East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Trading Standards Service is set to launch a major new initiative aimed at raising standards in the motor trade.
The initiative is, in effect, a partnership between the motor trade and trading standards who will both work together to improve the overall level of service for customers.
Traders were asked for their views on establishing a partnership with them which aimed to improve customer satisfaction together with promotion of a fair, safe and honest trading environment. Responses from the trade were overwhelmingly positive to proposals, which would see them audited annually by trading standards to standards which are in excess of those required by law as well as giving a commitment to trade by both the letter and spirit of the law.
The traders will also be given bespoke specialist advice and improvement suggestions from trading standards and those motor dealers meeting the criteria will be published on the council’s website so that customers can be confident in using these businesses to buy their car.
Councillor Jackie Cracknell, cabinet portfolio holder for community involvement and performance, said: “Cars cost a large amount of money to purchase and are usually the second most expensive items most individuals will buy, couple that with the price of MOTs, services and repairs and costs soon add up.
“There’s no escaping the fact cars are going to cost money and when parting with hard-earned cash, customers want to know they are receiving good value for money and a reliable high-quality service.
“The partnership is designed to work with motor traders who deal in new and used cars and also repairs and servicing. By joining the partnership, businesses can demonstrate a commitment to customer care and fair trading. Benefits of membership for traders include direct liaison with a nominated trading standards officer, recognition of standards and good practice and the publication of a members list on the council’s website which will increase consumer confidence.
“Experience from similar schemes in other parts of the country show that, over time, businesses on accredited lists increase their appeal to customers and the number of complaints received by trading standards falls.”
Traders who sign up to the partnership before April 2014 will benefit from the title of ‘founder member’. This will appear on their certificate and other memorabilia and can be used alongside the partnership logo in any advertising.
Founder members will also benefit from paying an annual fee at the time of joining, which will take their membership through until April 2015, so effectively giving extended membership for up to 18 months.
To promote the introduction of the East Yorkshire Motor Trade Partnership, a launch event is being held on Thursday, 7 November, at 9am, at Beverley Leisure Complex.
Any interested parties, particularly those involved in the motor trade, are welcome to attend this event.
