Defending Trading Standards Prosecutions

Trading standards’ investigations into a business can have a serious and detrimental effect on the reputation and performance of that business, and there is a wide range of offences that your local authority trading standards agency is able to investigate and prosecute. The potential damage that can be done to a business makes it especially important that you seek experienced and professional legal assistance from the very start.

The labelling and sale of food and food items is treated as a very serious matter, and since a number of high profile cases and incidents hit mainstream media, there has been an increase in public pressure to charge companies that are found guilty of this type of offence. All food should be labelled accurately and according to current guidelines, while food that is found to be unsafe or that poses any health risk will also lead to the company that prepared it typically being investigated by trading standards.

However, it isn’t just food stuffs that come under this degree of close scrutiny by Trading Standards. Indeed all items must meet certain safety standards, and if a person becomes injured or their property damaged due to faulty goods, then they may be able to sue for compensation, while Trading Standards will often take action as well. This can leave a company with a considerable financial bill to meet, even after a single incident.

The sale of counterfeit goods is often investigated by the police, but if a complaint is made to Trading Standards then they may pursue prosecution instead. They will investigate the accusation first, which may mean checking your premises and interviewing you as well as other members of your company. You have the right to legal representation if you are interviewed in this way, and you should take advantage of this right to help ensure that you have as solid a case as possible right from the start.

An experienced legal firm can represent you during interviews, help build your defence, and could help you to avoid or minimise the financial penalties that are usually associated with Trading Standards cases.

What To Do Now

As market leading solicitors for business and regulatory matters, Ashcott Solicitors are easy to contact and straight forward to deal with.

You will find us easy to talk to and we provide effective advice that will help you and your business navigate the ever changing regulatory maze. If you or your business is facing regulatory or professional infringements then we can help you secure the best possible result from your case.

We pride ourselves in fighting tooth and nail for our clients.

Ashcott Business Solicitors have offices in London and Manchester from where we can provide a nationwide service that is second to none. You can contact the London office direct on 0203 053 8625 and the Manchester office by calling 0161 234 0020. If you prefer you can send a confidential email email by clicking here.

We look forward to hearing from you.