Fair trading advice for businesses

Fair trading covers a wide range of subjects including misleading advertisements, consumer credit, holiday booking conditions and descriptions, price displays, the sale of counterfeit goods and false claims of membership of approval bodies.

Trading Standards use their powers under the Enterprise Act to make sure traders meet their legal responsibilities.

If a trader persists in breaching consumer law Trading Standards can ask them to mend their ways. For example, if an aerial fitter supplies poor quality aerials or installs them incorrectly, Trading Standards can ask them to stop.

If they don’t agree to this, an enforcement order can be sought in the County Court requiring them to stop their unfair practices. If they breach the enforcement order, they can be held to be in contempt of Court and could be sent to prison.

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) plays a leading role in helping consumers understand their rights and protecting consumer interests throughout the UK, while ensuring that business practices are fair and competitive.

It also helps businesses understand competition and consumer legislation. For more information visit the OFT website.