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Garry Lewis, a tradesperson of 35 years, has a mission to help protect genuine consumers, tradespeople, and merchants. Here he outlines his determination to rid the industry of rogue traders, rogue customers, and rogue directors, who's actions have a devastating impact on people's lives and the industry they work in.
I've personally had many experiences with rogues, but it was my experience with a rogue director (contractor) that resulted in me losing everything I'd worked for, including my business.
As a result, I'm dedicating my life to help change our industry to protect consumers, tradespeople, and merchants. Using my pension, I designed a new platform that helps to make it difficult for all rogues to operate, helping to create a better and safer environment for everyone, and turning our industry from a negative environment into a positive one for the benefit of everyone.
When embarking on any home improvements and maintenance, consumers and tradespeople have to put their trust in one another, but this is where it can and does go wrong, and when it does there's nowhere to go to make them accountable for their actions.
Rogue traders cost UK homeowners in excess of £3.5 billion a year in botched jobs. As a result consumers put off work for the fear of engaging with a rogue trader costing the UK economy an estimated £10 billion a year in lost revenue.
Over three quarters of tradespeople (77%) have suffered from a client refusing to settle the bill for completed work. This is a contributory factor towards the construction industry having the highest rate of suicides than any other profession.
It's common knowledge that both suppliers and contractors have to be aware of rogue directors who abuse the system by simply opening and closing Ltd companies to avoid paying debts.
It's clear that rogues have a devastating impact on our industry, businesses, and people's lives. If things are to change we need to create a new environment, so thats what I've done.
Recommend & Share is the ONLY platform to form part of the process between consumers and tradespeople. We provide a self-regulated environment where both parties can make a commitment to one another.
This brings a sense of security and trust for the work to be done with the confidence that both parties will uphold their end of the agreement.
User journey
Our bespoke user journey is integral to the entire process from start to finish, guiding both parties through a smooth, anticipated, and organised journey that caters for everyone's concerns, frustrations, wants, and needs helping to ensure a positive outcome for both parties.
This is how merchants can benefit from the platform:
I have launched into the electrical sector and reached out to merchants for their support, while The Lighthopuse Construction Charity has also pledged to help publicise the Recommend & Share platform.
Andy Johnson, Managing Director of Lew Electrical Distributors, said: "I believe this concept and approach is a positive step in the right direction to help change our industry once and for all by creating a new environment that helps to provide both consumers and trades professionals with peace of mind and reassurance when looking to engage with each other.
"As a merchant in this industry, I feel the timing for this proposition is perfect given the current climate and circumstances, and can only be a good thing for independent merchants to support."
We all have a role and responsibility if things are to change. I'm reaching out to everybody in our industry asking if you would be willing to show your support for change, to help create a better and safer environment that will benefit everyone.
By coming together and supporting change we will be able to make a difference.
Further details about free to join, free to use Recommend & Share platform can be found here.
