John Brignal was the second trader to join the TrAder Scheme Knowsley when it first began back in 2003, as a way of keeping older people safe from rogue traders. A self-employed joiner, John has worked across Knowsley and surrounding areas delivering high quality and bespoke work for 22 years through his business WJB Joinery Service. John found out about TASK through a friend who worked for Knowsley council, their trading standards team playing their part in the set-up of the scheme 18 years ago. John felt the scheme was a really important development for the people of Knowsley. This was one of his reasons for joining the scheme, and John remains a trusted member of TASK today;
“Everyone knows someone who’s been ripped off, there is nothing worse than listening to someone tell you that. Everyone has a nan or grandad, an aunty or uncle and they need someone they can trust, some who is vetted and reliable. Using TASK gives people a feeling of security. If you’re a good, honest trader, you can’t lose with TASK.”
John still says that there is no downside to TASK. He feels strongly about helping people and TASK gives John, and all other trader members, that opportunity. John speaks fondly about working with older people and tells stories of customers who have been extremely appreciative of the work he has done, jobs both big and small. Customers often call for help with something that for him, is a quick job and doesn’t cost a lot, but he recognises that for the customer, it could be an issue that causes a massive inconvenience as well as worry and concern about getting it fixed.
“It doesn’t matter how much the job is, whether it’s £30 or £100. You can make a difference to that person’s day, and having a cup of tea and some good conversation while you’re there. It’s not just about making money, it’s about being happy in the job you do, as well as helping someone.”
What contributes to this sense of helping others for John and all of the TASK traders is the feedback they receive. Customers who contact TASK for details of traders are sent a comprehensive information pack and feedback form, so that they can provide feedback on any trader that does a job for them. This feedback is a vital part of the service as it provides consistent assurances that traders are meeting customers needs and delivering services to a high standard.
“I like getting the feedback from customers I’ve worked with. It’s lovely to read, it really feeds the soul. You’re only ever as good as your last job.”
As well as being able to help people, John also recognises the benefits TASK has had for his business. John has calls from customers weekly who have received his details from TASK, and this often leads to further business from family and friends of TASK customers. John also recalls being pictured for the local paper with the Mayor of Knowsley when he joined, following which he was recognised locally a few times!
Better Lives are proud to support local traders like John, by offering an affordable annual membership for the TASK service. Following an approval process, traders are provided with a TASK ID badge, completion of a DBS and the details of their business and services are kept on the TASK database to be shared with customers who contact TASK looking for a trusted, reliable trader. If you would like to find out more about TASK or to register your business, get in touch with Better Lives and the TASK team today.
Contact John
WJB Joinery Instagram
@wjbjoinery