Businesses across Omagh and the surrounding rural area can now access expert advice through a new Trading Standards Service helpline, designed to help them navigate regulations with confidence.
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has launched Businessline — a dedicated telephone support service offering free, reliable guidance on trading standards.
The helpline is aimed at helping local businesses understand their rights and responsibilities under consumer protection law. It covers key areas including accurate product descriptions, pricing rules, online selling requirements, weights and measures, and obligations when selling to customers.
For many SMEs in Omagh, particularly those operating without in-house legal or compliance support, this kind of accessible advice is invaluable. Businessline provides practical, straightforward guidance to help businesses avoid costly mistakes, stay compliant and build trust with customers.
Speaking about the launch, the Minister highlighted the importance of giving businesses direct access to expert support, helping them manage increasingly complex regulations while maintaining high standards.
Richard Knipe from the Trading Standards Service also emphasised that most businesses want to get things right from the outset. By understanding the rules, businesses can reduce risk, improve customer satisfaction and support long-term growth.
For Omagh businesses, especially those serving local communities and rural customers, maintaining strong standards and consumer confidence is key. This new helpline offers a practical tool to help businesses operate responsibly, strengthen their reputation and succeed in a competitive marketplace.
Professional trading standards advice can be accessed by contacting Businessline on 0300 077 0323, Monday to Thursday 9.00am–5.00pm and Friday 9.00am–4.00pm, or by emailing tssbusinessline@economy-ni.gov.uk.
