Trust My Garage urges businesses to join consumer protection scheme

Posted 29/03/17

Businesses are being urged to join one of the UK’s most robust and trusted consumer codes of practice schemes after the total amount it protects topped £50 billion per year.

The Consumer Codes Approval Scheme (CCAS) is a growing family of sector-specific consumer codes, each sponsored by an industry body and vetted by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI). 

The scheme differs from many peer-review sites because those trading under it have made a public pledge to go above and beyond consumer law. 

For example, all businesses operating under the scheme must engage in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) which allows customers to assert their rights without the expense of going to court. 

Trust My Garage operates a CCAS code of practice that acts as a badge of quality for the independent garage sector. 

All TMG garages are members of the Independent Garage Association which is part of the RMI, one of Britain’s oldest motor trade organisations. All members are audited before joining and must comply with a strict code of conduct. 

There are over 2,800 TMG garages across the UK, and you can find your nearest member at www.TRUSTMYGARAGE.co.uk. 

Terry Gibson, TMG’s Head of Member Services said: “Too many garage approval schemes and comparison websites are simply “skimmers” making money from businesses which ultimately and inevitably increases costs for consumers. We are delighted that our members can display the codes approval logo alongside our shield as a clear indication to customers that they can truly “Trust My Garage.” 

Adrian Simpson, CTSI’s consumer codes and business education expert, said: “It can be difficult for consumers to find a trustworthy trader that they can rely on. 

“But CCAS members are committed to delivering high levels of customer satisfaction and engaging in dispute resolution, in the unlikely event something does go wrong. 

“The scheme also helps businesses stand out from their competition by allowing them to display the codes approval logo, a clear message to consumers that they are a trader to be trusted.” 

CCAS has more than 40,000 businesses operating under 24 codes of practice covering sectors as varied as carpets, cars and new home warranties. It was launched by CTSI in 2013 as part of a wider government review of consumer legislation and replaced a scheme operated by the defunct Office of Fair Trading.                                                                                                          

For more information about current code sponsors visit www.tradingstandards.uk/commercial-services/code-sponsors

To become a code sponsor visit https://www.tradingstandards.uk/commercial-services/approval-and-accreditation/the-consumer-codes-approval-scheme

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Terry Gibson, Head of Member Services is available for interview.

Gemma Stannard, IGA Communications Officer

Tel: 0207 307 3402 ext. 1413

Web: www.IndependentGarageAssociation.co.uk

Email: [email protected]

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