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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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 ...

UPDATES: CTSI has welcomed the Spending Review’s projected rise in local authority funding and new investment linked to tobacco and vapes enforcement, while warning that Trading Standards will still need local prioritisation. The response sets out both the opportunities and the risks for services facing reform, devolution and digital change.

---

UPDATES: Emaciated animals, ignored warnings, and serious disease control breaches - Trading Standards uncovered shocking conditions on farmland near Farcet. A Peterborough farmer has now been banned from keeping livestock for a decade after pleading guilty to multiple animal welfare offences. Here’s how the case unfolded and why authorities say it matters ...

UPDATES: A Cambridgeshire farmer has been banned from keeping livestock for 10 years after Trading Standards found animals in poor conditions and disease control rules being ignored. The prosecution underlines the role of local enforcement in protecting animal welfare, traceability and responsible farming standards.

---

UPDATES: A cruel new scam is targeting people at their most vulnerable—grieving families and friends of the recently deceased. Fraudsters are hijacking funeral notices to steal money and personal details, prompting strong warnings from CTSI. Here’s how the scam works, why it’s so damaging, and what you can do to protect yourself and others ...

UPDATES: Fraudsters are exploiting online funeral notices to target grieving families with convincing payment requests. Trading Standards has issued a stark warning and explains the simple checks that can prevent mourners becoming victims of this cruel scam.

---

UPDATES: Criminals are exploiting ‘ghost’ number plates that vanish from ANPR cameras, helping them dodge fines, speed traps and even serious investigations. With plates costing as little as £30 and penalties lagging behind the risk, CTSI and MPs are calling for a crackdown. Here’s why authorities say the system is being dangerously abused - and what could change next ...

UPDATES: CTSI is urging tougher action against so-called 'ghost plates' that allow drivers to evade detection by ANPR cameras. The growing availability of these illegal number plates raises significant concerns for road safety and law enforcement.

---

UPDATES: A High Street jeweller has been fined after Trading Standards uncovered thousands of pounds’ worth of counterfeit designer watches on sale in a Northern Ireland shopping centre. The case highlights how fake goods deceive customers, undercut legitimate businesses, and why authorities are cracking down on traders who try to pass off counterfeits as the real thing ...

---

UPDATES: A rogue car dealer who ignored consumer rights, sold faulty vehicles and flouted a court order has been sent to prison after months of complaints from buyers. Trading under multiple names, he continued to evade responsibility until Trading Standards stepped in ...

---

UPDATES: A Hammersmith & Fulham resident was targeted by a suspected rogue roofer who ramped up a £700 quote to £7,000 and applied relentless pressure for payment. After Trading Standards stepped in, the trader vanished. This case highlights how doorstep scams operate and how quick action can stop victims losing even more money ...