Businesses in Kilmarnock and the Irvine Valley are being urged to sign up to the trusted traders scheme.
Membership is free until March 2020.
It means firms are vetted by trading standards and have access to advice on both civil and criminal consumer protection legislation.
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Their details will be added to a database of trusted traders which will be available to the public through East Ayrshire Council’s website.
They will also be able to display a trusted trader sticker on their company vehicle.
Businesses can gather feedback from their customers and this will be shared on the trusted trader website.
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Councillor Jim McMahon, cabinet member for older people and community safety, said: “The trusted trader scheme has proved to be very successful across Scotland.
“It helps to increase consumer confidence, promote good practice and protect local people from doorstep crime.
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“There is an even greater incentive for businesses to sign up now, with membership free until March 2020. From March next year membership will cost £200 plus VAT.
“I would urge local businesses to sign up to the scheme and become one of East Ayrshire’s trusted traders.”
Businesses can find out more or join the scheme by emailing trading.standards@east-ayrshire.gov.uk, calling (01563) 576602 or going to www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/trustedtrader
