Slough Borough Council: Buy with Confidence scheme

Buy with Confidence scheme

What is it?

The Buy with Confidence scheme is an initiative run by Slough Borough Council’s trading standards team to help businesses comply with the law while improving consumer protection through a partnership approach. It is open to any business in Slough.

What’s in it for businesses?

Independent recognition of your business standards
Beneficial publicity
A place on our Buy with Confidence website, including a link to your website
Certificate of membership that can be displayed on your premises
Use of the Buy with Confidence logo
Pre-entry vetting to ensure the credibility of the scheme and that high standards are maintained
Your company’s name on a list of recommended businesses that the council will publish for consumers
Promotion of the list and website to other local agencies such as Consumer Support Network members
Increased consumer confidence and reduced complaints
A better relationship with regulators based on assistance and advice rather than enforcement
A named contact for your business within the trading standards service
A mediation service in the event of a consumer dispute which cannot be resolved between the parties concerned
Training opportunities
A regular newsletter containing information about the scheme, new legislation and trade scams

Limitations of the scheme

Charter Mark logo. Trading standards do not vouch for the financial stability of any company or for their health and safety procedures. All information provided is to assist consumers in exercising their own best judgement. All information is provided in good faith but no guarantee is given or implied as to the accuracy of the information provided.

Costs

At present there is no membership fee to pay, but this will change subject to regional agreement. We will do an Experian check on all applicants, the cost of which is a fixed £25. This should be sent with your application.

The applicants who work in or around other people’s homes or with vulnerable people will also have to pay for a basic Criminal Records Bureau check (disclosure). For further information on how to apply and the time taken to process the disclosure please visit the Disclosure Scotland website or call 0870 609 6006.