All consumer enquiries are dealt with by the Consumer Direct South East team (CDSE) based at County Hall, Maidstone. Consumer Direct is a government funded organisation which was set up to offer first tier advice to consumers when the increasing demand for consumer advice could no longer be met by local authorities. CDSE has a team of 40 advisors to take calls direct from the public. In the rare event all their advisors are busy, calls are answered by Consumer Direct centres in other parts of the country. More complex enquiries or those requiring further action are referred to the local Trading Standards service.

Our Advice and Education Team

As well as helping Kent consumers with the complex complaints and enquiries referred by CDSE our Advice and Education team stage exhibitions, give media interviews, and produce press releases, leaflets and consumer factsheets.

One of the questions most frequently asked by consumers is "How do I find a reputable trader?". The 19 local authority Trading Standards Services in the South East have set up a scheme called Buy with Confidence which has been launched in Kent.

The scheme gives consumers access to a free directory of traders who have proved their commitment to trading fairly and every business included will undergo a series of detailed checks before being approved as a member of the scheme.

From the "See also" links on the right you can select video clips of some of our BWC Approved Traders giving tips on how to find a good tradesman. (Broadband required).

If you are in business you can register your interest in joining the scheme on our business page.

Young people

The Team also work on projects and competitions for young people such as the Young Consumers of the Year Competition and Consumer Challenge which help young people to learn about their rights and responsibilities as consumers. More Educational resources and information for students and teachers is available on our young people page.