Cost of Business Software Dealers
across the UK

# Business Software Dealers: Trade Body Accreditation

The main trade bodies and schemes relevant to UK business software dealers include the Federation of Independent Software Houses (FISH), membership of the British Computer Society (BCS), and compliance with the Federation Against Software Theft (FAST) standards. Dealers may also hold certifications from major software publishers such as Microsoft Gold Partner, Adobe Solution Partner, or Autodesk authorised reseller status. Additionally, some dealers operate under the Quality Mark scheme or seek ISO 9001 certification to demonstrate quality management standards. These credentials indicate that a dealer has met specific technical competencies, ethical standards, and compliance requirements. Understanding what each accreditation means is important because it tells you whether a dealer has been independently verified to have proper expertise, appropriate insurance, and adherence to consumer protection standards.

To verify a provider's credentials, check their website for logos and links to trade body registries, then independently confirm their membership or certification status by visiting the issuing organisation's website directly. The BCS maintains a register of certified members, FISH publishes member lists, and major software publishers like Microsoft provide searchable databases of their official partners. You can also ask the dealer directly for proof of accreditation, such as certificate numbers or membership IDs, and request references from other businesses they have served. This verification matters significantly because it protects you from fraudulent claims and ensures the dealer is properly qualified, insured, and bound by professional codes of conduct. An accredited dealer is also more likely to be held accountable if something goes wrong, as they risk losing their credentials if they breach standards.

Accredited business software dealers typically charge more than unaccredited competitors, often by 5 to 20 percent depending on the service and certification level. This premium exists because accreditation involves ongoing training, compliance audits, insurance requirements, and membership fees that accredited dealers must pass on