy With Confidence” run by the Isle of Wight Council’s Trading Standards Department was launched in 2005 to make sure that local businesses trade fairly, are trustworthy and keep to the spirit and letter of the law.
All 200 members of the scheme have passed stringent checks made by the council’s Trading Standards Department. The list of members is available to the public so that they can find businesses that are reputable.
Last Thursday (April 10) a presentation was made at the Quay Arts Centre to small family business C & J Ground Maintenance – the 200th member of the scheme.
20 other new members were welcomed at the ceremony including a dog groomer, a jeweller, an electrician and a security firm. They were presented with their membership certificates by Councillors Diana Tuson, Isle of Wight Council cabinet member for safer communities, and Councillor David Williams, Isle of Wight Council policy commissioner for safer communities.
Invited guests, including small business representatives, Town Centre Managers and Community Support Officers who work in partnership with the Trading Standards Service along with the new members, enjoyed a spectacular celebration cake made by Alison McCallum of Centrepiece Cake Designs, a long standing member of Buy With Confidence.
Alison McCallum and Geoff Smith of the Bike Shed, one of the founder members of the scheme, were guest speakers explaining how being members of the scheme had benefited their businesses.
Councillor Tuson said: “The Buy With Confidence scheme is a real success story for the council.
“Since its launch in 2005, local businesses both large and small have signed up to the scheme and have greatly appreciated the many benefits of being members.
“The public also know that any businesses on the scheme have passed the Trading Standards criteria and by consulting the list can be assured that firms are honest and dependable.”
Anyone looking for a reliable honest business can check out use the Buy With Confidence website on at www.iwbuywithconfidence.info or alternatively call Trading Standards on 01983 823370.
