Thanks to programmes such as the BBC’s Rogue Traders uncovering the antics of dodgy tradesmen, it’s no surprise that many members of the public are wary - and sometimes even suspicious - of those working in today’s domestic construction industry.

One way for professionals to prove they are what they say they are is to be part of a credible and reputable approved installer scheme which only accepts members who consistently perform at the very highest standards.

It’s perhaps obvious why manufacturers want their products installed properly – a poor installation can render even a superior product useless. Yet, what’s in it for the installers? Does being part of a scheme really entice customers to use a company or tradesman’s services or is it more about piece of mind once the work has been commissioned?

Adam Fleming of Clyde Insulation Contracts UK Ltd has been an approved installer for Excel Industries for 4 years and a BBA Approved Installer of the Warmcel System for over twelve months. He’s confident that being part of this scheme has definite benefits – the main one being a badge of assurance that he is, in fact, a professional insulation installer with a work ethos of the highest standards to deliver what the customer is paying for.

“Being an approved installer reflects the values of my business,” says Adam. “If we’re working on a job that involves installing Warmcel – Excel’s environmentally sustainable cellulose fibre insulation – the customer wants to know that my staff have been trained to the highest standards possible in how to install that product efficiently and effectively on their project.

“Schemes such as these maintain the integrity of the system where only approved installers are involved. It’s a win-win situation for all involved. Firstly, the manufacturer because they have piece of mind in knowing their product is being installed properly. Secondly, the installer because we know our staff are specially trained with the right skills, knowledge and experience to do the job properly and thirdly – and perhaps most importantly - the customer because they get an installation of the highest standards (set by the manufacturer) by an approved installer who’s independently monitored by a universally recognised and respected body.

Excel Industries’ BBA Approved Installer Scheme was launched in January 2007 to ensure that Warmcel, is only installed by the best installers around. Non-toxic and non-irritant, Warmcel is made from recycled paper and harmless inorganic salts which together give superior insulating properties as it fills every little corner of a loft or wall space. Because Warmcel is not a conventional insulation material, it demands an element of expertise when considering its application.

All approved installers – of which there are currently 16 nationwide – are trained internally at Excel Industries’ plant in Rhymney, Wales, to offer a professional and expert service to customers. A certificate is then given, which lasts up to two years. Reassessment, including on the job checks, takes place after this time to ensure standards are being consistently met.

Approved installers receive technical support and advice, sales leads from Excel and use of Excel logos and literature for marketing or livery purposes.

Adam continues: “A scheme such as this means regulation, which safeguards the customer, the manufacturer and the installer. All industries should adopt regulated schemes which cover all aspects of the business from stock levels to maintenance. If you fail to maintain the required standards of the scheme and fail to address any areas of deficiency then, you should be out. People who do a poor job give the industry a bad name – and we want to be known for high quality as it’s what we pride ourselves on. Customers all too often put price before quality – we want to turn this around so people put quality first. If they do that, we’ll deliver a competitive price that offers value for money.”

Jasper and Ben Meade from Pen Y Coed in Powys agree:

“We’ve been installing Warmcel with Excel Industries for 13 years now and have been a BBA approved installer since the scheme was set up nine months ago, in which time we’ve been inspected twice.

“This shows how regulated the scheme is which should give customers piece of mind in knowing that their installers are qualified and highly experienced in installing Warmcel.”

Excel Fibres is committed to making sure members get the most from being an approved installer.

“It’s obviously in our best interests to have approved installers,” said Andrew Izod, Excel’s sales and marketing director.

“We’ve worked hard to ensure Warmcel performs at a very high standard and is, we believe, one of the best and safest insulation products on the market. Yet it’s no good investing all this time and money into making sure we have a great product when anyone could effectively buy it and ‘attempt’ to install it. We want it installed by people who are trained specifically in how to use this product – and will therefore install it to the highest standards. This will show our product off to its best advantage.

“In return, we’ve recently reviewed how we can offer the best for our approved installers and as a result, we’ve committed to employing a further two people here at Excel whose main job will be to ensure that our installers get as many quality sales leads as we can offer them. This way, they’re receiving something financially tangible for their membership in addition to the other benefits already mentioned.”

Email: steve@watermarkpr.co.uk