Since early December last year, professionals in our industry have had a choice. A chance to decide which Trade Association best meets their needs. A choice to pick the public face of their industry. And a real and effective way to declare their independence from the rest of the pack.

The Independent Digital Standards Commission launched with three simple aims. Foremost was to protect the public from “fly-by-night” installers who brought poor quality work and high charges. At the same time, the standard of work offered by true industry professionals would be raised through training and accreditation. And members' own businesses or products would be promoted by the idsc to maximise profit opportunities.
A Board of three Directors would use over thirty years experience to achieve these aims for the industry's "newest and most impartial Trade Association", say the idsc.

Director John Knight, told Riggers about the importance of the idsc. “There are opportunists out there who have given proper professionals a bad name. It's vital that a Trade Association sets a realistically high standard of work, offers real benefits to members and becomes the face of an industry that will promote quality and trust to the public.” John explained why it's so pressing that all this happens right now. “Analogue switch-off will happen by 2010 latest. That may seem like a long time away, but it's not really when you look at the huge number of homes, hotels, clubs and hospitals that need to go Digital. Our members will be best placed to satisfy this huge demand for quality workmanship.”

Independent values
A core feature of the idsc is having a truly independent Board of Directors. “It's important to remain focused as a Director“ David Atkinson said, “It is our aim to concentrate all our efforts to the benefit the members we represent.” David and the rest of the Board are exclusively employed by the idsc so that they can concentrate full-time on idsc business, and only on idsc business.

David also stresses the independent aspects of individual membership. “It is correct, we will register an entire company. However, every installer in that company will be registered as part of the company, and the company will then be entered in to the database of available installers. It is our aim to register the individual and exclude the opportunists to offer the public a true professional who is prepared to guarantee his work.” This approach has worked well for professionals in other industries where safety and confidence is important, such as the successful CORGI scheme for gas fitters.

Looking out for members
Members will receive a wide variety of benefits when they join the idsc. In order to raise standards of work, subsidised training courses are available throughout the country covering the correct use of health & safety equipment, installation and system design. Members are expected to use quality kit on jobs, so leading suppliers in the industry have teamed-up with the idsc to offer discounted rates on consumables, safety equipment and capital items. Specially negotiated rates for insurance, such as public liability, health care and accidents allow members to save money, have peace of mind and satisfy legal requirements. A comprehensive library of technical information, business advice and financial obligations is available for download over the web.

A 24/7 call-centre takes calls from the public who are searching for a professional installer in their area. The customer's postcode is fed in to the database, and the details of the nearest three members will be passed to the customer. The database will select at random and ensure that all members' details will be made available. Tony Lewis proudly tells Riggers ”The public will have a choice of who they use, but are safe in the knowledge that whoever they choose will be qualified, trained and insured to carry out the work. Importantly, their work will be fully guaranteed”.

Membership fees are designed with the member's pockets in mind. John Knight explains. “Cash flow is important in business and we fully understand that. That's why you can pay quarterly by Direct Debit and fees are set as low as possible.” And he sums up like this “You now have a choice to be as independent as you want to be. We are confident that the idsc offers the best value for its members”.

Manufacturers and other interested parties are encouraged to become members of the idsc. For organisation with no active installers, a special discounted Associate membership rate is offered. By giving an alternative method of exposure for products, having pre-launch product trials offered installing members, exposure on websites, regular mail arounds and product training, the idsc aims to be the premier independent communication channel in the industry.

John Knight
Actively involved within the industry for over 18 years, starting as an aerial rigger, and later installing and servicing satellite systems. Joined Tele Aerial Satellites (TAS) as Principal Engineer in 1995. TAS was subsequently bought out by BSkyB and renamed Sky In Home Service. At BSkyB, John was promoted to Branch Manager during the launch of Sky Digital, and then in 1999 to Regional Manager for Sky In Home Service. Responsible for up to 230 installers and ten Team Managers, contributed to many of the processes that are still in place to improve safety & product performance. John now works full-time for the Independent Digital Standards Commission

David Atkinson
Worked in customer service roles prior to the satellite industry. Joined BSkyB in 1998 at the launch of the digital satellite revolution. Dealt extensively with independent aerial & satellite installation businesses as Regional Manager. As Business Improvement Manager lead a team to implement safe working practices, raise installation standards improve customer care. Left BSkyB to run an installation company as Operations Manager. David is currently committed to working for the Trade Association, its members and the public at large as a Director of the idsc.

Tony Lewis
Progressed through a number of positions related to the role of service in our industry. Initially a field engineer himself, he later managed a team of field engineers as both Technical Manager and then as Service Manager. Joined BskyB in 1998 as Branch Manager, and was then promoted to Acting Divisional General Manager. Worked closely with sub-contractors and managed 200 installers and eight Team managers. As Regional Operations Manager, and a member of senior management, successfully designed and implemented strategy to promote BSkyB to be the leading independent broadcaster in the UK. Tony is now working exclusively on projects that pushes the idsc forwards.