A Made in Devon scheme has been launched to promote businesses in the county which have been approved by trading standards.
The Devon County Council initiative features products, services and manufacturers operating in the county and has unveiled a website containing details of vetted companies.
The Made in Devon team responded to enquiries and received positive feedback from members of the public and businesses at a stand at the recent Devon county show, in Exeter.
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The scheme is now supported by a new website which enables businesses to join up – membership is currently free for the first year.
As more businesses sign up it will create a comprehensive directory of Made in Devon members. The scheme enables businesses and traders to advertise to consumers that they supply Devon-sourced products – and that those claims have been thoroughly vetted, checked, and certified by trading standards officers.
Devon is home to a vibrant economy producing high-quality, locally made goods ranging from food and drink, toiletries, furniture, arts and crafts to software, equipment, electronics and much more.
During the first lockdown demand for local produce and products increased, with more than 40% choosing to shop locally and more regularly than they had done before. Almost half of those polled said they were motivated to support local businesses.
The Made in Devon scheme will help Devon’s businesses to stand out from the crowd by building on their reputation for producing quality, locally made goods.
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Businesses wishing to join are assessed to ensure that they and their products meet the qualifying criteria; that their goods are actually made in Devon and that the component parts of products or ingredients of foods are sourced from within the county.
Membership also provides businesses with a full audit, including a full review of their complaints’ history, access to legal and trading advice and business support from an award-winning trading standards team.
Similar to the Buy With Confidence website, it allows consumers to check if a specific business has signed up to the Made in Devon scheme, to search for businesses by area or to find businesses producing particular products based on keyword search.
One of the first members is Devon Hampers, which drummed up plenty of interest at the Devon County Show with almost 300 people entering a prize draw for the chance to win one of their locally sourced hampers.
Cllr Rufus Gilbert, Devon County Council’s cabinet member for economy and skills, said: “We know that given the choice people prefer to shop locally and support local businesses. As Devon’s economy bounces back this fantastic resource will help reassure consumers that the goods being sold, or the services offered by the listed businesses are genuine, Devon-made quality goods from a trustworthy local trader.”