NUNEATON: The Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) has launched a new website to enable householders to connect with professional painters and decorators.

www.paintingdecoratingassociation.com offers a single point of reference to reach a PDA member - and learn more about the Association and its work to maintain consumer confidence in the industry.

Representing over 2300 companies from sole traders through to large national contractors, the PDA is one of the largest trade bodies in the UK.

Its members - who are authorised to use the Association's distinct red, blue and white logo - have measured up to the trade body's testing standards to prove they are capable of delivering a good finish, and can be trusted in the home.

Paul Marsden, chief executive of the PDA, which has its headquarters in Nuneaton, said: "Painters and decorators come into people's homes and customers want to know that person or company is to be trusted.

"Particularly in the current economic climate, it is all too easy to be taken for a ride by a cowboy operator.

"By logging onto the new Association's website, homeowners can be assured they are in the hands of the professionals.

"Membership of the PDA verifies that an individual or company meets a set criteria in areas including training, experience and insurance provision - ensuring that professionalism comes as standard. The process is stringent and membership of the Association is not automatic.

"Ultimately, this brings piece of mind for consumers that the decorator they have selected is a genuine one."

www.paintingdecoratingassociation.com has been developed by design and marketing consultants The Finishing Post, based in Bury St Edmunds.

Mr Marsden added: "The new website offers a range of useful new features, including a ‘member search' facility.

"By inputting their postcode, consumers can search for a PDA member in their area and the results show a list of names, addresses, contact details and distance from them, within a 25 kilometre radius.

"Users also have access to the latest industry news to see just how innovative the UK painting and decorating sector is.

"Furthermore, we have developed the website to promote contact from consumers, so we can actively seek their feedback."