Once again, West Sussex County Council has joined forces with Brighton & Hove City Council to extend the directory across both areas.

It means the free publication will now reach up to 20,000 people across Sussex, who will have a list of nearly 450 of the finest businesses in the area at their fingertips.

The directory protects consumers by ensuring every business which appears on its pages have been thoroughly vetted by Trading Standards officers in West Sussex or Brighton and Hove.

Each business listed, whatever its size or trade, has agreed to provide a trustworthy and high standard of customer service. They are also regularly monitored to ensure these levels are maintained.

Copies of the free booklet can be picked up from libraries, help points, doctors and dentists’ surgery waiting times, B7Q in Shoreham and Crawley, Travis Perkins in Horsham,  Homebase in Chichester, Screwfix in Horsham and Chichester.

All local members of Buy With Confidence are listed on the website, www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk, with a recommendation from Trading Standards.

David Barling, West Sussex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services with responsibility for trading standards, said: “The directory gives residents details of around 450 businesses that have been recommended by Trading Standards

“As well as benefiting consumers, it will also assist local businesses by giving them accreditation to a scheme that really carries its weight in the county.”

Any West Sussex traders who want to join the scheme can contact 01243 642124

Brighton & Hove City council’s environment committee chair Gill Mitchell, said: “The Buy with Confidence scheme is a well-regarded and valuable resource for residents and businesses.  The directory not only provides peace of mind for the consumer but is also an ideal way for reliable businesses to advertise their services.”

In the Brighton & Hove area, copies of the directory can be obtained from council offices or by contacting Brighton Trading Standards on 01273 292523.

Businesses in the city interested in joining the scheme should call Brighton Trading Standards on 01273 292523 for an application pack or visit:

www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk

An interactive version of the both directories can also be viewed here