KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
28th January 2021

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Musical chairs with a twist!

Guy Pratt, Assistant Director of Community Protection for Hertfordshire County Council and Chair of the Standards Board for Stevenage-based The Furniture Ombudsman, has now also become the Chair of the Association of Chief Trading Standards Officers (ACTSO).

ACTSO is the body that represents the most senior staff in the Trading Standards services of Local Authorities in England and Wales. Its aim is to influence trading standards policy issues on a national basis, working with Government Ministers and Departments and other stakeholders. Having previously been the Chairman of the South East Midlands Branch of the Trading Standards Institute, Guy was delighted to become chair of the national body ACTSO, which is also a section of the Institute.

"Taking the role of Chair of ACTSO is a great compliment," enthuses Guy. "Having been a member of ACTSO for a number of years, I am proud to now be the chair of the Association."

Guy is also Chair of the Standards Board regulating the work of The Furniture Ombudsman, a national furniture dispute resolution service, based in Stevenage.

Guy has recently featured in a film made by ITN productions to explain the work of The Furniture Ombudsman. Guy's is presence in the film, together with The Furniture Ombudsman's membership of the Trading Standard's Institute demonstrates the strong link between the organisations.

"The Furniture Ombudsman does outstanding work in ensuring a fair and independent outcome for both consumers and retailers with regards to complaints within the furniture and home improvement industries," explains Guy. "As part of my role being on the TFO Standards Board, I will do my best to ensure that this good work continues."

Kevin Grix, Head of The Furniture Ombudsman says: "Guy is a vital part of The Furniture Ombudsman Standards Board, his experience and wealth of knowledge in Trading Standards is second to none. We are very proud to have him as a member of our Board, and congratulate him on his new role."

The Furniture Ombudsman Standards Board also includes Jim Potts, Fellow of the Trading Standards Institute. "With such high profile figures from the Trading Standards Institute being part of our Board, it demonstrates the integrity of our service," adds Kevin. "We are very appreciative of the time they give voluntarily in actively supporting the work that we do for consumers and traders."

T +44 (0)1438 777 730
E: [email protected]
W: www.thefurnitureombudsman.org

9th September 2011