A scheme designed by Dundee City Council which informs consumers about local, trust-worthy businesses is being picked up by other Scottish councils.
The Trusted Trader scheme, which was introduced in the city more than a decade ago, advises customers in Dundee about reputable local businesses.
Businesses enrolled on the scheme have to fulfil certain criteria to be awarded the status of a trusted trader.
Traders need to comply with the council’s code of practice, which includes offering customers the opportunity to review the service they have received.
Another stipulation of the code of practice means a trusted trader is not allowed to “cold call” customers at their homes.
The scheme originally featured business from the home improvement sector, but over the last 10 years more than 145 companies have signed up to the initiative.
A council spokesperson highlighted the scheme has been “particularly effective” for Dundee consumers over the age of 50.
They also said that feedback from consumers and businesses about the scheme had been “consistently positive”.
People over the age of 50 are, as a demographic, most vulnerable to doorstep crime, and the scheme has been seen as a positive step in helping to reduce it.
Customers in Dundee can visit the Trusted Trader Scheme website to see the list of recommended businesses and traders available.
Local authorities in Fife, Renfrewshire and Dumfries and Galloway now offer a similar trusted trader scheme to consumers in their areas.
Edinburgh City Council also adopted the scheme in June of last year.
Councillor Alan Ross, convener of Dundee City Council’s community safety and public protection committee, said consumer confidence was at an all time high in the city.
He said: “It is great to see the positive impact the Trusted Trader Scheme has had in the past ten years for both consumers and businesses.
“Consumer confidence is at an all time high in Dundee and the scheme is proving particularly popular and useful to some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.
“I am sure the scheme will continue to improve upon the work that they do.”
Councillors will convene on Monday evening to discuss a progress report on the Trusted Trader Scheme.
Local businesses and customers who are interested in finding out more about the scheme can do so by visiting trustedtrader.info or calling 01382 436260.
