I'm still trying to absorb and understand what George Osborne really means when he talks of the new Consumer Protection Agency a Conservative Government would create from the ashes of the Financial Services Authority it would put onto the quango bonfire. How far would it be scoped? Just for financial markets? Across the board as a consumer champion in Whitehall?
What does it mean for Consumer Focus, and for the new Consumer Advocate just proposed by Lord Mandleson? (Does the First Secretary of State really sit on 35 Cabinet committees - how could he find the time?) But it's good to see politicians fighting for the consumer high ground. About time. I'm all for the primacy of UK business and the UK economy but any business knows that you never lose sight of the power of the consumer. Informed, empowered and confident consumers will drive economic recovery.
Only four years ago the Prime Minister, then Chancellor, accepted the need for a Consumer and Trading Standards Agency at the heart of Government. But then it turned its back on its own decision and seemed to lose its nerve. Perversly the need for that Agency remains and is greater than ever. Perhaps the Opposition agrees? I certainly wish Lord Mandleson would recast the line.
Tuesday, 21 July 2009
Friday, 17 July 2009
Small Businesses In Survival Game
Fourteen local trading standards services in the West Midlands, known as the Central England Trading Standards Authorities (CEnTSA), are working hand in glove with Business Link West Midlands to support more than 10,000 small businesses in a region that has taken the hardest of hits in this recession.
I was lucky enough to be invited to speak at the annual CEnTSA seminar today. Lucky because I'm a biker and it was held at the National Motorcycle Museum (fantastic and a tribute to those that rebuilt it after the fire of 2003), but more lucky because I was amongst a brilliant group of trading standards professionals and councillors who are trying so hard to support businesses in need, protecting them and consumers against the rogues that flourish in a downturn, and helping to give hope for the future.
UK insolvencies were up 40% in the first quarter of 2009 compared to a year before. It's a very tough time. I know that because TSI is itself an SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) and we feel every pain of a small business having to comply with extensive regulation and working to be ready for the upturn.
I admired the resolve and innovation of the two businesses who spoke at the seminar. Of course there is more that can and must be done to ensure businesses see trading standards and other local regulators as friends and not foes. I always remind anyone that will listen that in the UK we have a one stop shop trading standards service model that businesses in the EU and wider would long for because we work with good business not against it. Critics should remember that.
I was lucky enough to be invited to speak at the annual CEnTSA seminar today. Lucky because I'm a biker and it was held at the National Motorcycle Museum (fantastic and a tribute to those that rebuilt it after the fire of 2003), but more lucky because I was amongst a brilliant group of trading standards professionals and councillors who are trying so hard to support businesses in need, protecting them and consumers against the rogues that flourish in a downturn, and helping to give hope for the future.
UK insolvencies were up 40% in the first quarter of 2009 compared to a year before. It's a very tough time. I know that because TSI is itself an SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) and we feel every pain of a small business having to comply with extensive regulation and working to be ready for the upturn.
I admired the resolve and innovation of the two businesses who spoke at the seminar. Of course there is more that can and must be done to ensure businesses see trading standards and other local regulators as friends and not foes. I always remind anyone that will listen that in the UK we have a one stop shop trading standards service model that businesses in the EU and wider would long for because we work with good business not against it. Critics should remember that.
Tuesday, 14 July 2009
Motor Car Sector Cleans Up Its Act
Today I share a platform with Motor Codes Ltd and Which? to set out the steps being taken by the car industry to improve its image and its consumer performance. At long last the industry is taking real steps to self regulate and having set up Motor Codes Ltd it has developed, with the OFT and TSI/Trading Standards, 3 Codes governing the sale of new cars, repairs and servicing and vehicle warranties. All enjoy OFT approval. There are real signs that garages are raising their bar when it comes to treating customers fairly but there is still a long way to go to achieve the standards expected and required by the industry and consumers alike.
Consumer complaints concerning used car sales continue year after year to top the list of Consumer Direct's most complained about subjects and the numbers grow. Over 47k last year and although over 7m used cars were sold in 2008 that level of dissatisfaction, and malpractice and fraud in some cases, remains too high for comfort. The recession and its impact on people and the motor sector is serving to emphasise the challenge. But the industry deserves support in its efforts to improve the performance of the sector and the experiences of its customers. Self regulation is however a privilege and not a right. So let's see if a Used Car Code can be made to work next.
Consumer complaints concerning used car sales continue year after year to top the list of Consumer Direct's most complained about subjects and the numbers grow. Over 47k last year and although over 7m used cars were sold in 2008 that level of dissatisfaction, and malpractice and fraud in some cases, remains too high for comfort. The recession and its impact on people and the motor sector is serving to emphasise the challenge. But the industry deserves support in its efforts to improve the performance of the sector and the experiences of its customers. Self regulation is however a privilege and not a right. So let's see if a Used Car Code can be made to work next.
Thursday, 9 July 2009
Trading Standards Against Knife Crime
I shall be listening to what the Home Secretary says to the Association of Chief Police Officers in Manchester today on his plans to tackle the scourge of knife crime. My Trading Standards colleagues around the UK enforce the law against sales of knives to young people under 18. They perform a key role with the police and other agencies in reducing crime in local communities.
We at TSI successfully campaigned to have the minimum age for knife sales raised from 16 to 18. We remain horrified however at the continuing ease with which those below 18, and indeed older adults, can purchase knives over the internet. A recent survey by 41 local authority trading standards services found that 25% of shops visited sold knives illegally to under 18s. That is worrying enough but illegal web sales reached a staggering 80%.
