MEMBERS of a scheme which allows people in Sussex to find traders and care providers they can trust gathered together for the first time.

The first ever pan-Sussex Buy and Support With Confidence members’ conference was held at Brighton’s American Express Community Stadium.

The event, organised by East Sussex County Council, West Sussex County Council and Brighton & Hove City Council, brought together members of the Buy With Confidence and Support With Confidence schemes from the three areas.

The conference was aimed at allowing traders and care providers to meet other members of the scheme, learn about training opportunities and hear talks from expert speakers.

Cllr Rupert Simmons, East Sussex County Council lead member for economy, said: “The Buy and Support With Confidence schemes have been vital in enabling people to find businesses they can trust.

“The event was a great success and provided a valuable opportunity for members from across Sussex to share their ideas and experiences.”

The event included talks on marketing, social media and business planning from David Foster, of Seaford-based David Foster Associates, Graham Buchanan, from Eastbourne-based WSI Internet Consulting, and business coach Sophie Mahir respectively.

Meanwhile, Mina O’Brien, scheme manager for Buy and Support With Confidence in East Sussex, talked about the new Consumer Contracts Regulations, due to come into force on June 13.

The new legislation includes rules lengthening the ‘cooling off’ period during which consumers can voluntarily withdraw from a contract from seven to 14 days, as well as tighter regulation of online services.

The Buy With Confidence and Support With Confidence schemes put consumers in touch with approved, vetted traders and care providers who meet a range of standards and provide a high quality service.

More information about the schemes in East Sussex is available online at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/buywithconfidence and www.eastsussex.gov.uk/supportwithconfidence