Business Link warns of trouble ahead

Mar 25 2008 by Sue Scott, Evening Gazette

ADVISORY service Business Link is warning companies of a clampdown on unfair sales and marketing practices being introduced in May to protect consumers and honest businesses.

Many existing laws - including most of the Trade Descriptions Act - will be replaced by the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

Subject to parliamentary approval, the regulations will outlaw aggressive selling techniques, including harassment, and misinforming and misleading people about products or services, such as failing to disclose important information.

“Businesses that deal fairly and honestly with customers may not notice any changes to the way they work and will benefit by no longer having to face unfair competition from traders who use underhand practices,” said a Business Link spokesperson. “Those who fail to comply with the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform laws may be investigated by Trading Standards, leading to prosecution or a fine.”

Businesses are urged to ensure they are treating customers properly by reading and understanding the regulations, which ban 31 practices, including faking credentials, using scare tactics to sell goods or services and pestering the consumer.

An overview of fair trading, explaining the law on describing products and services, outlining the work of Trading Standards and advising businesses on what do if a complaint is made is available on the Business Link website.