News

Checkatrade, one of the UK’s leading directories of recommended, vetted and monitored trade experts,  has announced a number of new initiatives designed to support its trade members during this unprecedented period of lockdown.

It has promoted a new video calling function on its website, a first within the online trade directory market, enabling tradespeople and potential clients to more easily ‘meet’, discuss jobs and obtain quotes from the comfort of their own homes. This means jobs can be safely scoped in advance or booked-in ready for when restrictions are lifted.

Checkatrade has also partnered with Claritas Tax, an accountancy firm specialising in tax advisory and compliance services, to offer trade members practical advice on accessing the financial support available at this time. The guidance, available on the Checkatrade blog, covers three main areas; help for the self-employed, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and VAT deferment.

Checkatrade is offering its members financial support and new affiliate packages for the duration of lockdown to allow them to maintain or build their online profile at a fraction of the usual cost. 

Checkatrade has also just launched a new Alexa skill in a first for the online tradesperson directory industry. In an emergency, such as a burst water pipe or leak, consumers can now say ‘Alexa, open Checkatrade’ – Alexa will then open Checkatrade and ask which trade is required before asking for a location. Alexa will then provide the top Checkatrade tradespeople within that area. There is no need to download or install an Alexa skill for this, it’s available for everyone.

Mike Fairman, CEO at Checkatrade, said: “Our members work across a broad spectrum of industries. For some it’s business as usual, for others their pipeline of work has collapsed overnight, leading to huge financial uncertainty and untold stress. We’re committed to doing all we can to support them. With our members ranging from sole traders through to limited companies, it’s important that everyone has access to the best tools and sound advice so that risks are minimised and opportunities maximised.”
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