Trading Standards offer to stop businesses falling foul of the law

Businesses are being encouraged to take advantage of the Derbyshire County Council cut-price offer that could save them money and stop them falling foul of the law.

Businesses that manufacture, import, store or supply goods or services to consumers face numerous trading laws which are enforced by the Derbyshire County Council Trading Standards service.

Trading Standards supports businesses, helps consumers and tackles unfair and unsafe trading practices.

Officers’ advice could help businesses avoid legal action being taken against them.

For one month the rate charged for this bespoke business advice will be almost halved as part of a campaign to promote the service.

The advice service usually costs businesses £65 plus VAT per hour but for the next month the county council are offering it at just £35 plus VAT an hour − a saving of £30 an hour.

For example, among other things, officers can help businesses ensure the safety of their consumer products, help them get their food labelling right and provide them with guidance to ensure that their terms and conditions comply.

Many businesses don’t know about the help the Trading Standards officers can provide, or are reluctant to ask for help. In many cases businesses have realised too late they could have avoided the unnecessary expense of wastage or recalls by involving Trading Standards at an early stage.

Getting something wrong can harm consumers, cost businesses money, damage reputation and lead to prosecution.

Councillor Carol Hart, cabinet member for health and communities at Derbyshire County Council, said:

“No business wants to fall foul of the law and it can be costly if they inadvertently do. For sound advice and peace of mind we have a team of experienced Trading Standards officers with a wealth of knowledge who are happy to help any business that trades in Derbyshire, large or small, with practical advice and guidance.”

She added:

“We hope this offer will encourage more businesses to take up the service, which is a sound investment for them. By using it businesses could avoid lots of problems and save money in the long run.”

Businessman Mike Channon, who owns Tablet Hookz in Derbyshire, manufactures a device for mounting tablets and phones on car, aeroplane and train seats and tables, so people can enjoy hands-free entertainment while they travel.

Mr Channon said:

“I would recommend to anyone who is thinking of bringing a product to market that they should get advice from Derbyshire County Council Trading Standards before they do. I’ve found their advice invaluable. Finding out at a later stage that your product or the instructions don’t comply with the law could be a very costly mistake, if legal action is taken against you.”

Businesswoman Helen Wang, of Abakus Foods in London, got help from us with the packaging of her healthy snacks, which are sold in Derbyshire.

She said:

“Derbyshire County Council Trading Standards helped us check our packaging design to make sure it complies with regulatory standards. The detailed report was helpful for us to know what we can and cannot say on the packaging. The comments were very insightful and the turnaround was quick. We will be back in the future.”