From Liz Waugh, Exeter 383578, August 03,2006

Devon County Council's assured trader scheme, CustomerFirst, is the first local authority scheme in the country to receive national recognition by the Trading Standards Service and the Office of Fair Trading.

CustomerFirst, which gives members of the public advice and information on approved traders in Devon, has been acknowledged as a "flagship" scheme. It will become one of the founder members of the new Local Authority Assured Trader Scheme Network (LAATSN) which was launched at the Stock Exchange last week (July 24).

The scheme was started in April 2003 to promote customer confidence in local businesses, ranging from car repairers to tourist attractions, and has rapidly grown to over 300 members. All companies taking part are vetted to ensure they operate in a legal, honest and fair way and that they offer a customer friendly service. On applying to be a member, businesses receive a full assessment by trading standards and, if successful, will be expected to abide by the scheme's code of practice.

Councillor Brian Berman, Executive Member for Communities, said: "We are very pleased that CustomerFirst has achieved national recognition. The scheme has been successful from the start, and now other local authorities are looking to use the model in their own areas so that more consumers can benefit.

"Whilst we will never be able to eliminate rogue traders entirely, we can and will continue to make life difficult for them. CustomerFirst promotes only those businesses that do actually take customer care seriously, so we can give them a commercial advantage and help consumers make an informed choice.

"It is also a tremendous achievement to be part of the national LAATSN scheme, and leading the way for other local authorities. As a flagship local authority, this is a tribute to our work which demonstrates our own commitment to customer care, by putting our customers first in Devon."

John Fingleton, OFT Chief Executive said:"Choosing a reliable and trustworthy business can sometimes be difficult for consumers. The OFT is pleased to support the CustomerFirst Local Trader Scheme, which takes out some of the guess work by identifying businesses that have made a firm commitment to fair customer service.'

CustomerFirst members are entitled to display a window sticker which depicts a red tick incorporated into the name. However, more information about members, including how to apply and a search facility can be found online by visiting www.devon.gov.uk and clicking on the CustomerFirst button on the home page. Those without access to the internet can call 01392 381381.

Notes for Editors

For more information, please contact Paul Thomas, Trading Standards on 01392 382728, photographs of the LAATSN national launch are available.

General information about LAATSN can be found at www.oft.gov.uk/consumer/trader