Electrical Product Safety Conference 2011

The Electrical Safety Council held its second Product Safety Conference in London on 26 October 2011. With the title ‘Market Surveillance – overcoming cut-backs through a combined approach’, the event brought together a wide range of speakers and delegates to discuss the latest developments in market surveillance and electrical product safety.

The day was opened by Ed Davey MP, the Minister for Consumer Policy and Consumer Affairs. He emphasised the increasing importance of co-operation to avoid duplication of effort and better use of intelligence gathering, stating that: “Partnership is critical and business working with enforcement agencies is critical, particularly in these challenging times.”  In a speech which noted the need for greater collaboration at all levels – both within the UK, the EU and globally – he also made it clear that consumer safety remained the government’s priority.

The programme covered a range of key issues, including a review of the UK’s surveillance priorities and a look at how collaborative working between manufacturers and government agencies is increasing seizures of unsafe and counterfeit goods. Other presentations covered the creative approaches used by local enforcement agencies to deal with budget cuts, product testing and third-party certification.

Phil Buckle, Director General of the ESC said: “With the success of our first product safety conference, we knew there was a demand for an event of this nature. It offers an ideal opportunity to bring together various key stakeholders from across the board – manufacturers, consumers, industry and government bodies – to work together to ensure consumer protection benefits fully from a collaborative approach.

In addition to the conference proceedings, an exhibition, staged in the stunning Assembly Hall at Church House, Westminster, gave delegates the opportunity to collect the latest information on product safety and build contacts with our sponsors and exhibitors.

Check back soon for video highlights from the event.