Our  Trading Standards Approved Accreditation?

In addition to strict eligibility criteria, we undertake a desktop audit of applicants that includes in the region of 25 checks, depending on business type, including:

• Financial background including latest company accounts;
• Company and director background;
• Public liability and employers insurance;
• Complaints procedure;
• Contracts and terms & conditions;
• Validation of professional certifications and memberships; and
• Complaint history.

The Customer Charter

Our Customer Charter defines the promises made by our Trading Standards Approved businesses, in the provision of goods and services to consumers. The code sets out the standards that the business will comply with in these areas:

• Customer Service
• Goods & Services
• Business Compliance
• Staff Development
• Sales & Marketing
• Complaint Handling

Our Trading Standards Approved businesses are legally bound to the code in its entirety and will ensure that their staff are aware of their legal obligations as well as their responsibilities under the charter and code. The code of practice has been developed in conjunction with Trading Standards Officers to provide an assisted self regulatory regime by which businesses can demonstrate their intention to operate as responsible businesses and have agreed to resolve any dispute that may arise.

Terms & Conditions

In addition to our code of practice, all our Trading Standards Approved businesses must sign and agree to be bound by the membership agreement including its terms and conditions. The agreement is a legally binding document between Business Approval Ltd and the business.

How will we ensure businesses are compliant with consumer legislation at audit?

On application, the business will provide authority for Business Approval Ltd to carry out the range of listed audit checks as part of the assessment process. The appointment of Trading Standards professionals will provide the expertise with consumer related legal issues arising from questions asked by business members.

What control will a Local Authority have if they are not happy with a member of the Business Approval Register?

The credibility of the scheme is dependent upon the successful partnership with local authority Trading Standards services and the quality of the members. That’s why we give Trading Standards Services a say in who stays on the Business Approval Register and who goes. We will monitor all of our Trading Approved Businesses for on-going fitness and will take any appropriate and proportionate action for non-compliance with the code or terms and conditions. Any dissatisfaction with regards to a Trading Standards Approved business would need to be communicated to us, in the first instance. Decisions will be scrutinised and consideration will be given to the issues raised and we will act on their advice.

It is in our interest to support only those business that trade fairly and exercise the principles of better regulation. We will support any decision taken with regard to any proportionate action which includes revocation of membership.