2009 will undoubtedly see a number of changes and advancements in the world of gas engineering however one of the most significant changes will be the name behind the UK’s gas registration scheme. The name CORGI is by far one of the biggest household names to date and when you mention it to someone they invariably know exactly what trade you’re talking about. So why would CORGI want to transfer the entire gas scheme to Capita – a name that very few ordinary members of the public will have heard of?

CORGI currently has two divisions to its business – the gas registration scheme and CORGI Services Limited. This lesser known part of the business offers a range of products and services to CORGI registered companies which help them to work more efficiently and it is this part of the business which is being developed. As such the gas registration scheme is being handed over to Capita and will have a brand new name which is being announced in January of 2009.

Not surprisingly over 80% of gas engineering companies say they retain more work because of their association with the CORGI brand name and that they want to continue to be associated with the name if possible. As a consequence CORGI have put together a quality and competency scheme which will launch in the next few months. Any company that is registered on the Capita gas registration scheme can also be part of the new CORGI quality scheme but if this is the case then why bother with the change at all.

It is estimated that over 90% of UK consumers have heard of the CORGI name; they know what it stands for and they know it means quality, qualifications and people that can be trusted. Until I heard of this new scheme, I’d have looked at an engineer with a very puzzled expression if they had told me they were Capita registered and I’m pretty sure the majority of other consumers will feel the same. Some marketing experts maintain that it takes several years and millions of pounds in advertising to successfully change a brand name and one as big as CORGI will undoubtedly be hard to change.

The transfer takes place in April 2009 and so until then the CORGI registration still stands. After that date though all qualified gas engineers will be Capita registered so this is the new phrase to look out for. Capita will be the new governing body and all registered engineers will have to pass the same rigorous exams as they did before in order to get their tickets. They will be just as qualified and just as dependable as ever – they’ll just have a new registration name to remember.

Guest Article by Clare Lynock

For further details on this new ruling see the Health & Safety Executive web site