Reply interwoven with original for context.
On 21 April 2008 08:59, Complete Tree Services wrote:
Approved contractor status should be the level that all
professional contractors large or small aspire to and all
potential users large or small turn to when seeking
professional contracting services.
It is very clear (take a browse through www.arbtalk.co.uk for examples)
that a significant number of contractors for whatever reason are
unwilling to engage in the AAAC scheme. A small number of these I am
personally familiar with and the standard of their work is excellent.
Some way of recognising them is clearly needed.
My prediction (based on my tried and trusted crystal ball and tea leaf
technique, rather than any new fangled trumped up risk assessment
system) is that TrustMark will become far more important to contractors
than AAAC. This is because it is a scheme covering a wide range of
trades, and being promoted not only by TM themselves, but by the various
awarding bodies in different trades. It will become recognised (how many
people on the street know what 'arboricultural' means, let alone what
the AAAC scheme is) because home owners will see the logo on their
plumber's van, their electrician's van, their builder's van and, of
course, their tree surgeon's van. They will come to recognise the mark
simply because it is widespread.
That said, TM will be important primarily to contractors targeting the
domestic market. AAAC may well continue to be more important to
corporate buyers of tree work services.
TM is very focused on the domestic market. It is largely concerned with
trustworthiness and customer service. I'm glad to hear Jim say that TM
as administered by the AA will include clear tests of practical
competence too. One concern I have is that some of those contractors who
will not go for AAAC will also not go for TM simply because it is being
administered by the AA. There are other bodies who do it, and I know of
at least one AAAC who has TM already through one of the landscape trade
associations.
To Peter's original question, I've tried to put some information on how
to interpret claims made in tree surgeon's ads at
http://www.tree-care.info/findanarb/qualifications
I'd be happy to hear any feedback or comments on this page.
--
Chris Hastie
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What's on - www.warwickdc.gov.uk/events
Latest news - www.warwickdc.gov.uk/news
Any opinions expressed in the E-mail are those of the individual and not
necessarily those of Warwick District Council. This E-mail and any files with
it are confidential and solely for the use of the intended recipient. If you
are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering to
the intended recipient, please be advised that you have received this E-mail
in error and that any use is strictly prohibited.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
--
The UK Tree Care mailing list
To unsubscribe send mailto:uktc-unsubscribe@xxxxxx.tree-care.info
The UKTC is supported by The Arbor Centre
http://www.arborcentre.co.uk/
