With startups like onefinestay and Hassle.com driving the sharing economy towards an estimated global worth of £335bn by 2025, the UK cannot be faulted for wishing to become the global home of the booming industry. In a bid to ensure just that, Sharing Economy UK (SEUK) – the trade body set up by Debbie Wosskow, the founder and CEO of Love Home Swap – has unveiled the TrustSeal, the world’s first kitemark for the sector.
With the launch of the TrustSeal, SEUK is aiming to ensure good practice in the thriving industry by recognising those following certain positive principles outlined by leaders in the sector. And while it is still in its infancy, four companies have already been invited to take part in the scheme’s pilot programme: MyShowcase, GrubClub, LiftShare and Under the Doormat. PwC UK will now review the four applicants and report back to the TrustSeal’s newly formed Expert Advisory panel, which has been formed to govern companies with the TrustSeal stamp of approval.
“The TrustSeal has been created to set global standards for sharing economy companies around the world,” said Wosskow. “This is another world first created by the UK and the principles outlined can be used as a benchmark for companies to follow in other markets.”
It’s great to see sharing economy startups come together to increase public trust in the sector. You know what they say: a problem shared is a problem halved. 
