UPDATES: CTSI is urging ministers to regulate intravenous cosmetic treatments after an investigation exposed widespread safety failings, highlighting growing concerns over unregulated aesthetic procedures and consumer harm.

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UPDATES: A builder who took up to £160,000 from homeowners and abandoned jobs mid-project has been jailed for 12 months following a Trading Standards investigation. John Arnold left properties unsafe, supplied false certificates, and caused significant stress to victims - earning a decade-long director ban and sending a stark warning to rogue tradespeople exploiting local residents ...

UPDATES: A repeat offending builder has received a custodial sentence after leaving homeowners with dangerous, incomplete work, reinforcing the consequences of serious consumer protection breaches.

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UPDATES: The final day of CTSI’s 2025 Conference in Blackpool wrapped up with energy, inspiration, and forward-looking discussions. Day Three highlighted the profession’s evolving role, from inclusivity and leadership to tackling complex consumer protection challenges. Awards, plenaries, and masterclasses showcased how Trading Standards is shaping the future - empowering officers, protecting communities, and preparing the next generation of practitioners ...

UPDATES: The final day of CTSI Conference 2025 looked firmly to the future, from workforce diversity and professional development to the DMCC Act and Primary Authority. As awards, reflections and a change of Chair brought Blackpool to a close, the message was one of inclusion, renewal and readiness for change.

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UPDATES: Day Two of CTSI’s 2025 Conference in Blackpool explored the cutting edge of Trading Standards, from AI’s risks and rewards for consumer protection to the dangers of unregulated cosmetic procedures. Delegates debated, learned, and celebrated new recruits at graduation ceremonies, before winding down with the annual Awards Dinner and after-party, blending insight, networking, and a dash of glamour ...

UPDATES: Day Two of CTSI Conference 2025 placed artificial intelligence, consumer vulnerability and emerging regulatory challenges at the centre of discussion. Alongside sessions on cosmetic procedures, animal welfare, ghost plates and renters’ rights, delegates were urged to focus on people as much as technology when protecting consumers.

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UPDATES: Day One of CTSI’s 2025 Conference in Blackpool set the tone for an ambitious three days, with packed plenaries exploring inclusion, consumer detriment and emerging challenges facing Trading Standards. From dynamic pricing and unsafe products to disability awareness and new legislation, the opening day showcased the profession’s breadth, passion and determination to protect consumers and support fair trading ...

UPDATES: CTSI Conference 2025 opened in Blackpool with a programme that reflected the full breadth of modern Trading Standards work, from organised crime and unsafe products to inclusion, new legislation and consumer detriment. The first day set a clear tone: stretched services remain ambitious, resilient and essential.

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UPDATES: CTSI has cautiously welcomed new funding announced in the Government’s Spending Review, including billions for councils and targeted investment for tobacco and vape enforcement. While the plans offer fresh opportunities for Trading Standards, key questions remain over local priorities, ringfencing and whether frontline services will truly see the benefits ...