CLE opens its doors to Scottish builders

The Construction Licensing Executive (CLE), the independent accreditation scheme for construction firms in Scotland, has announced that it is now effectively "open for business".

At a meeting of the CLE board the first applications for licences under the scheme have been received from leading trade organisations. Invitations are also being extended to all appropriate trade bodies and individual contractors for licence approval.

Bill Cassie, chairman of the executive, said: "I am confident that the CLE in Scotland will make a significant contribution in the efforts to rid the industry of rogue traders or so-called cowboy builders."

The CLE has won support from members of the Scottish Parliament and is backed by both the Scottish Executive and the Department of Trade & Industry.