DID you know City of York Council Trading Standards does not only advise consumers but can also advise local businesses, whether sole traders, partnerships or limited companies, about their legal rights and obligations too?

Competition and consumer protection laws exist to make sure traders compete properly with their rivals for business and deal fairly with their customers.

Trading Standards can give advice about legislation for all businesses and particular advice to businesses which offer credit, sell direct to consumers, those which advertise, offer estate agency services or package holidays.

It is important that local businesses know which laws apply to their business activities.

Although the legislation is there primarily to protect consumers, businesses also benefit from the laws because they pave the way for legitimate businesses by driving out disreputable elements, encourage fair competition between businesses and offer better protection for businesses from anti-competitive behaviour.

These laws apply to all businesses, from large companies to sole traders. Two useful guides, 'Running A Business, published by the Office Of Fair Trading, and A Trader's Guide, published by the Department Of Trade and Industry, are available.

The first deals with the powers of the Office Of Fair Trading and the various competition and consumer protection laws which may affect businesses.

The second deals with the law relating to the sale and supply of goods and recent legislation which has been introduced in this area.

For free copies of publications and guidance notes and further information about laws that might affect your business, contact City of York Trading Standards on 01904 552519. For advice about consumer problems, contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

Updated: 10:49 Thursday, November 25, 2004