Local Government Regulators Lick The Lid of Life® with Müller®
Local government regulators joined workers at Müller® UK in Shropshire last month - to see precisely how the regulations they enforce affect the businesses they inspect.
The "recruits" joined the Müller® team at the company's dairy in Market Drayton for a two-day induction programme, to experience first hand the different aspects of the business from production and quality control to sales and marketing.
The visit was part of the Trading Places initiative developed by the Birmingham-based Local Better Regulation Office (LBRO) in response to the perception that government doesn't appreciate how restrictive red tape and regulations can be on many companies.
The visit was arranged by Sukh Gill, Müller® UK's chief food law advisor - and a former trading standards officer.
"It's really important for regulators to understand from a practical and commercial perspective how businesses are run, the processes we have in place and the steps we take to make sure we get things right," he explained.
"Often the first time officers come into contact with a company is when there is a problem. That can engender an adversarial relationship - one of mistrust rather than cooperation.
"Trading Places offers an opportunity to develop a trusted partnership. Feedback from those who took part has been very positive. Both parties get a better understanding of how each works and an insight into the practicalities we all face on a daily basis. This is the best basis for working together; after all, satisfied consumers are the mutual goal of our brand and of regulators.
Karen Collier, Head of Area Public Protection at Shropshire Council said:
"The Trading Places visit at the Müller® Dairy in Shropshire was very interesting and informative. I particularly valued the time Sukh and his colleagues and senior managers were able to spend discussing their roles and the company overview."
"Over the next few months across the UK, many local government trading standards, environmental health, licensing and fire safety officers will be spending time in local branches of major retailers and SME's, to ensure regulators actively work with businesses to reduce burdens which will then to encourage growth and prosperity.
"To engage business effectively, regulatory services must understand business," explained LBRO chairman, Clive Grace.
"Trading places is about seeing, exploring and learning by doing a few of the many activities that deliver the results local authority regulatory staff exist to promote. It's a chance to understand from bite-size experiences the essence of business and compliance in practice."
Media contact: Joan at Access-JUPR on 01457 833346/ 07971 195211
email: joan@accessadvertising.co.uk