Published on:
21
November 2011
In response to local consumers' concerns about 'rogue traders', Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils Joint Trading Standards Service are promoting the Buy With Confidence Scheme to local businesses.
The scheme will provide consumers with a list of local businesses which have given their commitment to trade fairly. Every business listed has undergone a series of detailed checks before being approved as a member of the scheme.
The Buy with Confidence scheme was launched in 1999 and is now the largest such scheme in the UK with almost a quarter of Local Authority Trading Standards Services administering the scheme. When the Joint Trading Standards Service for Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils joined it brought the total number of local authorities using the scheme to 50.
In order to become a Buy With Confidence member, a business must first apply to join the scheme and must then pass a set of tailored background checks.
Councillor Eddie Carrick, Sustainability Portfolio Holder, said: "Scheme membership is not given lightly - amongst other checks, each applicant will have their complaints history reviewed and will receive a visit from Trading Standards. Good references are required from previous customers and applicants must agree to abide by the scheme's code of conduct, which requires them to follow the letter and spirit of the law. Criminal records disclosure may also be required in some circumstances."
Local traders interested in joining or seeking additional information are asked to contact Trading Standards on 01786 442931 or to email tradingstandards@stirling.gov.uk