Traders guide to joining the BBP
Last updated | 25/04/2007
How do I join?
Application forms and rules of the scheme can be obtained from Trading Standards, Environment Services, Pullar House, Perth PH1 5GD.
Call 476476 and ask for an application pack.
A copy of the application form and rules can also be downloaded in pdf format.
Am I eligible to join?
Apart from a requirement to have been trading for at least six months, there are few restrictions.
Traders who wish to join the Better Business Partnership must give a formal undertaking:
- To operate their business in a fair and honest manner (See The Trading Fairly Guidelines for traders on meeting the Better Business Partnership commitment to fair and honest trading)
- To comply with all requirements of the criminal and civil law and not to seek to restrict customers' civil rights
- To provide staff training to ensure staff have a suitable working knowledge of relevant criminal and consumer law.
- To act in a considerate manner and respect client's privacy and property
- To operate a customer complaints procedure, dealing with complaints promptly, fairly and in a courteous manner and to follow the scheme's complaints/mediation policy
- To, where necessary, provide membership details and show a membership ID card to prospective clients.
Why Join?
- Businesses can show that they are genuinely committed to fair and honest trade.
- Prospective customers will have improved confidence that they are dealing with a registered business whose real identity is transparent
- The scheme will be promoted to prospective customers, giving a real advantage when seeking business
- Members can display the scheme logo on premises, vehicles, marketing materials and stationery, highlighting their status
- Closer links with regulating authorities allows businesses to form a better relationship based on co-operation rather than enforcement
How much will it cost?
A small one-off joining fee of £ 10 will be charged to cover administration costs
What do I do next?
Return the completed application form with a cheque/postal order for £10 * made payable to Perth & Kinross Council (who are administering the scheme) to Derek Hutchison, BBP, Trading Standards, Environment services, Pullar House, 35 Kinnoull Street, Perth, PH1 5GD.
* If additional ID cards are requested , (see Part D of application forms), an additional £5 per additional card must be added.
Please remember to include any supporting documents (see section 5B of the Rules, Principles and Aims document) i.e. copies of vehicle registration documents and proof of address (copy of utility bill, driving licence etc.) if required.
If you must have (again, see section 5B of Rules) or have requested an ID card, you will receive instructions on obtaining your card with your membership certificate.
Your membership certificate will be sent to you when your application has been processed.
If you have any questions, or require help to fill in the form, please do not hesitate to contact Derek Hutchison at Trading Standards on 476476.
