AUTUMN 2017 roUNd-Up primary authority set to be expanded From 1 october 2017, every business in the uK will be able to access advice they can trust from one place. Key changes Coming into effect on 1 October: l Fewer eligibility criteria After consulting with firms and local authorities, the government is removing barriers to participation in the Primary Authority (PA) scheme to make access to such advice easier. The online PA Register is also being improved. round-uP relaxing the eligibility criteria to include firms that operate in only one local authority area, as well as start-ups, means around 250,000 enterprises will now benefit from the scheme. l simpler access to advice through coordinated partnerships l A more structured role in PA for public bodies with a regulatory or supervisory role across the UK (national regulators) l streamlined Primary Authority processes and regulations to improve their compliance. This approach has been shown to increase business confidence and reduce operational costs, allowing enterprises to focus on expansion. The new criteria are expected to help save businesses an estimated 23.8m per year. Primary Authority allows businesses to form a statutory partnership with a local council, which then offers them For more assured, tailored regulatory advice information about that other regulators must follow. the scheme, watch Primary Authority is also a highly effective tool for local regulators to build better relationships with this youtube businesses, while aiding economic About 95 per cent of firms in video growth. The governments changes Primary Authority are small and will also bring national regulators closer medium-sized enterprises, and early to the scheme, to support PAs in developing access to advice helps them to get things their advice. right first time. It also protects consumers and enables enforcing authorities to target their resources more effectively. Since it was introduced in 2009, the PA scheme has helped businesses navigate rules Credit: Bob Charnley Images: iStock.com / stocknroll BuSineSS MatterS trading Standards is committed to making it easier for businesses to comply with the law and Trading Standards Business News (TSBN) is one of the ways it is doing just that. Formerly called Trading Standards News, this publication focuses on topics that are relevant to people running businesses, and aims to help them operate safely and efficiently while staying within the law. if you are viewing this edition on a web browser, you can download the TsBn app for apple, android and amazon devices. aWare oF criMe? report it anonyMouSly to trading StandardS the level playing field that nurtures and promotes economic growth and development for businesses, locally and nationally, is maintained by trading Standards. it partly does this by offering advice and assistance to honest and legitimate traders who request guidance on legislation, and by assisting those traders who lose their way in the world of trading Standards and need a little help to become compliant. round-uP Where businesses choose to trade outside the law and ignore the advice and guidance given, trading Standards tackles them by using appropriate enforcement action. a lack of willingness and cooperation to comply with trading law and any engagement in criminal activity undermines and harms legitimate trade. this inevitably leads to honest businesses being disadvantaged and having to compete against traders who offer inferior goods and services. to survive, the honest business may be forced to lower its standards or its quality of product, resulting in unsatisfied consumers. left unchecked, this leads to a loss in consumer confidence, and has resulted in certain trade sectors being mistrusted. By working with trading Standards, legitimate businesses that believe their sector is being damaged and undermined by unscrupulous traders, can now help focus and target trading Standards resources, and reduce the harm being inflicted upon their profession. traders who believe their professions reputation is being damaged and undermined by illegitimate traders working outside the law, can now report people engaged in such activities via the anonymous, automated hotline 0300 303 2636, or by using the online reporting system www.centsa.org.uk/anonymous-hotline Working together to rid professions of unlawful traders will result in better reputations for these sectors, and improve consumer confidence and trust. this will, in turn, encourage growth in trade and economic development, both locally and nationally. Report foul play to create a level playing field for all. Credit: Brandon Cook For further information, please contact your local trading Standards Service