UPDATES: Colleagues across the Trading Standards profession pay tribute to Simon Keegan, whose expertise, generosity and passion for legal metrology left a lasting mark on Northern Ireland and the wider profession. A heartfelt reflection on a respected Officer, mentor and friend.

UPDATES: CTSI is bringing Journal of Trading Standards online content into its members' area, creating a single destination for news, policy and professional resources. The move aims to strengthen the value of membership while aligning future content more closely with the profession's priorities.

OPINION: Effective regulation depends on trust as much as enforcement. This thought-provoking piece argues for culturally aware communication, stronger community engagement and a more people-centred approach to consumer protection.

OPINION: Behind the scenes, dedicated individuals help shape the profession. This profile celebrates Brian Stone's long service to the College of Fellows and the quiet influence of those who keep vital institutions running.

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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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ANALYSIS: Hundreds of young people packed the 2025 REACH Society Careers Conference - and Trading Standards took centre stage. From inspiring role models to new apprenticeship opportunities, this article explores how the profession is reaching diverse new talent, opening doors and showing the next generation how they can build careers that truly make a difference ...

ANALYSIS: CTSI’s return to the REACH Society Careers Conference showed how direct engagement with young people can widen access to Trading Standards and regulatory careers. The piece highlights the importance of representation, apprenticeships and collaboration in building a profession that better reflects the communities it serves.

OPINION: Personal faith and professional duty need not exist in separate worlds. Reflecting on life as a practising Muslim working in Trading Standards, this thoughtful piece explores the shared values of integrity, fairness, service and accountability that underpin both.

OPINION: Reflects on the rapidly changing challenges facing the profession and argues that continuous learning, adaptability and collaboration are essential if Trading Standards is to remain effective.

OPINION: English devolution and local government reorganisation could reshape where Trading Standards sits, how it is funded and how quickly local regulators can act. The piece argues that reform offers a chance to rebuild place-based services, strengthen collaboration with other regulators and address practical questions around boundaries, court action, recovered funds and closure powers.

OPINION: Argues that stronger partnerships, wider engagement and greater visibility beyond the profession will help Trading Standards demonstrate its value and strengthen its long-term influence.

UPDATES: A tribute to Edward Brian Fallon, whose lifelong commitment to public service and steadfast support for Trading Standards left a lasting impact on consumer protection in Scotland.

UPDATES: New Government funding will strengthen tobacco enforcement by supporting additional Trading Standards officers, enhancing intelligence-led operations and tackling the illicit tobacco market.

UPDATES: A tribute to Timothy Alec Burton reflects on a distinguished career and the personal qualities that earned him the respect and affection of colleagues across the Trading Standards profession.

SPONSORED: Entries are now open for the 2025 Touchstone Award, celebrating innovative Trading Standards work that promotes the importance of hallmarking and consumer protection across the UK.