The Guild of Master Craftsmen - Trade site

A. The Guild of Master Craftsman is a trade organisation. For more than 30 years The Guild has represented over 400 different crafts, trades and professions, promoting and supporting excellence. To the trade and public alike, The Guild's emblem and Coat of Arms represent skill, integrity, quality and service.

Guild members come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Some are quite unusual, such as craftsmen in wrought iron, stained glass or thatch, others are traditional builders, plumbers or electricians. A growing number are involved in newer industries such as information technology and in the retail and service sector. The one thing they have in common is their commitment to excellence.

The Guild encourages members to strive for excellence and monitors standards to ensure that its principles are being maintained.

Q. What are the benefits of membership?

A. In order to operate profitably, every business needs to have expert advice readily available. Guild membership allows you access to a range of professional services, which include advice on insurance, financial services, health and safety issues, legal matters, sales and marketing, and business consultancy.
In addition The Guild operates credit vetting procedures, a debt collection service to ensure you get paid for the work you do, and, in the event of a customer complaint, a conciliation service to help settle disputes.

Q. Is membership just for big businesses?

A. No. From sole traders to national companies with multiple locations, all will be considered. We have more than 400 different business types as members, from builders and plumbers, I.T technicians and digital designers to thatchers and watchmakers we even have a growing number of international members.

Q. What type of trades are considered?

A. We currently have members in over 400 business sectors and membership is open to applicants from all trades, crafts and professions, to both individuals and companies. The Guild of Master Craftsmen is virtually unique as a trade organisation in as much as it includes and represents such a diverse range of organisations.

Q. What are the minimum requirements?

A. Applicants should have been practising their trade for at least 2 years, Details of five recent customers are required and The Guild will send each a confidential questionnaire to obtain opinions about the standard of craftsmanship and service provided by the Applicant. The Guild seeks confirmation of high standards and a professional business manner.

Q. How much does membership cost?

A. The annual membership fee is calculated based on the size of the business and number of employees as assessed by one of our representatives. However, the cost of membership is easily outweighed by the benefits, cost savings and the business help and advice that The Guild can offer the individual member.

Q. How do I apply?

A. To apply you can telephone the Guild or submit your details online. A representative who covers your area will then telephone you to discuss membership without obligation, answer any questions you may have and arrange to meet you to complete an application form.

Q. How long will it take before I know if I am accepted?

A. We advise that applicants allow at least 4 weeks. The amount of time can vary as acceptance is dependent on us receiving satisfactory references for the applicant's work, and clearance of payment.

Q. Can you help me promote my business?

A. The Guild's logo is the best advertising tool on the market. The Guild has an enviable reputation earned over many years for representing, craftsmanship and customer service. Members benefit by displaying The Guild's instantly recognisable and distinctive emblems which represents a badge of trust and quality.

The Guild's website, www.findacraftsman.com is a unique and exclusive search engine for our members, it allows the public to find a member for any trade or craft close to where they live.

The Guild also organises advertising features throughout the year in local press and directories across the country which helps promote its members regularly at low discounted rates.

The Guild's website offers a free member-to-member advertising section where you can promote your business within the membership. For those members with websites we also have a weblink exchange section so other members can find out more information about your products and services.

Q. What is www.findacraftsman.com and how does it work?

A. On this website, as well as finding a craftsman, it's easy to Check a member, get some tips on How to choose a tradesman and find out more about the work of The Guild of Master Craftsmen. This is the only website to list members of The Guild of Master Craftsmen exclusively.

Q. How do you ensure The Guild's high standards are maintained?

A. Applicants for membership undergo The Guild's assessment procedure. References are obtained from customers and these have to be of a sufficiently high standard and all other criteria fulfilled, before membership is granted. We ask that new members provide completed feedback forms so we can monitor our members on an ongoing basis.

Q. Can The Guild help resolve problems with customers?

A. The Guild operates a conciliation service free of charge. In the event of a dispute we can act as an impartial third party to open a channel of communication between the customer and Guild Member. We suggest practical action to both parties and usually a resolution can be arrived at by correspondence alone. Where this is not possible, we can arrange for an independent inspection to be carried out. The Guild also offers a debt collection service exclusively for its members through specially appointed solicitors throughout the UK.

Ready to join The Guild?

Hopefully, you've found all the information you need on this website. If you have and you'd like to apply for membership, please complete the online application form.
If you have more questions, you can always contact us.