edit_noteInsights & Guides
Knowledge for responsible consumers
Research, guides, and explainers to help you find ethical businesses, understand fair business practices, and make purchasing decisions that benefit your community.
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8 articlesHow TopTenTrades scores a business: the full methodology
Every Social Ethics Score on TopTenTrades is calculated using publicly available data across five independently weighted pillars. Here is exactly how it works.
How to check if a builder is legitimate in the UK
Building work can cost tens of thousands of pounds and go catastrophically wrong. Here is how to verify a builder's credentials, protect your money, and avoid the most common traps.
How to find a trustworthy local plumber in the UK
With thousands of plumbers in the UK and no universal licensing requirement, knowing how to check credentials, verify accreditations, and avoid cowboy traders is essential.
What is a Community Interest Company (CIC)?
A Community Interest Company is a special type of limited company designed to benefit the community rather than private shareholders. Here is how to identify one and why it matters.
How UK corporation tax avoidance works — and what ethical businesses do differently
Many UK businesses legally reduce their tax bills through avoidance structures. Here is how it works, why it harms communities, and what genuinely responsible businesses do instead.
What is a B-Corp — and should it change who you hire?
B-Corp certification is one of the most rigorous independent assessments of a business's social and environmental performance. Here is what it means, how to verify it, and why it matters.
What is the Real Living Wage — and why does it matter when hiring a trade?
The Real Living Wage is independently calculated based on the actual cost of living in the UK. It is higher than the government minimum wage, and choosing businesses that pay it makes a real difference.
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