星空传媒

I am sorry that Bob Charlick could not understand my column ('Latham on report', EMC, June 2003, p5). Here is a simple interpretation for him.

The Quality Mark Scheme was a nice idea in principle.

It is not working. Very few firms have joined. Even the Government says so.

Why not? Because established firms have overheads. They do not want emergency domestic maintenance work. It is unprofitable for them and they have plenty of other work.

Anyway, householders (especially pensioners) cannot afford the costs of such firms.

So they choose sole traders out of the Yellow Pages. They are cheaper, but not always cheerful or competent.

Water companies act as effective intermediaries. They employ the reputable firms to carry out the work for the insured householder, at no charge to the latter. Sorted.

Got it Bob? I hope you enjoyed your drinks voucher.