Free advice and support for local businesses

Gloucestershire County Council’s Trading Standards have extended their free advice scheme until 31 August for small local businesses that have been forced to close or restrict their normal activities during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Gloucestershire’s Trading Standards usually charge £70 per hour to provide business advice and support; however the service is waiving the usual charge until 31 August 2020 especially for smaller business and start ups who may have been particularly affected.

Working closely with GFirst LEP and the local Growth Hubs, officers from the Trading Standards team can provide free advice and guidance to local businesses on a wide number of issues such as the manufacture, safety and sale of goods and services both online and over the telephone.

The team can also provide detailed advice to business on how legal requirements are applicable for particular products or services and help with quality assurance audits, due diligence checks, training and analytical testing.

Gloucestershire Trading Standards can help to ensure owners get the right advice to clearly understand and meet the legislative requirements of their business activity and potentially save them money in costly product recalls and other remedial action.

Businesses across the county can contact Trading Standards for advice and support via emailing .

Local business owners are also encouraged to look at the self help guidance available online at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/trading-standards/businesses/self-help-advice.

Cllr Dave Norman, cabinet member for Trading Standards, said: “As Covid-19 restrictions are slowly being lifted; it’s important we start to get the economy back up and running. Many local businesses around the county have been directly impacted by the coronavirus crisis.

“By contacting Trading Standards, owners will be provided with sound advice and guidance to help get their business back on track. I’d encourage local businesses to take up this offer of free advice and support.”