TrustMark has approved four new scheme operators: the Consumer Protection Association, FairTrades , the Flat Roofing Alliance and the Lead Contractors Association. TrustMark now has 19 approved scheme operators and over 10,000 registered firms. The Consumer Protection Association (CPA) is an independent body which offers a range of services to people purchasing home improvements.

The CPA can register any trade to TrustMark and its protection schemes can apply to a wide range of home improvements.

John Travers, Director of the CPA says: 'The CPA joined TrustMark to help protect the public from rogue traders'.

'We are confident that our experience will help the consumer and ensure that TrustMark gains further recognition as an authoritative stamp of approval on local firms.' FairTrades has been trading since 1983, offering vetted companies to consumers and value added products and services to tradespeople.

It is now one of the largest multi-trade associations in the UK, and is approved to register builders, roofers, glaziers, electricians, conservatory companies and kitchen and bathroom specialists to TrustMark.

Nick Egdell, Managing Director of FairTrades, says: 'FairTrades has always maintained and aspired to high standards and we feel that TrustMark is the first UK single body which is aligned with these same values'.

'By working together, we will continue to raise standards throughout the industry.' The Flat Roofing Alliance (FRA) was originally formed in 1938 as the Felt roofing contractors Advisory Board, which acted as a contractors' trade and technical body representing all aspects of flat roofing.

The FRA sets standards for products, specifications, safety and training and represents the flat roofing industry on a wide range of technical committees.

Bill Jenkins, Director of the FRA says: 'We are delighted to have achieved scheme operator status for TrustMark'.