Aberdeenshire Council's Trading Standards team has launched a new initiative aimed at protecting residents from rogue traders.

The campaign, titled 'Protecting our Community', seeks to raise business standards across the region while shielding consumers from unscrupulous operators. Although Aberdeenshire is home to many reputable businesses, rogue traders remain active, particularly in the roofing sector, causing distress and significant financial losses for affected households.

The roofing industry has been flagged as a priority area for the campaign, following a sharp rise in complaints after Storm Arwen. In 2024 alone, complaints more than doubled to 93, highlighting the growing threat of poor workmanship and misleading practices.

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The initiative aims to reduce such harm by targeting problem sectors and equipping consumers with the tools they need to stay safe. These include doorbell cameras, call blockers, no cold calling stickers, and access to the Aberdeenshire Trusted Trader scheme, which helps residents make informed, secure choices when hiring services.

To ensure business transparency and legal compliance, Trading Standards officers will actively engage with local companies, verifying business addresses, contact details, and paperwork, while checking for adherence to trading laws.

Businesses that fail to cooperate, use misleading information, or breach regulations will be named in a publicly accessible 'Directory of Non-compliant Businesses', designed to help residents avoid hiring rogue operators.

The council has confirmed that once the roofing sector has been tackled, the same approach will be rolled out to other industries where consumer complaints are high.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to engage with the initiative and use the prevention tools provided to help ensure Aberdeenshire remains a safe and fair place to live and trade.