BUSINESSES are turning to Hampshire County Council’s Trading Standards department as the ‘go to’ local authority for expert advice on consumer protection – benefiting companies and residents.

A growing number of companies and trade associations have chosen to pay for statutory partnerships with Hampshire to act as their ‘primary authority’, to ensure they comply with trading standards laws while avoiding inconsistent advice from different trading standards across the country.

Hampshire County Council leader Roy Perry said: “These new partnerships are a reflection of how well regarded Hampshire Trading Standards is within the business community – helping companies and residents.

“The partnerships help businesses cut down on red tape and operational costs by giving companies early access to reliable and consistent regulatory advice. By helping responsible businesses get things right first time, this will protect consumers and free up valuable officer time to tackle the real rogue traders preying on Hampshire residents.”

The five businesses which have most recently entered into primary authority partnerships with Hampshire Trading Standards include:

* Twinings – one of the country’s leading tea companies, based in Andover;

* Glen Dimplex Heating and Ventilating, including brands such as Campa, Creda and Dimplex;

* Conviviality PLC – the UK’s largest independent drinks wholesaler across 23,000 outlets, including brands such as Wine Rack and Bargain Booze;

* Resolver – market leader for free complaint resolution with business, used by over seven million consumers; and

* Eurotank – specialist tank consultants for the petroleum industry.

James Walker, founder and chief executive of Resolver, said: “We are proud to be part of a Hampshire primary authority partnership. Resolver is focused on building better outcomes for consumers and businesses.

“The skills and knowledge provided by Hampshire Trading Standards is key to help deliver this.”

Paul Harder, customer and technical services director for Glen Dimplex Heating & Ventilation, said: “Entering into a primary authority partnership with Hampshire County Council gives the entire division access to further expertise and resource to help ensure continued compliance and product safety in the marketplace.

“We believe that through openness and cooperation with our local regulatory authority, this partnership will add value to all our brands’ operations and enable confidence in our processes.”

Businesses interested in setting up a primary authority partnership should call 01962 833620 or e-mail [email protected].