Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has launched the Trading Standards Service’s Businessline, a dedicated telephone helpline designed to support local businesses with trading standards regulations.
Businessline provides free, reliable advice to help businesses understand their rights and responsibilities under consumer protection law. The service offers guidance on a wide range of issues, including the description of goods and services, pricing regulations, online selling rules, requirements around weights and measures, and businesses’ obligations when selling to consumers.
The Minister said: “Businessline is a valuable new resource for local businesses, providing direct access to expert trading standards advice to help them navigate complex regulations.
“By using the service, businesses can reduce the risk of costly mistakes, strengthen compliance and build consumer confidence.”
She added: “Many businesses do not have in house legal or compliance support. Businessline offers practical, accessible guidance to help them get things right.”
Richard Knipe from the Trading Standards Service said the new helpline would help businesses get things right from the outset. He explained: “The overwhelming majority of businesses want to be fully compliant with trading standards rules. This dedicated helpline will help them get the support they need to ensure they meet those requirements.
“Businesses that understand regulation are better placed to succeed. They reduce the risks associated with non compliance, deliver better services for customers, and are more likely to achieve long term sustainability, customer satisfaction and repeat business. This is good for businesses and good for consumers.”
Professional trading standards advice can be accessed by contacting Businessline on 0300 077 0323, Monday to Thursday 9.00am–5.00pm and Friday 9.00am–4.00pm, or by emailing tssbusinessline@economy-ni.gov.uk.