The Arboricultural Association has been working with TrustMark for the last six months to progress the Association’s approval under the scheme – and they made it! As Technical Officer and manager of the Association’s Approved Contractor Scheme, Paul Smith is delighted: ‘This is a very exciting development for the Association which couldn’t have come at a better time as our approval coincides with Trustmark’s relaunch.
‘Our existing contractor accreditation is very much health, safety and environment driven, and includes on-site competence checks, so the TrustMark approval will complement and enhance Approved Contractor status. Many of our contractors work mainly in the domestic sector and have to compete for work against unscrupulous companies and individuals. The loser here is the consumer who is often left with poorly pruned trees, damaged property, debris they have to remove and a big hole in their wallets.
‘The TrustMark scheme strap-line “Government Endorsed Standards” conveys a very strong and reassuring message which is well deserved by our member contractors. I’m very much looking forward to supporting TrustMark who have already told us that searches for tree surgeons with TrustMark status increased considerably during the recent winter storms.’
