Hiring a tradesperson usually starts with a Google search or a recommendation on Facebook. You find a few names, read some reviews, maybe get a couple of quotes. But social media and search results are easily manipulated. How do you actually know the reviews are genuine, the address is local, they have valid insurance, and the accreditations actually check out?
That's the problem VIA was built to solve.
VIA stands for Verified, Insured, Accountable. It's an independent checking service for tradespeople in the UK. Not a directory, not a review site, and not a lead generation platform. VIA exists to answer one question: can this tradesperson be trusted?
What does VIA actually check?
When a tradesperson applies to join VIA, we run a series of independent checks across several areas. These aren't self-declared badges or paid-for listings. Every check is carried out by VIA before a tradesperson is approved.
We verify their business address to confirm they're genuinely based in the area they claim to serve. Not a virtual office, not a PO box, and not a registered address three counties away.
We check their public liability insurance is valid and in date, and display the insurer, level of cover, and expiry on their profile so customers can see it before making contact.
We verify any trade accreditations they hold against official registers. If they say they're Gas Safe or NICEIC registered, we confirm it.
We review their digital footprint, including their website, social media presence, and online reviews, checking for consistency and legitimacy.
We confirm their contact details are genuine and active. No dead phone lines, no call centres, no forwarding services.
For limited companies and LLPs, we also check against Companies House records.
What happens after the checks?
Once a tradesperson passes all checks, they receive a unique VIA number, a live public profile on viacheck.co.uk, professional van stickers, and a digital badge for their website and social media.
Their profile shows exactly what was checked and confirmed. Customers can look them up by name or VIA number and see the full breakdown before they even pick up the phone.
What if something doesn't check out?
It works a bit like an MOT. If something needs attention, we tell the tradesperson exactly what the issue is and give them the chance to sort it. Once resolved, we re-check at no extra cost. If they can't or won't resolve it, they don't get approved.
Is it ongoing?
Yes. VIA isn't a one-off check. We monitor insurance status on an ongoing basis and periodically re-check details to make sure everything stays accurate. If a tradesperson's insurance lapses or their details change, their profile reflects that.
How much does it cost?
VIA membership is £20 per month. That covers the initial checks, the public profile, van stickers, digital badge, and ongoing monitoring. There are no hidden fees, no tiers, and no upsells.
How is VIA different from directories?
Most trade directories make money by selling leads or advertising space. The tradesperson pays to be listed, not to be checked. VIA doesn't sell leads and doesn't run ads. The only way onto the platform is to pass the checks.
There's no limit per trade or per area either. Every genuine local tradesperson who passes is welcome, regardless of how many others in their trade have already joined.
How do customers use it?
If you've been given a VIA number or a tradesperson says they're VIA checked, you can look them up at viacheck.co.uk. Enter their name or VIA number and you'll see their full profile, including everything that was checked and when.
If a tradesperson isn't on VIA, it doesn't necessarily mean they're not trustworthy. It just means they haven't been independently checked by us.