Web Tradespeople Provider Launches Free 24-Hour Service

A web company has launched a 24-hour on-line match-making system directing householders to quality tradespeople nationwide.

With the majority of homeowners and businesses turning to the internet for their DIY and maintenance needs, tradespeople can tap into the WeDoTrades site to develop their on-line presence and profile.

The site provides a directory of over 100,000 plumbers, electricians and builders, with premier customers receiving a package that includes their own web page, video blogs, customer testimonials and telephone number with call recording services.

Property owners can access help by either logging onto the 24-hour service or calling locally operated telephone numbers which, unlike other directories that can cost up to 60p a minute on landline numbers – and even more on mobile phones – are free of charge. In an emergency, the service commits to finding a tradesperson for the job within an hour.

Becky Hyland, co-founder at WeDoTrades said, “Over 70 per cent of households in the UK now have internet access. To really build your business, especially in the current climate, it’s vital for tradespeople to harness the benefits of an online presence.

“Consumers need to feel reassured about who they let into their homes and WeDoTrades’ premier package enables businesses to really sell themselves. Don’t lose out to your more web-savvy competitors – we can get you into customers’ homes before you even price up a quote!”

WeDoTrades, now 40-strong, was founded in a bedroom three years ago by Becky Hyland, a frustrated former student, who had set up a business renovating homes and was unable to quickly source quality plumbers and electricians to carry out the work.

Ms Hyland linked up with WeDoTrades co-founders, husband and wife team Paul and Diane Lynch, who encountered the same challenges in the property management sector.

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Traders Can Celebrate As The 100th TradePoint Store Opens

Traders can celebrate as the 100th TradePoint store opened in Gillingham store in the UK.

Tradesmen will now be able to find all the materials they need under one roof as TradePoint has opened its latest store inside B&Q on Will Adams Industrial Estate in Gillingham in Kent. Aiming for 118 store openings by the end of the year, the 100th store marks a landmark in the £26 million investment, giving tradesmen over 12,000 products from bricks and blocks, to paint, bathroom and kitchens, plumbing, electrical, tools and fixings all in one place.

TradePoint is open seven days a week, up to 14 hours a day with guaranteed stock availability, fast service and open and honest pricing from trusted trade brands. Each customer must supply evidence of their trade status, and then will be issued with their own membership card and catalogue listing all the products available. Customers will also find separate parking with extra wide bays for vans at the new store. Heavy goods can be picked from the building yard, and over the counter products will be picked and ready for collection.

TradePoint is available for trade only and offers a huge range of goods from hundreds of quality brands including Dulux, Ronseal, Mira, Biasi, Bosch, De Walt, Makita, Fisher, Rothenburger, Lafarge, Wylex, Vent-Axia and many more. TradePoint also offers kitchens and bathrooms and appliances to order or to take away. All at highly competitive and discounted trade only prices.

Pete Bell Gillingham’s TradePoint store manager says; “We’re proud to be the 100th TradePoint store and our team is in place to meet our new TradePoint customers. We’ve got a huge range of products and the team is eager to show how quickly and efficiently we can deliver these for our local tradesmen.”

Celebrity builder Craig Phillips who opened the 100th TradePoint says; “I’m excited to be in Gillingham opening the 100th TradePoint store today. It’s great that traders in the area now have one destination for all of their trading needs and I’m looking forward to meeting some of them today.”

All prices at TradePoint are shown exclusive of VAT unlike many builders’ merchants. Proof of working in the trade is required in order to collect your new TradePoint membership card, which should be shown when placing any orders and paying for goods.

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SureSet Launches New Range of Permeable Paving Slabs

SureSet, the UK’s leading supplier of resin-bound paving has launched a completely new range of paving slabs to complement the company’s existing resin-bound surfacing materials.

The new PermaSlab® range has been developed to provide landscape architects, developers, contractors and home owners with the opportunity to realise the benefits of resin bound paving, but in a standard 600 x 600 x 40 mm paving format.

