Give customers confidence in your shop by joining Islington Traders Scheme

Does your shop carry the red bag badge which shows you’ve been vetted by Islington’s trading standards officers as a responsible trader? Can customers choose to buy in your shop with the full confidence that you are aware of consumer law and their statutory rights?

In a time when many shoppers are needing to be more careful and considered in their spending, and there seems to be less money to go round, it’s an idea to stack the odds in your favour by giving people added confidence in your service through being approved by Islington Council’s traders scheme.

“The Angel is a magnet for visitors and residents shopping in Islington and we want them to have every confidence that as well as offering a huge and exotic array of things to buy, we also offer high standards of customer care, “ says Angel BID Director Christine Lovett.

“There’s no question that people are taking fewer risks with their money at the present time and if they have full confidence in the goods we sell at the Angel, and the services that accompany them, the area will continue to thrive which is good for us all.”

The free scheme involves a visit from trading standards officers ensuring shops have a basic knowledge of consumer law – and offering training and guidance if anyone needs to get up to date. You must also comply with other laws involving safety, pricing and trades descriptions.

In return, your shop’s details will be publicised on the council’s web pages for the scheme and included in other promotional material. Residents and visitors to the borough will be encouraged to shop where they see the 'red bag' sign. ITS also offers a free mediation scheme to help settle any customer/trader disputes that can't be solved in the shop.

Islington Business Partnership runs the scheme in partnership with trading standards. Additional benefits to businesses include:
* 'crib' sheets for shop staff to use as a reminder of consumer law
* free, short, tailored, training sessions in consumer law together with updates on legislation that applies to the business
* promotional leaflets with rack for display in-shop/store
* use of the ITS brand image in advertising

Businesses who wish to apply can contact Islington Business Partnership on 020 7527 3185
or e-mail businesspartnership@islington.gov.uk

More information for consumers and businesses can also be found at www.islington.gov.uk/shopping