Hi All,
The issue over who to join crops up again and again on various forums. Many people smarter than me have voiced the pros and cons of the various bodies. At the end of the day it boils down to who gives the best service at the best value for money. Everyone who is already registered will probably sing the praises of their particular body.
It is also a fact that certain public sectors will demand NIC registration if you wish to quote for work. Again people have questioned this practice, what wrong with NAPIT ECA etc. arn't all the registration bodies equal?. This may be the case, but the one who advertises the most and pushes themselves into the eye of the public will obviousley be the one that springs to mind first.
5 years ago I had popped into building control for some reason and having chatted to a planner for a few minutes it became obvious that the only body that he had ever heard of was the NIC. He had obviousley been living under a stone for some time! If I asked the same question again now I'm sure that the other bodies would as least be recognised given all that Part P has raised.
So it's down to personal choice, if you are just doing bathrooms and kitchens and don't need full scope then just plumb for the cheapest body that will accept the qualifications that you have. Trustmark is good although not advertised enough by the Government. You will have to weigh up whether it is worthwhile for you to join.