We advise and enforce on legislation designed to protect the consumer from dishonest traders. This assists the vast majority of reputable companies by ensuring fair trading methods for everyone.

Our officers carry out routine visits to traders based upon a risk assessment which takes into account the nature of the business, past problems and the number of complaints received, thereby targeting the problem traders where possible.

We also investigates consumer complaints passed to us by Consumerdirect, where there might be a criminal breach, which may involve visiting a trader.

In some cases we may consider it necessary to take enforcement action as a result of problems found during a routine visit or complaint in accordance with our enforcement policy. Where possible the emphasis is placed on compliance through advice and assistance.

In many cases we find that traders are not intentionally misleading the public, but are doing so due to a lack of understanding of their legal obligations.

Redbridge Trading Standards can help

We are also a valuable source of information for new or existing businesses within Redbridge. We believe that by educating and informing traders of their obligations many of the problems businesses encounter could be avoided, and traders could benefit from good business practice.

Warning: Publishing companies targeting good trader schemes.

We are warning all members that there are various publishing houses, often based in the North East, that contact businesses by telephone and give the misleading impression that they are working in association with the scheme, and that they are selling advertising in a magazine produced in association with the emergency services.

Please do not engage with any of these 'cold callers' and do not give them your card details. We do not support any such publishing activity and any claims about any association with Buy With Confidence or the emergency services should be reported to us as suspicious.

Further information

• Buy With Confidence scheme
• Trading Standards Central
• Unfair Trading Regulations Guidance (PDF 573KB)
• Unfair Commercial Practices ( BERR )
• Guidance on the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 (BERR/OFT) (PDF 405 Kb)
• Pricing Practices Guide for traders (BERR) (PDF 353KB)
• Money laundering (for Estate Agents and consumer credit licence holders) (PDF 76KB)
• Money laundering regulations core guidance (PDF 160KB)
• Europe ( TSC )
• Information on Energy Performance Certificates

Buy With Confidence information

• BWC Member Update (July 2008) (PDF 128 Kb)
• BWC Member Update (October 2008 (PDF 127 Kb)
• BWC WANTED Reliable businesses (PDF 182 Kb) 

For further information contact Trading Standards or you can complete our online request for service form.