WHETHER it’s building work or cosmetic surgery, a new database offers a list of trusted traders to give the public peace of mind. Consumer Editor Emma McKinney finds out about the business Trading Standards teams are backing.

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BRUMMIES hunting for reliable traders could take advantage of a ground-breaking new business that aims to stop residents being ripped off by cowboy builders.

Backed by consumer watchdogs, No Rogue Traders Here, in Hagley Road, Edgbaston, aims to fly in the face of rogues who carry out shoddy work at over-inflated prices, by offering a database of reliable skilled workers in the Midlands that have all undergone rigorous background checks.

The independent company has earned the backing of Trading Standards teams in Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Solihull, who are working with the company to ensure all firms on the database have had no previous complaints or dodgy dealings.

Consumers log on to the website www.noroguetradershere.com and post details about the work they need carrying out, from having an extension built to even getting cosmetic surgery.

They will be then sent a list of traders who have all been stringently vetted, including credit checks to see if they have ever been made bankrupt or had any legal proceedings against them.

They can ask a trader for a quote, look at their profile to see their qualifications and leave feedback to other users of the site, once a job has been carried out.

The service, which includes hotline number 03333 200 402 for those without internet access, is free for consumers and costs £99 a year for traders, with more than 150 across Birmingham, Solihull and the Black Country having already signed up.

It is the brainchild of businessman Kevin Croke, who personally visits every trader to check their driving licences, passports and professional accreditations.