The OFT has published a new quick guide for businesses on how to comply with competition and consumer laws.
The updated, comprehensive guide is aimed particularly at smaller businesses but is relevant to firms of all sizes. It includes advice on what constitutes illegal cartel activity, what rules apply when selling at a distance, and how to ensure contracts are not unfair. It also highlights recent changes to the law, including:
* misleading business practices that are now prohibited under the Consumer Protection Regulations,
* new rules on advertising to other businesses, where the advert identifies a competitor or a competitor's product,
* amendments to the Estate Agents Act, which mean that all agents who sell properties in the UK are required to join an approved redress scheme, and
* new licensing requirements for sections of the credit consumer industry and Consumer Credit (Advertisement) Regulations.
Ali Nikpay, OFT Senior Director of Policy said:
'There have been a number of changes to legislation this year that affect how businesses operate in the UK. An important part of our role is to provide guidance to help companies self-comply. This new guide is an excellent tool for anyone dealing with consumers in a business context.'
Download a copy of 'A quick guide to competition and consumer protection laws that affect your business' from http://www.oft.gov.uk/businesses. Copies are also from the OFT publications line on 0800 389 3158.
