A scheme set up to help consumers in East Sussex choose traders who have been vetted is one of the fastest growing of its kind in Britain.

More than 100 businesses have undergone checks to add their names to the East Sussex County Council-run Buy With Confidence scheme.

They include plumbers, electricians, financial advisers, mortgage brokers, opticians, boat builders and domestic appliance repairers.

Trading standards officials ensure checks are made on the businesses, including criminal record checks on employees, to give consumers peace of mind.

Any complaints are monitored and brought to the trader's attention.

Almost 40 business applicants are awaiting approval to join the initiative, which is celebrating its first anniversary.

Council bosses say the initiative is one of the fastest growing and most successful of its kind in the country.

To mark the anniversary, trading standards is holding a training session for approved companies, giving bosses a chance to network with other firms.

For more information, contact the Buy With Confidence team on 01323 418215 or visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk/buy withconfidence
May 26, 2005