In association with the City of Edinburgh Council
Edinburgh
Trusted Trader

10 Year Case Study - Connell & McFadden Property Development Ltd

Tuesday 24 June 2025


Connell & McFadden Property Development Ltd
Sean McFadden is the Company Director of Connell & McFadden Property Development Ltd. Here are his reflections after being an Edinburgh Trusted Trader since 2015.

"It's remarkable to think that it has been a decade since the scheme was launched, and we are very proud to have been a part of it from the very beginning. Reflecting on why we initially joined the scheme, it was our firm belief in the core values that Edinburgh Trusted Trader represented: a platform where the public could easily find reliable, vetted tradespeople with transparent and honest reviews."

"At the time, there was a growing concern about individuals operating without proper standards, leading to unsatisfactory work and disappointed customers. We felt that Trusted Trader was a much-needed initiative to connect clients with trustworthy tradespeople. Furthermore, being part of the scheme has always motivated us to ensure that our standards of workmanship and customer service are maintained at the highest possible level."

“Approximately 50% of our work comes directly from Trusted Trader”


"We can certainly say that our involvement with Edinburgh Trusted Trader has been a resounding success. We have had the pleasure of working with fantastic clients through the scheme, many of whom have also provided subsequent referrals. The fact that clients know we are vetted by Trading Standards, the police, and the council has undoubtedly streamlined the process of securing work, providing them with the assurance that their projects will be completed correctly and at fair prices. The added layer of confidence, knowing that there is a mediation and support system in place should any issues arise, is also a significant benefit for our clients."

"Without hesitation, we would recommend Trusted Trader to other tradespeople, particularly those who take pride in their work and uphold high standards of both the quality of their service and their customer interactions. While the review system can feel demanding initially, it serves as a constant reminder to maintain focus and strive for excellence. Maintaining a high rating on the platform is crucial for business success, both online and in general."

“Our membership with Edinburgh Trusted Trader over the past decade has been instrumental in our business growth”


"Edinburgh Trusted Trader has consistently generated a significant amount of work for us. In fact, at times, we have had to temporarily put our account on hold because, despite expanding our team, we are committed to maintaining our high standards by managing our workload effectively. While we do generate business through our own organic efforts, I would estimate that, on average throughout the year, approximately 50% of our work comes directly from Trusted Trader."

"The volume of work we receive undeniably justifies the annual membership fee, which we consider to be very reasonable indeed. We also firmly believe that displaying the Trusted Trader logo on our vans and website is invaluable in providing potential clients with the confidence and peace of mind that they are choosing a company that prioritizes its customers and consistently aims for the highest standards of workmanship."

"In summary, Trusted Trader has played a significant role in the growth of our business over the past ten years. We have connected with numerous amazing clients through the platform, many of whom have become repeat customers and have provided valuable referrals. Our membership with Edinburgh Trusted Trader over the past decade has been instrumental in our business growth, fostering trust with our clients and providing a consistent stream of high-quality work."


Sean McFadden, Director
Connell & McFadden Property Development Ltd
Connell & McFadden Team