What is the value in a trade accreditation?

Many industries have their own accreditation and monitoring bodies. Some are more commonly recognised than others.

By Trevor Shanley, managing director, Alert Fire and Security

For example, ask anyone to name a badge on a builder’s van and they will remember the Constructionline or Safe Trader Scheme logos.

Accreditations serve a variety of purposes such as customer service, ethical values or quality infrastructures.

To achieve some accreditations can be easy, however in the fire and security industry, we are in the field of protecting life, property and assets.

That means the accreditations we continually work hard for will be the first element of quality you should look for in a fire and security provider.

Fire prevention and good practice saves lives.

It therefore stands to good reason that you would only choose a fire and security provider with an independent certificated body, which is accredited by the government body UKAS.

The accreditation you need to look for is BAFE and NSI Gold. At Alert Fire and Security, we are accredited to both standards.

The correct choice of supplier is imperative.

Suppliers should not be chosen on the cheapest price.  Companies should ensure that their supplier has adequate insurance, accreditations, processes and knowledge in order to satisfy their insurance policy.

Also consider the stability of the company to ensure that warranty and continued support is available. Why would you chose a provider other than an accredited company to protect life and property?