Ways you can protect your business

Ways you can protect your business

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The following are some ways you can help protect your business:

• have a limited number of authorised employees to approve purchases of goods and services and ensure all other employees know that they can't discuss ordering or payments 
• never agree to anything in a rush. Remember it is possible to make a legally binding contract over the phone and that's the main problem with oral contracts is proving exactly what was said and agreed. Generally, it's one person's word against another's
• do some research on the goods or service  being offered
• read the small print thoroughly before signing any paperwork so that you know what you are committing to and how much it might cost
• keep copies of all paperwork, proof of posting and all other correspondence.

Don't be pressured into paying for services you haven't agreed to, don't match what you ordered, or were promised and haven't been provided. Take advice on your legal rights if you are unsure.

Remember, if you are threatened with debt collectors or a credit 'black-listing' ultimately only a court can decide whether you are liable to pay and disputes with another business will not necessarily affect your credit rating.

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Telephone Preference Service (TPS)

If you are a sole trader and (except in Scotland) a partnership, you can register with the TPS by calling 0845 070 0707 or online at the Telephone Preference Service website. The TPS is a central opt out register whereby individuals can register their wish not to receive unsolicited sales and marketing telephone calls. It is a legal requirement that companies do not make such calls to numbers registered on the TPS.

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Corporate Telephone Preference Service (CTPS)

If you are a corporate body such as a limited company in the UK, a limited liability partnership in England, Wales and Northern Ireland or any partnership in Scotland, you can register the CTPS by calling 0845 070 0707 or online at the Telephone Preference Service website. The CTPS is the central opt out register whereby corporate subscribers can register their wish not to receive unsolicited sales and marketing telephone calls to either all their organisation's telephone numbers, or to certain numbers. It is a legal requirement that companies do not make such calls to numbers registered on the CTPS.

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Other telephone services

Telephone service providers can also block callers from the UK and Channel Islands who withhold their number. Providers can also bar calls to premium rate and international rate numbers. Check with your service provider.

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Fax Preference Service (FPS)

The FPS is a central opt out register whereby businesses (and individuals if they wish) can register their choice not to receive unsolicited sales and marketing faxes. It is a legal requirement that companies do not send such faxes to numbers registered on the FPS. You can register by calling 0845 070 0702 or on the Telephone Preference Service website.

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