Trading standards solicitors
The Office of Fair Trading, in conjunction with Local Authority trading standards departments, has primary responsibility for the supervision of trading standards regulation. Legislation can cover a wide range of potential offences and is of relevance to any business involved in the manufacture and supply of goods and services.
The consequences of a contravention of this legislation can be very significant. Penalties can range from a formal caution to a substantial fine and even a period of imprisonment. The potential for damage to reputation is great and this may cause a company further loss, over and above any financial penalties that have been imposed. It is therefore essential that all businesses take a proactive stance in this area.
Pannone has a dedicated team of solicitors that specialise in all aspects of trading standards compliance, enforcement and litigation. Within our highly regarded Regulatory team, we provide clear, practical and commercially considered advice to help our clients at all stages of investigation and prosecution.
We offer advice at all stages of proceedings and can assist with:
In the first instance, we are able to perform compliance audits and to provide forward thinking guidance on how an individual or business should comply with the relevant aspects of the current legislation in force.
After an investigation has commenced, we offer assistance at all stages, by providing early advice, attending at interviews where appropriate and representing clients throughout prosecutions that may result., Where possible, representations are made with the aim of ensuring that the matter is discontinued at an early stage. Should a prosecution begin, we are able to offer expert guidance on the Court process and to evaluate the evidence in a case to bring about the best possible outcome.
Our aim is to minimise any disruption caused to the business and to find solutions that allow our clients to continue to trade in a manner that satisfies both their customers and the requirements of the legislation in force.
Our close links to firms worldwide through the Pannone Law Group enable us to assist clients at every stage of the supply chain in over twenty jurisdictions.
Our experience and expertise extends to specialist areas including:
- product safety
- product recall
- food safety
- supply of age-restricted products to minors
- weights and measures
- trade descriptions and copyright infringements
- consumer credit and contract terms
- advertising practices
- sales practices including web based sales
- licensing
- Magistrates and Crown Court proceedings and appeals
To arrange a discussion with a trading standards solicitor click here or call us on 0800 840 4929.
