MAY 2022:Compliance is absolutely essential to running a modern business. When customers see that you understand and meet the legal requirements of your business – or even go above and beyond them – they are much more likely to put their confidence in your business and use your services again. But compliance isn’t just about keeping your customers happy. Failing to understand your responsibilities as a trader could lead to serious consequences – both for you and for the public.
With a web of legislation setting the legal obligations of businesses in different industries it can be difficult to understand exactly what the requirements are. That’s why Business Companion has produced its Business in Focus series of guides, checklists, explainer videos and other resources to help you understand the laws that affect your business.
www.businesscompanion.info is a government-backed website written by trading standards experts, which sets out your responsibilities in plain English. It’s completely free and you can be sure that the information is up to date even when there is a change in the law.
The guidance has recently been updated and extended, and covers a wide range of specific sectors where compliance is crucial – including holiday bookings, car traders, care homes, renewable energy installation, online platforms and age-restricted sales – as well as providing more general guidance on key issues like Alternative Dispute Resolution and consumer vulnerability.
The resource packs clearly explain the legal requirements in each of these areas and provides simple, practical advice on how to meet them. They also give guidance on how to exceed the minimum requirements and pursue best practice in your business.
Traders have a duty to protect consumers, especially when they are dealing with potentially dangerous products or providing critical services to at-risk groups and you are responsible for keeping up with the requirements particular to your business. Business Companion can help you meet those obligations, avoid the risk of enforcement action or legal penalties, and be safe in the knowledge that you are playing your part in keeping the public safe and your customers happy.
The guidance can be accessed at https://www.businesscompanion.info/focus
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Business Companion is a free online information resource operated by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) with the support of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). It hosts a wealth of information for businesses across a wide variety of sectors, providing accurate, reliable and up-to-date guidance on numerous aspects of consumer law.
