Business Directory launched

It’s the Age UK local Business Directory covering Calderdale, Kirklees, Wakefield district and Todmorden. It provides listings of local traders who have been checked by Age UK, so you can be sure you will be using a reputable company.

There is a real fear of rogue traders and sadly local Age UK’s hear stories all the time about unscrupulous traders who have taken advantage of vulnerable older people. For example a West Yorkshire double glazing company recently persuaded an older man in the Calder Valley to part with a whopping £4500 for two new doors and would have succeeded in getting him to sign a finance agreement that would have bumped this figure up to £9000 had he not contacted his local Age UK to question the agreement.

These are the types of outrageous practices we are trying to avoid through the directory. It is free to use online for anyone — but those who do not feel confident with a computer can call their local Age UK who will search the directory for them.

Tim Swift, CEO of Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees said: 'many older people are concerned that if they need work doing to their homes, they will be taken advantage of by an unscrupulous business. That’s why we are developing this directory, to give people access to businesses who have signed up to a clear code to treat their customers fairly.'

You can find the directory online at www.AUBD.co.uk call the free phone number 0800 012 6508, or call your local Age UK office.

All businesses who join the directory are vetted by Age UK staff, through references and Trading Standards and they have to sign the business directory Customer Charter. GMC Gas, Heating and Plumbing was the first company to join the directory in Halifax.

Garry Coulter, the owner said: 'I was very pleased to have joined the directory because it is a great opportunity to be linked with a respected organisation like Age UK. I think the directory is an excellent idea as it protects older people from rogue traders and is dedicated to the local area which helps promote business to local companies like ourselves.'

Local Trading Standards also support the directory. Graham Hebblethwaite, Chief Officer of West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service said 'Our enforcement and community engagement experience in the field of both doorstep crime and cold calling issues has shown that there is a significant need to protect vulnerable people from this type of activity.

'We are, therefore, extremely supportive of any initiative which will improve the quality of life for local residents.

'We always advise people never to do business with a person who calls at the door without an appointment and to gain several quotes from reputable traders. This resource will be a valuable addition to help us to reinforce this message and to ensure we can signpost to trustworthy traders, suppliers and services.'

Any products or services used by older people will feature on the directory, from electricians and plumbers to gardeners and painters to cleaners and care service providers.

The directory will be available online from September 26 2011 — so don’t delay, log on and put your mind at rest!