The importance of trust

Donald Miller explains why trust is so important in trade, both for tradesmen and their tools

The payment protection insurance (PPI) scheme was established to cover loan repayments in unforeseen circumstances.

However, banks made considerable profits through this scheme, which encouraged some to lie to customers, telling them PPI was a compulsory addition to their loan.

Clearly these banks could not be trusted.



While a contractor isn’t handling your money, the importance of choosing tool providers and tradesmen that can be relied on.

Having trust in tools and tradesmen helps ensure the safety of everybody on a work site as well as resulting in a finished product that keeps all future users safe. It also means the finished work is likely to be of a high quality both visually and functionally, increasing longevity.

Trusted tradesmen

Most of us know the saying, “a poor workman blames his tools”.

While it’s true that the right tools for the job are important, it’s essential that tradesmen are capable and can be trusted.

Not only does this make sure you always meet quality and safety standards, but also guarantees efficient service.

According to the 2014 homeowner survey, 58% of UK homeowners had trouble finding a reliable tradesman to assist with home improvements.

A strong reputation in their industry, as well as the necessary certifications and registrations, earns tradesmen more trust and, therefore, repeat business.

Nowadays, as shown in research published by construction industry insurer AXA, only two per cent of tradesmen have no formal qualifications, compared to 18% of tradesmen who have been in the industry for many years. This suggests that contractors today are more aware of the value of proving they can be trusted.

TrustMark, a government endorsed scheme, has approved 18,000 traders in the UK spanning 25 trades. TrustMark accreditation defines them to be reliable and capable of conducting high quality work as well as raising industry standards.

Trusted tools

Even the best tradesmen need trustworthy tools to conduct high quality work efficiently and safely.

For example, if the hole saws being used are not produced by a reputable manufacturer, the finished cut will not provide the required quality finish and may, in fact, cause damage to the material.

Trustworthy tools are also likely to have a longer lifespan. This means replacements do not have to be purchased very often and the tools can be used to generate high quality work for a long period of time.

Precision measurement and hand tool specialist Starrett was founded by Laroy S. Starrett, whose passion for manual labour and tools stemmed from his upbringing on an American farm in Maine. He aspired to invent something useful that people actually needed and wanted. This drive led to him eventually holding 100 patents on his inventions.

Laroy S. Starrett learned everything as he went along, so every step was a challenge. When his wife passed away he was left to care for four young children and also suffered hearing loss. Despite these hardships, his ambition and passion conquered.

In 1956, the company began to expand internationally, and now has nine manufacturing locations worldwide. The company’s success is highlighted by its annual sales of around £250 million, and its position on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

The majority of Starrett’s employees are stakeholders in the company. This means that there is collective ownership of quality and services standards throughout the company and a common goal to maintain a strong reputation for excellence.

The extensive history and experience Starrett offers, and the determination of its staff to grow and succeed, is demonstrative of a tool maker that can be relied on. Furthermore, the company has stayed in the family since its origin, demonstrating their commitment to the company and to the industry.

The customers who were miss-sold PPI are now questioning whether they can trust their banks and will be exploring alternative providers. To avoid experiencing a similar predicament, project managers must ensure they are buying tools and hiring contractors that are trustworthy, reputable and reliable.

IMAGE CAPTION: Starrett explains the importance of trust and reliability, both for tradespeople and their tools.

Donald Miller is general sales manager of power tool accessories and hand tool specialist,Starrett.