This opportunity aims to give installers a stronger presence in the consumer market by demonstrating their high standards and reliability with an endorsement from two trusted names in the industry.
Expanding value for OFTEC technicians
OFTEC’s partnership with Which? is designed to enhance the value of its competent person scheme, which covers a broad range of off-grid heating technologies, including liquid fuels, solid fuels, heat pumps, and renewables.
Installers who gain Which? Trusted Trader status will receive a 50% discount on membership for the first six months. This accreditation allows them to display the Trusted Trader logo, providing an additional layer of trust for potential customers.
Adrian Lightwood, registrations services director at OFTEC, explained the benefits: “We’re pleased to join forces with Which? Trusted Traders and offer OFTEC technicians the opportunity to achieve accreditation on their scheme to further demonstrate their competency to consumers.
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“Which? is a well-known and trusted consumer brand, and we share the same values of upholding high standards in the industry to ensure all consumers have safe and efficient heating systems and advice they can rely on.
“As well as benefitting from an initial discount on the Trusted Trader membership, technicians will find they already meet many of the requirements through their existing OFTEC registration and compliance checks.
“We look forward to working with Which? Trusted Traders over the coming months as we continue to build new partnerships across the industry to support technicians and installers.”
A rigorous endorsement process
Which? Trusted Traders, launched in 2013, aims to help consumers find trusted technicians. Installers undergo a rigorous vetting process that includes checks on finances, behaviour, competency, and references.
This additional endorsement will be available for OFTEC registered technicians who are part of the competent person scheme, giving them a clear path to certify that their work meets building regulations and allows for self-certification.
Phil Amy, commercial director at Which?, explained the value of this endorsement: “Which? Trusted Traders is delighted to announce a new partnership with OFTEC, aimed at helping reputable installers gain greater recognition and exposure in the market.
“While OFTEC demonstrates to consumers that a business has been certified by a competent persons scheme, an endorsement from Which? Trusted Traders reassures consumers that an installer has also been verified by the UK’s consumer champion.”
What this means for installers
With this partnership, OFTEC installers can now access a recognised mark of quality that builds consumer confidence. By achieving Trusted Trader status, installers can highlight their commitment to quality and build trust with customers.
With the industry moving towards higher standards and increased scrutiny, OFTEC and Which? are working to ensure that certified installers stay ahead.
Image: Which?