Keeping members top of the pile
February 27th 2008 The NCCA was formed in 1968 in order to raise standards within the carpet and soft furnishing cleaning industry.In this respect, initially the Association faced strong criticisms of its policy to accept, as a member, any company who wished to join. The Directors, having met many of the 100-strong membership, felt assured that they were of high calibre and shared the necessary characteristic of long-sightedness.
However, although the relaxed entrance policy appeared to work, it was soon reviewed in order to narrow the possible margin of error and ensure a continuing level of good workmanship. Standards have continued to improve throughout the years and these days new entrants must undergo a two-day, comprehensive training programme, in both carpet and upholstery cleaning,and pass the exam,which follows, in order to be eligible to become a member of the NCCA.
Despite the more stringent entrance requirements membership has remained an attractive prospect, and the association has seen a steady rise in member companies over the years. However, during the past twelve months there has been a substantial increase of members,which is disproportionately high.This is largely due to an increase in the number of people attending the NCCA Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Courses. Recent courses have seen almost twice as many delegates as in 2000 and 2001.The conversion rate from course attendee to member has also substantially increased, with almost a third of delegates joining within one month of passing.
We are currently receiving approximately three enquiries with regard to courses and membership every day, which is three times the amount we were receiving only five years ago. New sources of advertising in magazines and directories have generated more interest in the association, but we believe our best marketing tool is the NCCA website. It is readily accessible should any member of the public, or prospective member, type the word ‘carpet’into many of the search engines. It contains full details of the NCCA, a list of current and forthcoming events, including training, and a full list of NCCA members for the public to access.
The NCCA website can be found at www.ncca.co.uk. Alternatively call the office on 0116 271 9550. More articles from National Carpet Cleaners Association: | 
