LATEST BLOG POST

Closure Orders have increasingly become one of the most robust enforcement tools available to Trading Standards teams across the UK. Rooted in the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, these orders can shut down premises linked to persistent nuisance, disorder, criminality or illicit trading activity.

Illicit cigarettes and tobacco products are a persistent blight on our High Streets.  Sold under the counter, from back rooms, secret storage areas or even out of car boots, these products often evade duty, flout packaging laws and pose serious health risks to consumers. The hunt for illicit tobacco is more than just chasing down cheap cigarettes.  As a Trading Standards Officer, you’ll quickly learn that the fight against illicit tobacco is about protecting communities, s

From weight loss to longer lashes, brighter skin and whiter teeth, in the world of beauty the promise of physical transformation is everywhere.  But beneath the glossy packaging, the influencer endorsements and the promise of luxury products for a fraction of the cost, there lies a darker truth.

At the very core of this support lies our greatest tool – education.  Education is such a powerful tool that not only helps businesses comply with the law but also builds trust with traders and strengthens our local economy.

As Trading Standards Officers, we’re often at the frontline of tobacco enforcement, whether that’s tackling illicit sales, advising retailers, carrying out underage test purchases or supporting Public Health initiatives.  But how we engage with the tobacco industry itself is tightly governed, and in my opinion, not discussed enough.

As Trading Standards Officers, we spend our days protecting others from fraudulent scams, but how often do we stop to consider our own vulnerability?

This week, I’m coming to you with a fresh perspective… and a bit of a holiday glow. I’ve just returned from a week in sunny Spain and it has inspired me to go a little off-topic. This week’s post is all about  the importance of taking a break . We’re diving into why rest matters, how we can find balance in a demanding role, and how to truly switch off—because let’s be honest, switching off isn’t always easy when your job is as heavy as ours can be. Why Taking a Break Matters