Tesco launches home repair service

TESCO is moving into HOME REPAIRS - and selling handyman services ranging from plumbing to pest control. Britain's biggest supermarket is offering a "one- stop shop" for odd jobs in a trial at its store in Swindon, Wiltshire.

Under a new banner TESCO HOME SERVICES, the giant is teaming up with local tradesmen who pass an "accreditation" process.

Customers ring a central number and the work is shared out - with Tesco taking a cut of all the fees.

Tesco launched the move earlier this month and mailed 180,000 homes in the town. The group last night insisted it is just testing the concept - but admitted it could be rolled out nationwide.

Rob Brown, home services director, said: "We are giving people in Swindon the confidence that what they will receive will be good value and reliable."

But the move will be a blow to tradesmen.

It will also come alarm home repair rivals such as HOMESERVE, the AA and even BRITISH GAS. The latter has been throwing huge amounts of cash at the home services market.

Tesco's roster of tradesmen will cover building, glazing, locks, heating, roofing, drainage and even IT support. It already pockets £1 in nearly every £7 spent on the high street - and is moving into banking.

Source : The Sun