The Buy With Confidence scheme (BWC) from Trading Standards can help you avoid the cowboys and find honest, legal and fair local businesses.

The scheme is voluntary but traders who apply have to pass a robust vetting process before they can join BWC. Trading Standards officers: 

• Visit every trader in the scheme
• Check that traders have suitable complaints systems
• Run criminal records checks where necessary

Businesses must also sign up to a code of conduct to agree to follow both the letter and the spirit of the law.

BWC traders are also subject to ongoing checks and customer feedback.

Although the scheme can't offer any guarantees about the work carried out by members, Trading Standards will look into any complaints about BWC traders.

Pete Tynan, Which? Local product manager said: "We are very impressed by the work Trading Standards have done to set up BWC. The fact that traders have to make commitments and be vetted by enforcement authorities should mean that customers shouldn't have too many problems."

BWC is the largest local authority scheme in the country - currently running in more than 30 authorities across the country and growing all the time. For more information visit their website.

Unfortunately it's not yet run everywhere so check to see if your local area is covered.

Of course you should still follow common sense advice to try and ensure you get good service. But if you are unhappy with the work or service, follow our tips on making a complaint.

Email us with your thoughts on the Buy With Confidence scheme.