The government has launched its anti-cowboy initiative, the quality mark scheme, in Wales.
More than 40 Welsh contractors have won quality mark status after a joint push by construction union UCATT, The Construction Industry Training Board Wales and the National Federation of Builders.

The launch, which has been funded by the DTI and the European Union, will include training in health and safety and will qualify builders for the Construction Skills Certification Scheme card.

Health and safety requirements will be reinforced through the provision of site management safety training for 50 managers from participating companies.

Peter Black, the Welsh assembly's deputy minister for finance, local government and communities, said: "The scheme will help improve the quality of skills and employment within the Welsh industry and make an important contribution in the fight against cowboy builders."

Speaking at last week's launch to mark the first phase of the scheme in Cardiff and Mid-Glamorgan, NFB chairman Bill Rabbetts outlined the benefits.

He said: "The commercial client will now know that a firm has established its technical standards through independent audit.

"Domestic clients will be able to enjoy the services of a company committed to quality service underpinned by a warranty."