Connecting competence, skills, and quality across the RMI sector

In today’s construction and Repair, Maintenance and Improvement (RMI) sectors, the partnership between connection, collaboration, and trust are more important than ever. As the built environment adapts to evolving sustainability goals and rising customer expectations, tradespeople must not only demonstrate technical expertise but also embrace quality and accountability at every stage.

With the theme of ‘connections’ at Futurebuild 2026, TrustMark demonstrates a clear example of how businesses can link competence, skills, and quality to create a stronger, more resilient and skilled industry. As the UK’s only Government-Endorsed Quality Scheme for work carried out in and around the home, TrustMark brings together oversight, consumer protection and skilled workmanship, creating a network where ideas, people and solutions can connect with confidence. For a market that’s increasingly dependent on skilled tradespeople, from energy efficiency upgrades to home improvements, TrustMark signals that quality isn’t just a promise, it’s a verifiable standard backed by a scheme that consumers can rely on.

Competence: Building a culture of professionalism

Competence underpins confidence. Since 2005, TrustMark has been raising standards across the RMI sector by ensuring its Registered Businesses are committed to and maintain the required standards of technical ability, trading practices, and customer service. Working with more than 40 Scheme Providers and over 18,000 Registered Businesses, TrustMark spans over 123 service types, from electricians, plumbers and builders to aerial installers, carpet cleaners and roofers.

TrustMark represents more than a logo. By requiring businesses to demonstrate ongoing competence, TrustMark elevates quality and professionalism across the sector. Customers gain confidence knowing they are working with a Registered Business who meets government-endorsed standards, while businesses strengthen their credibility in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Competence, in this sense, is not simply about individual skills but about embedding consistent, reliable standards across an entire network of tradespeople.

It is also about accountability. A competent business understands the importance of complying with building regulations, adhering to safety standards, and providing transparent communication at every stage of the project. For customers, this translates into reassurance and peace of mind. For businesses, it means being part of a wider ecosystem that values integrity as much as technical expertise. When businesses uphold these principles, they contribute to raising the overall standard of the industry and reinforcing the sense of trust that supports every successful project.

Skills: Supporting trade businesses to thrive

Trade businesses need more than technical know-how if they are to succeed in today’s competitive market. They need the skills to manage relationships, resolve disputes, and communicate their value to customers. TrustMark membership supports these wider needs by providing resources that help businesses connect with customers and operate more effectively.

Through the TrustMark Business Portal, Registered Businesses can manage enquiries, showcase projects, and highlight achievements with a personalised profile available 24/7. The online directory on the TrustMark website enhances visibility, giving consumers direct access to businesses they can trust.

Beyond promotion, TrustMark provides vital support with training, dispute resolution through an independent Ombudsman. These resources allow businesses to demonstrate that their skills extend well beyond technical delivery.  

Another key element is continuous professional development. TrustMark’s partnerships and training opportunities encourage businesses to expand their knowledge base and adapt to emerging technologies. Whether it is learning to integrate renewable energy systems, understanding the latest in data networking, or adopting best practices for customer service, businesses that invest in ongoing development remain competitive and relevant.

By equipping businesses with these tools, TrustMark enables them to not only display their expertise but also strengthen the connections that matter most – those with their customers. This focus on skills development ensures that businesses are not only fit for today’s challenges but also prepared to meet the demands of tomorrow’s sustainable, technology-driven industry.

Quality: A standard that protects everyone

Quality is not a one-time achievement; it is an ongoing commitment. As an independent, not-for-profit organisation licensed by the Government’s Department of Business & Trade, TrustMark reinvests continuously into improving standards and consumer protections. This ensures that registered businesses and their customers benefit from an evolving framework dedicated to quality.

Initiatives such as the Home Improvement App, developed in partnership with the Health and Safety Executive, show how TrustMark can extend its reach into consumer education. By providing clear, accessible information on contracts, project timelines, and safety considerations, the app makes the home improvement journey smoother and more transparent for everyone involved. It helps customers better understand their rights and responsibilities, creating a more informed client base that values professionalism.

Equally important are the protections that quality standards provide for businesses themselves. By being part of TrustMark, businesses have access to support, training and an independent Ombudsman to help resolve difficult complaints. Quality is not just about the finished product; it is about building structures that protect relationships as much as they protect properties.

In addition, partnerships with leading organisations, such as Wickes TradePro, Europcar and the AA, provide TrustMark members with practical benefits, from discounted tools and training to essential business services. These collaborations not only add tangible value but also reflect the importance of connecting quality businesses with the resources they need to succeed. It demonstrates that quality is as much about collaboration and support as it is about individual performance.

Connecting the industry for the future

The built environment is undergoing rapid transformation, with sustainability, innovation, and consumer trust driving change. What unites these challenges is the need for stronger connections between businesses and customers and between trades and standards. TrustMark demonstrates that when competence, skills, and quality come together under one trusted framework, the result is a more resilient, confident, and forward-looking skilled workforce.

For trade businesses, this means recognising that their role extends beyond delivering a single project. They are part of a larger system that shapes how communities grow, how sustainability targets are met, and how consumers perceive the industry as a whole. By committing to competence, investing in skills, and prioritising quality, businesses not only secure their own success but also contribute to building a better environment for all.

As the sector gathers to share ideas and solutions, whether at Futurebuild or in everyday practice, the lesson is clear. By connecting with quality assurance bodies like TrustMark, businesses can not only meet today’s demands but also prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities. In an industry where reputation and trust are everything, the commitment to competence, skills, and quality is not optional. It is essential and TrustMark provides the platform to make that happen.

For further information about TrustMark, visit www.trustmark.org.uk.