We are working with Mothers Against Knives and KnifeCrimes.org to press for a ban on the sale of knives on the internet. It's a long shot we know but we feel we have to persist. If you listened to Ben Kinsella's Dad recently and thought about Rob Knox when the latest Harry Potter previewed on Tuesday you'll appreciate why. We'll want to help you in every way Home Secretary!
We at TSI successfully campaigned to have the minimum age for knife sales raised from 16 to 18. We remain horrified however at the continuing ease with which those below 18, and indeed older adults, can purchase knives over the internet. A recent survey by 41 local authority trading standards services found that 25% of shops visited sold knives illegally to under 18s. That is worrying enough but illegal web sales reached a staggering 80%.
We are working with Mothers Against Knives and KnifeCrimes.org to press for a ban on the sale of knives on the internet. It's a long shot we know but we feel we have to persist. If you listened to Ben Kinsella's Dad recently and thought about Rob Knox when the latest Harry Potter previewed on Tuesday you'll appreciate why. We'll want to help you in every way Home Secretary!
Monday, 6 July 2009
Vulnerable consumers need stronger voice
TSI Conference last week covered so many linked trading standards issues and stories that only now am I beginning to be able to reflect and absorb the implications of the policy debates on such topical consumer related subjects. The Government's 'Consumer White Paper-A Better Deal for Consumers' falls significantly into this category. We met the new Consumer Minister , Kevin Brennan MP (although he has such a long title and wide portfolio that he will have to work especially hard to be the consumer champion in Government!) at our Brighton Conference. We were ready for the launch. The White Paper contains some very welcome proposals some of which are overdue but all of which we welcome to varying degrees.
I like the idea of a powerful Consumer Advocate.The recession is broadening the definition of 'vulnerable' consumers and they need a stronger voice. Insolvencies are growing too and millions of consumers are losing deposits and payments made to businesses going bust. The need protection. A basis for representative actions to recover debts and damages is also a timely proposal. And there is more - well done Minister but we want the plans to be given oxygen quickly as I'm sure do you.
I like the idea of a powerful Consumer Advocate.The recession is broadening the definition of 'vulnerable' consumers and they need a stronger voice. Insolvencies are growing too and millions of consumers are losing deposits and payments made to businesses going bust. The need protection. A basis for representative actions to recover debts and damages is also a timely proposal. And there is more - well done Minister but we want the plans to be given oxygen quickly as I'm sure do you.
Friday, 3 July 2009
Trading Standards plays a key role
TSI Conference 2009 over. That's my 8th as TSI CEO. We pride ourselves in staging the best in class but I really do think we excelled this time. A fantastic event and in true TSI and Trading Standards fashion we focussed on so many issues of importance to consumers and business alike. The new Consumer Minister joined us. I think we will be able to work well with Kevin Brennan MP. Yesterday his boss Lord Mandleson launched the Consumer White Paper and I'm sure we'll have much to talk with his Minister about including the proposed new Consumer Advocate. Recession brings out the worst in those that scam, defraud and generally want to take advantage of consumers at their time of often greatest despair and need. We need to work hard together to deliver the added protection and advice required.
Conference talked about climate change, banning energy doorstep selling, stopping scam mail, food fraud and healthy eating, alcohol and young people, business compliance and regulation in a downturn and more, including 2012 and ticket touting. Trading standards plays a key role in all. Consumer Direct 08454 040506 has never been more vital to consumer wellbeing.
Conference talked about climate change, banning energy doorstep selling, stopping scam mail, food fraud and healthy eating, alcohol and young people, business compliance and regulation in a downturn and more, including 2012 and ticket touting. Trading standards plays a key role in all. Consumer Direct 08454 040506 has never been more vital to consumer wellbeing.
Monday, 29 June 2009
TSI Conference and Brighton - not to be missed
My first ever blog as TSI CEO! It will be easy to remember because today is the first day of the 2009 TSI Annual Conference and Exhibiton but it is also in wonderful Brighton in sun and searing temperatures, 31C when I last looked!
The Conference will see over 2000 people on site at the Brighton Conference Centre including over 800 TSI members working in the public and private sectors. The programme reflects the varied and busy public protection role performed by trading standards professionals across the UK with speakers and press releases talking about protecting consumers and helping business survive the recession. Climate change, community safety, healthy people, reducing red tape, workforce futuring are but a few of the other subject areas that will be debated and led by TV and radio personalities like John Stapleton, Julia Bradbury and Liz Barclay.
Three Government Ministers will be addressing this Conference, testament to the crucial part played by TSI members in the delivery of central and local Government policy priorities. Recently described as a council's 'best kept secret' trading standards really is the best friend of consumers and businesses alike. But those that choose to cheat and defraud beware. You have every chance of finding yourselves under the trading standards spotlight!
The Conference will see over 2000 people on site at the Brighton Conference Centre including over 800 TSI members working in the public and private sectors. The programme reflects the varied and busy public protection role performed by trading standards professionals across the UK with speakers and press releases talking about protecting consumers and helping business survive the recession. Climate change, community safety, healthy people, reducing red tape, workforce futuring are but a few of the other subject areas that will be debated and led by TV and radio personalities like John Stapleton, Julia Bradbury and Liz Barclay.
Three Government Ministers will be addressing this Conference, testament to the crucial part played by TSI members in the delivery of central and local Government policy priorities. Recently described as a council's 'best kept secret' trading standards really is the best friend of consumers and businesses alike. But those that choose to cheat and defraud beware. You have every chance of finding yourselves under the trading standards spotlight!
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