Business Verification Policy

Business Verification Policy

Last Updated: 30 July 2026

1. Purpose

Rossendale Trades Hub is committed to providing a professional business directory that helps customers identify genuine businesses operating within our service areas.

Our Business Verification process is designed to help reduce fraudulent applications, confirm business information where possible, and maintain the integrity of our platform.

Verification does not constitute a guarantee of a business's workmanship, financial stability or future performance.

2. Why We Carry Out Verification

We carry out Business Verification to:

  • Confirm the identity of the person submitting an application.

  • Help prevent fraudulent or misleading listings.

  • Verify business information where applicable.

  • Protect customers and other members of Rossendale Trades Hub.

  • Maintain the quality and integrity of our directory.

3. Information We May Collect

As part of our Business Verification process, we may request or collect:

  • Photo identification for the person submitting the application.

  • Business name.

  • Company registration number (where applicable).

  • Public liability insurance details.

  • Trade qualifications or certifications (where provided).

  • Any additional documentation reasonably required to verify an application.

4. Identity Verification

All applicants are required to provide valid photo identification as part of the application process.

Accepted forms of identification include:

  • UK Driving Licence

  • Passport

  • National Identity Card

Photo identification is used solely for identity verification and fraud prevention.

5. Business Verification Checks

Where applicable, Rossendale Trades Hub may verify business information using publicly available records and trusted third-party verification services.

These checks may include:

  • Companies House

  • Creditsafe

  • Publicly available business websites

  • Social media profiles

  • Other publicly available business information

These checks help us confirm business information supplied during the application process.

6. Public Liability Insurance

Where applicable, applicants may be required to provide evidence of current public liability insurance.

It is the responsibility of each member to ensure their insurance remains valid throughout their membership where insurance is required for the services they provide.

Rossendale Trades Hub may request updated insurance documentation at any time.

7. Qualifications and Certifications

Where qualifications, memberships or certifications are provided, we may review them as part of the verification process.

Providing qualifications does not imply endorsement or accreditation by Rossendale Trades Hub.

8. Verification Outcome

Following our review, an application may be:

  • Approved.

  • Approved subject to further information.

  • Placed on hold while additional verification is completed.

  • Declined if satisfactory verification cannot be completed.

Rossendale Trades Hub reserves the right to refuse or remove any listing at its sole discretion where verification requirements are not met.

9. Ongoing Verification

Business Verification is not a one-time process.

We may carry out further verification during a member's subscription, including requesting updated documentation where appropriate.

Failure to provide requested information may result in suspension or removal of a listing.

10. Storage of Verification Information

Verification documents are processed securely and only accessed by authorised personnel.

Photo identification is used solely for verification purposes and will not be published or shared as part of a business listing.

Verification information will only be retained for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy and to meet our legal or regulatory obligations. Further information is available in our Privacy Policy.

11. No Endorsement

Business Verification confirms only that we have completed our verification process based on the information available to us at the time.

It does not guarantee:

  • The quality of work.

  • Future performance.

  • Financial stability.

  • Ongoing legal compliance.

  • Customer satisfaction.

Customers should always carry out their own enquiries before appointing any business.

12. Changes to This Policy

Rossendale Trades Hub may update this Business Verification Policy from time to time.

The latest version will always be available on our website.

Continued membership after changes have been published constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding our Business Verification process, please contact Rossendale Trades Hub using the contact details provided on our website.