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If you operate a business you can, at some time, expect a visit from a Trading Standards official.  The frequency with which you are visited is determined by the nature of your business and volume of throughput/output.
When ‘an inspector calls’ it might be as part of a programmed visit, a follow up call, in response to a national alert, to advise of a significant change in the law or as the result of a request for assistance or receipt of a complaint.
We will work so as to cause as least disruption to your work activities but will also expect a reasonable level of co-operation from the business.
The Trading Standards service is one of enforcement.  However prosecution is the final resort.  In most circumstances we endeavour to work with a business to make sure they get it right before a problem arises. or become too complex to readily resolve.
The external links to the left will provide generic and specific advice for businesses.

Trading Standards information for New Business

Trading Standards is not about prosecuting businesses but rather offering guidance and advice to ensure compliance with the requirements of trading law. We are not a substitute for employing business consultants or obtaining advice offered through membership of trade associations or business groups.
You might receive a visit from us as a result of us receiving a complaint about your business or it might be as a result of a routine inspection.
Operating a business can seem involved and complicated and the last thing you need is burdensome legislation.  Hopefully your experience with Trading Standards will be positive and beneficial..