tsconnect 18

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This e-zine is compiled by Devon & Somerset Trading Standards.  Residents and businesses should find something of interest – for example current scams and advice on how to avoid being ripped off, details of local businesses you can trust, safety alerts, information on farmed animal legislation, and details of our other current projects.

Welcome to issue 18 of tsconnect!

The summer has been a busy time for our officers so far with scam intervention work, Scams Awareness Month and three significant investigations leading to convictions.

In this issue you will find information about our UKAS accredited Top Ten Metrology Laboratory, information about Primary Authority Partnerships and our first guest article provided by the Devon & Cornwall Business Council. 

Find out all of our latest news including a Scams Awareness Month round up and details of our recent prosecutions

Looking for a business you can trust in Devon & Somerset?  Check out the 2015-16 Buy With Confidence directory for trading standards approved local businesses


ScamsAwareness

Scams – the thing everyone should be talking about

As part of our work to raise awareness of scams and doorstep crime during Scams Awareness Month in July, we created and launched a short online training session which can be used by anyone who wants to know more about scams. By recognising scams, and also the signs of a victim of scams or doorstep criminals, you can help to protect yourself, family and friends. The training takes 15 minutes to complete and might just make all the difference


Metrology Laboratory

Our Metrology Laboratory is in the top 10 for the UK!

Did you know that if you write your name on a piece of paper with an ink fountain pen then there is a metrology laboratory near you that is able to measure the change in the paper's weight as the ink dries?

Devon and Somerset Trading Standards Metrology Laboratory is pleased to announce that it has kept its position as one of the top 10 metrology labs in the country following its recent UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) annual audit. Find out more about the lab, and our plans to re-open the Wellington branch soon


DCBC

Protecting Businesses from Crime

In June we attended an event in Cornwall aimed at raising awareness of the crimes committed against Businesses. The Devon & Cornwall Business Council has also launched a Business Crime Initiative which, working in partnership with us and Buy With Confidence, aims to assist businesses who have been victims of business crime. Find out more about the initiative by reading this issue’s guest article provided by DCBC


Age Restricted Products

Changes to the law on e-cigarettes

From 1 October 2015 it will be illegal to sell e-cigarettes or e-liquids to someone under 18 and illegal for adults to buy, or try to buy, tobacco products or e-cigarettes for someone under 18. All businesses selling these products need to have their staff trained and ready to deal with these new rules (which start on the same date that it also becomes illegal to smoke in private vehicles that are carrying someone under 18.)

Our service is currently offering a free twelve month subscription to an online staff training package for businesses that sell all types of age restricted products


Issue 18


Handshake

Primary Authority Partnerships

Find out about the Primary Authority Partnerships we have created with local companies, and how they could help your business


Concerned about a purchase? 
View all the latest food and product safety recalls


BuywithConfidence140

Are you a Devon or Somerset Business we can trust?
Find out how you can apply to join Buy With Confidence and let your customers know you are a trader worthy of approval by Trading Standards


computeruser

Citizens Advice Consumer Service
03454 04 05 06 or use the online form


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Consumer Advice
Call Citizens Advice Consumer
Service on 03454 04 05 06

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from Somerset
buywithconfidence.gov.uk

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