29/04/2026
New 'Businessline' Helpline Launched to Support NI Businesses
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has officially launched 'Businessline', a new dedicated telephone helpline from the Trading Standards Service aimed at assisting local firms with complex regulations. The service is designed to provide free, dependable advice to help businesses navigate their legal responsibilities and rights under consumer protection law.
The helpline offers support across a broad spectrum of commercial issues. This includes guidance on the accurate description of goods and services, pricing transparency, rules for online selling, and compliance with weights and measures requirements. It also clarifies the specific obligations businesses have when selling directly to consumers.
Commenting on the launch, Minister Archibald said: "Businessline is a valuable new resource for local businesses, providing direct access to expert trading standards advice to help them navigate complex regulations.
"By using the service, businesses can reduce the risk of costly mistakes, strengthen compliance and build consumer confidence.
"Many businesses do not have in house legal or compliance support. Businessline offers practical, accessible guidance to help them get things right."
Richard Knipe of the Trading Standards Service emphasized that the goal of the new helpline is to help businesses establish correct procedures from the start. He explained: "The overwhelming majority of businesses want to be fully compliant with trading standards rules. This dedicated helpline will help them get the support they need to ensure they meet those requirements.
"Businesses that understand regulation are better placed to succeed. They reduce the risks associated with non compliance, deliver better services for customers, and are more likely to achieve long term sustainability, customer satisfaction and repeat business. This is good for businesses and good for consumers."
Local firms can access professional trading standards advice by calling Businessline on 0300 077 0323. The helpline is open Monday to Thursday from 9.00am to 5.00pm, and on Fridays from 9.00am to 4.00pm. Inquiries can also be submitted via email to tssbusinessline@economy-ni.gov.uk.
The helpline offers support across a broad spectrum of commercial issues. This includes guidance on the accurate description of goods and services, pricing transparency, rules for online selling, and compliance with weights and measures requirements. It also clarifies the specific obligations businesses have when selling directly to consumers.
Commenting on the launch, Minister Archibald said: "Businessline is a valuable new resource for local businesses, providing direct access to expert trading standards advice to help them navigate complex regulations.
"By using the service, businesses can reduce the risk of costly mistakes, strengthen compliance and build consumer confidence.
Richard Knipe of the Trading Standards Service emphasized that the goal of the new helpline is to help businesses establish correct procedures from the start. He explained: "The overwhelming majority of businesses want to be fully compliant with trading standards rules. This dedicated helpline will help them get the support they need to ensure they meet those requirements.
"Businesses that understand regulation are better placed to succeed. They reduce the risks associated with non compliance, deliver better services for customers, and are more likely to achieve long term sustainability, customer satisfaction and repeat business. This is good for businesses and good for consumers."
Local firms can access professional trading standards advice by calling Businessline on 0300 077 0323. The helpline is open Monday to Thursday from 9.00am to 5.00pm, and on Fridays from 9.00am to 4.00pm. Inquiries can also be submitted via email to tssbusinessline@economy-ni.gov.uk.
Latest Northern Ireland Business News
29 April 2026
New 'Businessline' Helpline Launched to Support NI Businesses
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has officially launched 'Businessline', a new dedicated telephone helpline from the Trading Standards Service aimed at assisting local firms with complex regulations.
New 'Businessline' Helpline Launched to Support NI Businesses
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has officially launched 'Businessline', a new dedicated telephone helpline from the Trading Standards Service aimed at assisting local firms with complex regulations.
05 February 2026
Coca-Cola Announces Major Partnership With Irish FA And NIFL
The Coca-Cola Company and its bottling partner, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, have confirmed a new soft drinks partnership with the Irish Football Association (Irish FA) and the Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL).
Coca-Cola Announces Major Partnership With Irish FA And NIFL
The Coca-Cola Company and its bottling partner, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, have confirmed a new soft drinks partnership with the Irish Football Association (Irish FA) and the Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL).
28 January 2026
Barclay Communications Partners With Fibrus To Bolster Business Connectivity
Belfast-based Barclay Communications has announced a strategic partnership with Fibrus to simplify full fibre broadband access for businesses across Northern Ireland. The collaboration, delivered through the wholesale channel Hyperfast Networks, aims to bridge the digital gap for organisations in both rural and central areas.
Barclay Communications Partners With Fibrus To Bolster Business Connectivity
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15 January 2026
Newry’s Lily Bain Bathrooms & Tiles Named ‘Showroom of the Month’ by Tissino
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Newry’s Lily Bain Bathrooms & Tiles Named ‘Showroom of the Month’ by Tissino
Newry-based Lily Bain Bathrooms & Tiles has been awarded the title of 'Showroom of the Month' by the prestigious designer bathroom brand, Tissino. The accolade, featured on Tissino’s official UK channels, highlights the Mountview Business Park retailer for its high-quality displays, extensive product range, and commitment to customer service.
13 January 2026
NIFRS Opens Applications For Regional Control Centre Firefighters
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has opened recruitment for Firefighter Control roles at its Regional Control Centre in Lisburn, offering candidates the chance to support lifesaving operations at the heart of the organisation.
NIFRS Opens Applications For Regional Control Centre Firefighters
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has opened recruitment for Firefighter Control roles at its Regional Control Centre in Lisburn, offering candidates the chance to support lifesaving operations at the heart of the organisation.
24 November 2025
United Wines Launches Designated Driver Campaign
United Wines, a major drinks distributor based in Craigavon, is continuing its efforts to promote road safety over the festive period by launching its annual Designated Driver campaign, beginning on Monday, 17 November.
United Wines Launches Designated Driver Campaign
United Wines, a major drinks distributor based in Craigavon, is continuing its efforts to promote road safety over the festive period by launching its annual Designated Driver campaign, beginning on Monday, 17 November.
21 November 2025
A&L Goodbody Renews Partnership With NI Cyber
A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland (ALG) has renewed its partnership with the Northern Ireland Cyber Security Cluster (NI Cyber) for a further year.
A&L Goodbody Renews Partnership With NI Cyber
A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland (ALG) has renewed its partnership with the Northern Ireland Cyber Security Cluster (NI Cyber) for a further year.
21 July 2025
Unified Integrates Council Scheme To Enhance Antrim Business Security
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Unified Integrates Council Scheme To Enhance Antrim Business Security
Unified Integrated Systems is helping Antrim's local businesses bolster security through a newly expanded, council-funded CCTV grant programme.
31 January 2025
Integrated Security Systems: Shaping The Future Of Security
The security landscape is evolving rapidly, with integrated systems leading the charge as the future of protection for homes and businesses. By combining multiple technologies into one seamless platform, integrated security systems are transforming how property owners manage and enhance their safety.
Integrated Security Systems: Shaping The Future Of Security
The security landscape is evolving rapidly, with integrated systems leading the charge as the future of protection for homes and businesses. By combining multiple technologies into one seamless platform, integrated security systems are transforming how property owners manage and enhance their safety.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Any mist and low cloud burning off this morning. Then the rest of the day will be dry across all parts with some lengthy spells of sunshine. Warm. Maximum temperature 17 °C.Tonight:This evening will be dry with some late sunshine. Then staying dry and clear overnight with some patchy mist and low cloud. Chilly in sheltered glens. Minimum temperature 6 °C.