The Property Care Association (PCA), which represents the UK’s building preservation industry, is backing TrustMark’s latest campaign, which is highlighting to the public how rogue traders cost the nation around £1.5 billion a year. TrustMark is the Government-backed initiative which aims to help consumers find reliable and trustworthy tradesmen when making improvements or repairs to their homes. The PCA, which represents the UK’s damp proofing, timber preservation, structural maintenance and structural waterproofing industries, is an influential member of TrustMark – playing a part at board level - and is committed to raising awareness of the pitfalls and perils of shoddy workmanship.    Yasmin Chopin, executive director of the PCA, said: “Unscrupulous companies continue to exploit homeowners’ fears over water entering and damaging their properties. “Choosing a reliable contractor can be daunting, but consumers should look out for the PCA logo when looking for contacts in a telephone book or online. “The Association carries out rigorous checks before offering membership to companies. All members are then subjected to a regular audit process, to ensure high standards of professionalism are upheld.” Alongside the strict checks on members, the PCA offers a mediation service and independent arbitration to help investigate and resolve disputes. All members can offer FSA regulated insurance that covers deposits, work in process and long term guarantees.  It also offers a dedicated qualifications and training structure that is the only one of its type in the UK. Furthermore, as a trade body accredited with the TrustMark logo, it has been certified as meeting certain criteria in verifying that the tradesmen they represent can be depended upon to do a good job.  Technical skills, financial position, insurance provision and customer care policy are some of the areas in which the PCA must meet stringent standards. A host of useful information for property owners is available via the PCA’s website at http://www.property-care.org or by contacting 0870 121 6737.  The website gives helpful tips, highlights case studies and offers a list of approved PCA contractors. ENDS  For four years, the PCA has been in existence as part of the British Wood Preserving and Damp-proofing Association (BWPDA) but last year officially became an independent association, along with the Wood Protection Association.  The new Associations have been created to concentrate on their own areas of expertise – namely for the Property Care Association damp-proofing, timber preservation, structural waterproofing and structural maintenance. Although a relatively new trade body, the Property Care Association has inherited the stability and professional strengths of the BWPDA and its 75 year history. The PCA has a UK wide list of contractor members who are all carefully vetted before being awarded membership and are subject to regular rigorous audits of their work. Within TrustMark the PCA plays an influential role with the trade forum and at board level. 

 Press release issued by Jane Shepherd of Shepherd PR Limited, 01538 308685, mobile 07985 129315.