Sharing Economy UK, the trade body representing and championing UK’s sharing economy businesses, has announced the latest recipients of its ‘TrustSeal’ �" the world’s first kitemark for the industry.

Home sharing platform Airbnb, ticket exchange StubHub, pet-sitting and travel website TrustedHousesitters and car rental company HiyaCar are the second round of firms to successfully meet the TrustSeal eight principles of Good Practice. This followed a rigorous application process and scrutiny by an advisory panel of independent, industry experts.

The TrustSeal is an independently awarded kitemark that gives customers confidence that each platform upholds important standards to protect consumers online in key areas including help and support, secure payments and data protection.

Chair of Sharing Economy UK and CEO of Easy Car, Richard Laughton, said:

“For the sharing economy to reach its full potential, it must continue to build trust amongst a growing customer base and that’s the objective of the TrustSeal.

“Congratulations to all those awarded today �" they have shown they have the services and processes in place to uphold the highest standards of customer safety. Our ambition now is for more companies in the sector to follow in their footsteps.”

Alison Hastings, communications expert and member of the TrustSeal Advisory Panel said:

“The Trust Seal is the world’s first kitemark for the sharing economy and shows an industry willing to step up proactively to address issues of trust.

“As usage of platforms grows, the TrustSeal promises to be an even more important tool to help customers make smart decisions, feel safe and secure when they participate in sector.”

Sharing Economy UK (‘SEUK’) champions the UK’s sharing economy industry. We are a nationwide trade body representing the country’s most influential sharing economy businesses, along with game-changing start-ups, across a spectrum of sectors.

The sharing economy represents a step change in how we think about commerce. It uses internet technologies to connect groups of people and enterprises online, so that property, services, spaces, time, skills and other resources can be shared and put to better use. This reduces the need for ‘ownership’, and turns downtime into uptime.