For tradespeople:
The main ways in which we assist Guild members are:
- Recognition of your skill and integrity through your membership, which enables the public to recognise you as an expert in your field.
- Publicising The Guild and our members through our websites www.guildmc.com and www.findacraftsman.com, within national media, online via social media and publicity. Thus creating greater awareness about the Guild and our members
- Providing free expert advice to support you on your business journey.
- Providing cost savings on a wide range of business products and services.
Find out more about why you should join The Guild and the ways in which becoming a member of The Guild can assist you here.
The main requirement to becoming a member of the Guild is to be skilled and professional in your chosen trade. This takes into account all aspects of your work and your business.
After applying to be a member, an assessor will visit your place of work, look at all aspects of your workmanship and your business, and make a decision on your suitability to become an accredited member.
Membership of The Guild is not guaranteed, as potential members need to be assessed before accreditation and it is not necessarily permanent, as Guild members can be expelled from The Guild if their behaviour and/or workmanship are deemed to have fallen below the standard required by our Aims and Objectives and qualifications for membership.
Becoming a craftsperson very much depends on the area of specialism you are interested in. There are many colleges that run a variety of courses in many different trades and craft. Some recommended trades and craftspeople offer apprenticeships. For more detailed advice and helpful resources, please see our tips on learning a craft.
Yes, we require four or more good quality references from previous customers as part of our assessment process, alongside wider checks like Google reviews.
For consumers:
How can I find a good, rated tradesman?
To find tradesperson who are well regarded, first look for their membership or affiliation of a reputable federation or trade association, such as The Guild of Master Craftsmen. Reputable organisations provide assurance that the tradesperson you are employing has been assessed and accredited, and you will receive assistance, should any problems occur. You can search for local tradespeople who are members of the Guild of Master Craftsmen at www.findacraftsman.com.
How does The Guild of Master Craftsmen assist consumers?
The Guild of Master Craftsmen assists consumers in several ways. Firstly, we assess all our members for being professional, skilled and worthy of the title of ‘Master Craftsman’. Our regional assessors personally visit every tradesperson. Their workmanship, their procedures and their approach are all closely assessed to meet the high standards of The Guild of Master Craftsmen.
Secondly, through our website, www.findacraftsman.com and our office phone line 01273 478 449, we provide an easy facility for you to locate suitable tradespeople in your area, providing information and contact details.
Finally, in the unlikely case that something does go wrong with your project, we have a conciliation department that is dedicated to resolving any problems, however large or small.
Does The Guild only represent traditional crafts?
We represent a diverse variety of trades and crafts, both traditional and contemporary. From stonemasons, saddlers and thatchers, to interior designers and PVC manufacturers, all are united by accreditation to the Guild of Master Craftsmen.
What and how many types of trades does The Guild represent?
The Guild represents over five hundred trades. From general trades associated with building such as plumbers, carpenters and plasterers, through to the more traditional trades like stonemasons, restoration specialists and sash window makers, on to the more unusual and artisan such as kiltmakers, quilt designers and ice sculptors, we have an extremely rich and diverse group of members.
How can you identify a tradesman that is a Guild member?
The Guild emblem is the most obvious way of identifying a Guild member. This can be displayed in a number of ways: on vehicles, on their website, on advertising materials or on their stationery. Searching for a member on our website, www.findacraftsman.com assures that you can trust a tradesman has been thoroughly vetted. You can also call our office on 01273 478 449 to check if your tradesman is a Guild member. Further information on how to choose a tradesperson can be found here.
Can Guild members have their membership revoked?
Yes. Guild members can be expelled from The Guild if their behaviour and/or workmanship are deemed to have fallen below the stringent standards required by our Aims and Objectives and qualifications for membership.
What happens if I have a dispute with a Guild member?
We have an impartial conciliation department dedicated to resolving any problems or disputes between consumers and Guild members.
Where can I find a local tradesman in my area who is a Guild member?
You can find local trades or crafts, who are accredited members of The Guild, by either searching on our website www.findacraftsman.com or by phoning our office on 01273 478 449.
What should I be wary of when choosing a tradesman?
Choosing a trusted tradesperson who is a member of a reputable trade association or federation such as The Guild should always be your first step when planning your project. Ensure you ask to see examples of a tradesman’s work and be wary if they are reluctant to show you. It is always good practice to get a written quote and again, be cautious if they are reluctant to provide one.
Does The Guild offer any general tips or advice for consumers?
We offer general tips and advice for consumers here, through news articles we publish, and through our website www.findacraftsman.com, or by phoning our office on 01273 478 449.
If you still haven’t found an answer to your question, please feel free to contact us here with any general enquiries on or call us on 01273 478449.