London Trading Standards contribute to the often unseen regulatory framework that helps protect consumer interests whilst ensuring legitimate enterprises can thrive – free from illicit and unfair competition. Other partners include;
- National Trading Standards is an organisation which aims to protect consumers and safeguard businesses through cross-boundary intelligence-led enforcement projects in England and Wales. They bring together trading standards representatives from England and Wales to prioritise, fund and coordinate national and regional enforcement cases. Their role is also is to provide leadership, influence, support and resources to help combat consumer and business detriment at all levels.
- The Chartered Standards Institute (CTSI) maintains Consumer Companion and Business Companion web pages. CTSI is the association of trading standards professionals and their site provides information for consumers and businesses. You can also find product safety information on product recalls.
- GOV.UK provides a wealth of free business advice and support on many subjects.
Other enforcement agencies
- The Financial Conduct Authority regulates the financial services and consumer credit industry. The FCA will authorise firms to undertake credit-related activity, and enforce consumer credit law.
- The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has a range of responsibilities and powers to try and ensure markets work well for consumers, businesses and the economy.
- The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is responsible for food safety and food hygiene across the UK. It works with local authority Trading Standards and Environmental Health Officers to enforce food safety regulations and its staff work in UK meat plants to check the standards are being met.
Other government partners and associations
- The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is the government body responsible for intellectual property (IP) rights including patents, designs, trade marks and copyright. Teachers looking for resources to encourage young innovators and creators, and raise their awareness of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), can obtain free support via their Cracking Ideas website.
- The Office of Product Safety and Standards has oversight on product safety and legal metrology. It also works to ensure that the way regulation is enforced is proportionate and risk based. As well as dealing with product safety and weights and measures its functions also include delivering Primary Authority and hallmarking policy, technical regulation and other enforcement related work.
- The Local Government Association (LGA) provides a national voice for local government, working with councils to support, promote and improve local government.