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New rules heap extra burden on under pressure businesses

19 June 2008

New regulations to protect consumers from unfair and misleading trading practices are an extra burden on businesses already desperate for sales in difficult times, according to Shoosmiths.

So the national law firm is to run a series of free-to-attend breakfast seminars at its Birmingham, Northampton and Thames Valley offices to help companies avoid falling foul of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

All businesses that sell to consumers – from High Street retailers to second-hand car dealers – will be affected by the new laws, introduced in May.
 
Among the 31 practices they outlaw are:

Businesses caught under the new laws could face unlimited fines and even imprisonment of directors and managers in the most serious cases.

Shoosmiths associate and consumer protection law specialist Philip Ryan said: “While these regulations will provide welcome protection of consumers from rogue traders, they are undoubtedly an extra burden on respectable operators.

“The increased red tape comes at a time when the economy is already suffering a slow down in most sectors and businesses are battling for sales and, in extreme cases, for survival.

“It would be easy for even the most sophisticated and responsible business to fall foul of these regulations. Our seminars are aimed at guiding businesses through a potential minefield.”

Ryan said some clients had already requested advice on specific sales, marketing and advertising issues. Shoosmiths has also been asked to provide compliance health checks on existing systems and on marketing materials.

The seminars start at 8am, at Shoosmiths’ offices at The Lakes, Northampton, on July 8; Apex Plaza, Reading, on July 10; and in Colmore Row, Birmingham, on July 11.

They will include:

Shoosmiths has invited property developers, finance companies, online businesses, retailers and manufacturers to attend, and says the seminars will benefit all those that advertise and sell to consumers, be that online, in magazines, on the High Street, and on radio or television, plus marketing agencies themselves.

To attend the seminar, please visit our events page or contact Emma Newton on 08700 864208, or at: Emma.Newton@shoosmiths.co.uk

For further information please contact:
Name: Alastair Gray
Phone: 08700 864096
Email: Alastair.Gray@shoosmiths.co.uk