Manufactured using the company’s proven resin bound technology, the PermaSlab® range provides a permeable surface (subject to an appropriate sub-base being prepared) which is ideal for paths, patios, steps and garden features.  The slabs are easy to cut, making laying a fast and straightforward process and enabling even more intricate designs to be achieved.

The product is highly durable, UV stable, and resistant to frost, oil and stains – ensuring that its appearance won’t fade or be compromised over time.  Initially available in Maple and Chestnut finishes, the range offers a choice of mellow golden tones and rich browns to give great design flexibility – with colours available to complement or contrast with other garden features. The surface is slip resistant and safe for children, as well as providing a smooth base for those with wheelchairs or children’s buggies.

Commenting on the launch, Kevin Weston, Contracts Director at SureSet said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be launching PermaSlab® to customers in the UK, having received a tremendous reaction at this year’s Ecobuild exhibition.  We’re confident that the product provides real benefits for both home owners and landscape professionals – a perfect combination of resin bound technology and a convenient, traditional format”.

For more information call the SureSet customer service team on 01985 841 180 or visit www.sureset.co.uk.

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77% of Public Trust Builders More Than MPs

London, UK, May 25^th 2010 – With the UK public left unsettled by the recent election chaos, politicians continue trying to win them over with promises of building a better Britain. However, recent research into trust, commissioned to launch the 10^th Master Builder of the Year Awards, found that 86% of the public have more faith in their local builder than they do in politicians to get a job done properly. A sign that it should be left to the UK’s trusted builders to fix broken Britain.

With parliament, policies and political parties the hot topic of conversation at the moment, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), organisers of the Awards, commissioned research to measure public attitudes towards trust and uncovered some interesting truths – 65% would like to see more real people, like tradesman, become MPs and 77% trust their builder more than their local MP. The FMB works hard to maintain the reputation of its members and does everything it can to ensure that the public does not lose confidence in the trade. This includes a website offering inspiration, advice, free contracts   and tips on choosing the right builder. Perhaps the new coalition could learn a thing or two from this trade body!

To coincide with the research and to celebrate ten years of showcasing the very best in construction, FMB is working with celebrity property guru Phil Spencer to search for Britain’s best builder, in a competition that aims to continue to raise the standard of British building, in innovation, client service, skills and sustainability.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to have seen some incredible building projects in my time, as well as some fairly ordinary ones. That’s why I am delighted to be working with the FMB in a bid to help inspire tradesmen and the public to build a better Britain,” said Phil Spencer, the presenter of C4 Location, Location, Location and Relocation, Relocation.

FMB Director General, Richard Diment said: “Our research reflects public sentiment, as politicians continue to chip away at public trust, and people realise that local people, like tradesman, can be trusted. However, bricks and mortar alone are not going to build a better Britain. We need to ensure that we are working towards a more sustainable Britain with a well-skilled workforce. The FMB is dedicated to raising awareness of these issues and through these Awards, we hope to continue to inspire the public and the building industry to push the boundaries in these areas.”

The 2010 Master Builder of the Year Awards require every builder to be nominated by a satisfied customer – a client who is so pleased with their finished project that they feel their builder deserves national recognition. The awards are designed to reward both builders and their clients, which means the winning builder not only enjoys the title of Master Builder of the Year and the Nissan Light Commercial Vehicle of their choice worth up to £20,000, but their client will enjoy a £3,000 holiday!

Each of the category winning builders and their clients also win luxury weekend breaks for two at the Barceló hotel of their choice in the UK.

The awards are open to all builders and specialist tradespeople. If clients feel that their builder has excelled in the quality of their work and their professionalism, then they can enter them for the 2010 Master Builder of the Year Awards by registering online at www.fmb.org.uk/awards or by calling 020 7092 3870 and an application pack will be sent by return.

The competition has a wide range of categories to make sure it is open to as many builders as possible. Categories include New Homes, Small/Medium/Large Renovation Projects, Energy Efficient buildings, Commercial Projects (up to £3m), a special Heavenly Builder award for builders who display outstanding levels of customer service, no matter how small the job they undertake and an award for the Apprentice of the Year.

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