A Bridport business has been named Trading Standards approved business of the month for the south west.

Jim Shearman Solar Thermal Specialist has been awarded member of the month by Buy With Confidence – a national of register of Trading Standards approved businesses.

Mr Shearman has been a member of the Buy With Confidence scheme since 2008.

His business specialises in installing solar thermal systems which produce hot water for customers' homes using the power of the sun.

He said: “I moved to Bridport 16 years ago. I have fitted 144 (and counting) solar hot water systems since then!”

Mr Shearman has received hundreds of five-star reviews on his BWC profile.

One such review commended his service describing Mr Shearman as “very informative and knowledgeable.”

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

Mr Shearman stresses the importance of being Trading Standards approved to help build trust and confidence in customers.

“I like to think my membership fees go some way to help Trading Standards root out the cowboys, which would certainly improve the image of renewables in general, which, in turn, can only be good in the fight against the looming climate catastrophe.

“Also, being the best-reviewed member of the scheme in the area is gratifying, but I wonder why anyone would treat their customers any less well than I do.”

The scheme was set up to benefit customers and businesses by giving them confidence when purchasing goods and services.

Members must show that they are complying with the law and treating customers fairly. Only members who meet the criteria are permitted to use the Trading Standards approved logo.   

Some of the criteria includes having operated for a minimum of 6 months, complying with the consumer protection legislation, and forbidding cold calling customers.

Unlike other business approval schemes, it is run on a non-profit basis and all membership fees are put back into the scheme for its running and promotion.

As part of the membership, members are entitled to free business advice which may otherwise be chargeable to non-members.  The scheme also offers a mediation service in the event of a dispute should it be required.