Name: Paul Lavington

Title: Director

Name of company: PRL Compliance Ltd.

Can you tell us a bit more about your company?

I offer technical, safety and consultancy advice on consumer products covering all aspects of testing, legislation, quality assurance and quality control      

Who is your audience?

All manufacturers, suppliers and importers of giftware, toys and premiums, cosmetics & toiletries    

How long have you been trading and what is the history of the company?

I have been trading for 6 months. After spending more than 20 years working for various high street retailers, suppliers and testing laboratories in a compliance and quality based environment I realised there was a need for someone with my level of experience to help manufacturers/suppliers to understand this complex and time consuming subject           

What three words best describe your business and its Services?

Compliance, Safety & Quality

How strongly does compliance fit in The Giftware World, should all companies be adhering to compliance and legislation or does it only affect a certain sized business?

All manufacturers and importers of giftware products regardless of how large or small have an obligation to ensure their products are safe for sale and fit for purpose under the General Products Safety Regulations (GPSR), as part of this there are certain legal requirements that must be adhered to    

Do you use social media to promote your business? 

How has this landscape changed over the years within the home and gift industry? As I have only been trading for the last six months getting a client base has been my priority however this is next on my list!      

Do you do any advertising/PR?

Yes as you can see!

What do you wish you’d known at the very beginning of starting your business that you know now?

That I should have set up my business years ago!

Do you feel the economic climate is improving or is it getting tougher to trade?

It is getting tougher to trade generally and the Brexit debate is certainly not helping this as businesses are holding back until a final decision is made      

What do you see as being the biggest problem for giftware suppliers in the gift industry in regards to compliance?

Relabelling products if we leave the EU which will make the CE Mark redundant and a specific UK Mark will be required, chemical requirements under REACH which is expanding rapidly and understanding these requirements, environmental legislation such as packaging and battery waste            

What news do you have to share with us so we can celebrate your achievements in 2019?

Setting up  my own company is a step in the right direction         

What are you looking to achieve in 2020?

To be able to provide a professional and affordable service for small to medium size companies who don’t necessarily want or can justify full time QA resource