Noticeboard Partnership heralds new commercial era for institute Looking ahead to 2016 The Year Ahead Conference 2016 takes place on 11-12 February in Stratford-upon-Avon. It is an opportunity for local politicians, and managers responsible for regulatory services, to gain an insight into how to navigate the changing regulatory and structural landscape effectively. Topics to be discussed over the two-day conference include: new legislation scheduled for 2016, such as the Enterprise Bill; Primary Authority partnerships; and new regulatory apprenticeship schemes. Find out more details here. All articles featured in TS Today and TS Review are available in pdf format from CTSI press ofce, by emailing pressofce@tsi.org.uk CTSI has entered into a first of its kind strategic partnership with national law firm Ashfords to deliver regulatory consultancy services tobusinesses. According to Ashfords, this partnership will enable businesses to access expert advice on trading standards and other regulatory mattersthrough the joint capabilities of its regulatory team which has more than 50 expert consultants, led by the firms head of trading standards, Ellen Morgan and CTSI. Ashfords started acting as a coordinated Primary Authority, with trading standards advice provided by Salford City Council, last August. A number of CTSI members have already been contracted by Ashfords and the institute is keen to work with the firm to develop more opportunities for the profession. The Better Regulation Delivery Office is aware of the arrangement. CTSI believes organisations such as trade associations could benefit from the service by offering primary support to their members without becoming a coordinated Primary Authority in their own right. This would make it more likely and easier for trade associations to extend the offer, allowing many more businesses to benefit from Primary Authority arrangements. During its autumn meeting, CTSI Council mindful of public sector cuts agreed that the institute should create opportunities in the commercial environment for its members. It is hoped the commercial arrangement with Ashfords will help CTSI meet this aspiration. Nikki Pasek, commercial director at CTSI, said: This exciting strategic partnership is the first of its kind for CTSI, and we are looking forward to seeing the relationship develop. It will help to ensure that businesses understand the importance of accessing reliable regulatory advice. Morgan said: It is a privilege for us to be working alongside my own professional body, which is one of the most respected professional organisations in the UK.