Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what measures he is taking to ensure small businesses deliver (a) prompt, (b) competent and (c) honest services to consumers.

All businesses are required to comply with consumer law, which aims to protect consumers from poor conduct by traders. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, goods sold by traders must be as described, of a satisfactory quality, and fit for a particular purpose. Traders are required to carry out a service with reasonable care and skill, and where the timeframe is not specified in the contract, within a reasonable time.

DBT has strengthened consumer protections through the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.

DBT also funds Business Companion, who publish free guidance for businesses on complying with consumer law.