Policy Paper on Business Advice Non Statutory Service

1. The Trading Standards Service delivers a wide range of services for the benefit of consumers, industry, commerce and society as a whole. It's aim is to foster Fair Trading and compliance with consumer protection legislation, and the delivery of business advice and education is part of the array of services designed to meet these and other objectives.

2. Whilst there is no statutory requirement to deliver business advice and education the Services aims of complying with COSLA's Concordat For Good Enforcement and a preference, highlighted in the Services Enforcement Policy, for enforcement by advice drives officers to be more responsive to business needs.

3. The provision of good, supportive information and advice under the Trading Standards business services policy is in addition to consultation undertaken as part of the Home Authority Principle or as by way of advice tendered during inspection and complaint visits to commercial premises.

4. The nature of the present day market makes it all too easy for consumers to fall prey to unscrupulous, unfair and fraudulent practices: unfortunately many small businesses too can require help in avoiding such operations. The business advice service aims to promote business' awareness of their obligations and rights and to assist them when things go wrong.

5. The 1999 White Paper "Modern Markets : Confident Consumers" set out the Westminster Government's commitment to modernising the Trading Standards Service and within these measures was a drive to aid economic and social wellbeing. The aims of the North Lanarkshire Trading Standards Service is to support competitiveness and enterprise in the community and help develop a fair and safe trading environment. In order to deliver on these objectives the service must better liaise with business and other appropriate services.

6. In order to help create an informed successful business community the Trading Standards Service will undertake to provide timeous quality information and advice using modern technology and other appropriate media. The Service will, in partnership, develop and deliver a pro-active education programme to business.

7. By delivering efficient and effective business advice, not only will the Trading Standards Service have the benefit of working with businesses to improve compliance and minimise non-compliance and failure but will have the additional advantage of feedback and information from business of their concerns that can influence the Service delivery.
   
   
8. The policy of providing timeous advice to businesses in North Lanarkshire will allow the service to act as a sounding board for business concerns. By exploiting existing links between business, local authorities and government agencies to give information and advice on wide-ranging consumer protection issues the objectives set for the Trading Standards Service can be met.

Further information on the Business Advice service can be viewed under Business and Employment, Trading Standards or by clicking on the hyperlink.

Summary of Hyperlinks

• Business Advice