13 minutes | Thursday, 10 September 2026
Send us Fan MailWhen you're choosing someone to carry out work in your home, what matters most? Qualifications and credentials might seem like the obvious answer, but personal recommendations, first impressions and even how somebody looks can play a surprisingly big role in who we trust. On the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I spoke to TV star Denise Van Outen and Ronan Howard, SME Champion for Gas Safe Register, about why younger homeowners can be more likely to trust a tradesperson based on appearance rather than qualifications. It raised an interesting question during our conversation: why don't we always ask tradespeople to prove they're qualified? In plenty of other situations, we'd expect someone to have the right credentials before trusting them to do an important job. Yet when somebody comes recommended by a friend or family member, that recommendation can quickly become the most important factor. Then there's the first impression. Someone arrives looking professional, seems friendly and appears to know what they're talking about. Is that sometimes enough for us to feel comfortable letting them into our home and getting on with the job? Denise shared a cautionary story about a friend who allowed someone to carry out work on their home without realising they weren't properly qualified. The result was an awful mess and a reminder that looking the part and actually being qualified are two very different things. Thankfully, checking doesn't need to be complicated. Ronan explained what homeowners should do before booking someone to carry out gas work, including using the Gas Safe Register to check that the person is registered for the work they're being asked to do. It's a simple check that could prevent a much bigger headache later. And perhaps that's the takeaway from our conversation: a recommendation can help you choose who to call, but it shouldn't replace checking they're actually qualified to do the job. 🎧 Hear my full conversation with Denise Van Outen and Ronan Howard now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. Find me on all social media @paulswampymarsh