We enforce and advise on legislation designed to protect the consumer from dishonest traders. This assists the vast majority of reputable companies by ensuring fair trading methods for everyone.
We carry out routine visits to traders, which takes into account the nature of the business, past problems and the number of complaints received, thereby targeting the problem traders where possible.
We investigate consumer complaints, where there might be a criminal breach, which may involve visiting a trader.
In some cases we may consider it necessary to take enforcement action as a result of problems found during a routine visit or complaint. Where possible the emphasis is placed on compliance through advice and assistance. This is in accordance with the Regulation & Enforcement: Enforcement Policy and the Regulator's Compliance Code.
In many cases we find that traders are not intentionally misleading the public, but are doing so due to a lack of understanding of their legal obligations.
We are here to advise Consumers and Businesses. We believe that by educating and informing traders of their obligations many of the problems businesses encounter could be avoided, and traders could benefit from good business practice.
The Business Protection from Misleading Marketing Regulations 2008 (BPRs):
prohibit businesses from advertising products in a way that misleads traders
set out conditions under which comparative advertising, to consumers and business, is permitted.
If your business advertises goods or services to other businesses, or if in your advertisements to businesses or consumers you make comparisons that identify a competitor, or products offered by a competitor, the regulations are likely to apply to your business.
Please use the link below to find out more information at the Office of Fair Trading website, to ensure your business complies with the law.
www.oft.gov.uk/advice_and_resources/small_businesses/advertising/business-protection
The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 came into force on 26 May 2008. They replace large pieces of existing consumer protection legislation that were in force prior to this date. The Regulations introduce a general duty not to trade unfairly and seek to ensure that traders act honestly and fairly towards their customers.
The vast majority of UK businesses are 'fair' and should not need to change their business practices to comply with the Regulations, which aim to tackle those businesses who do not always treat their customers well.
You can download and view a guidance booklet on the The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations in more detail, which has been jointly produced by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) and BERR (now known as Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS)).
Please download the PDF document below called CPR Guidance.
These are some links for useful business advice, support and information:
BIS (Department for Business Innovation & Skills) are 'committed to helping British industry' and provide up-to-date information on specific business areas.
For the first time, companies have the right to form a statutory partnership with a single local authority, which then provided robust and reliable advice for other councils to take into account when carrying out inspections or dealing with non-compliance. The scheme builds on the foundation created by voluntary home and lead authority initiatives, but entails a fundamental shift in the nature of the relationship between the regulated and the regulator - bringing benefits to both parties.
The 'Local Better Regulation Office' (LBRO) register these partnerships, issue guidance and act to resolve any disputes. Please use the link below to visit the LBRO website for more information.
