NEW Businesses and those that are diversifying as a result of the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic are being urged to make sure they take the right advice before committing their time and money.

North Yorkshire Trading Standards service is currently offering all its advice services free to any firms with particular focus on those that are starting up or changing the products or services they sell as a result of Covid-19.

North Yorkshire library service has also invested in a wide-ranging business advice package that is freely available online and of particular value to start-up businesses.

The Trading Standards service waived its fees when lockdown began and will continue to give free advice until at least September. A specialist team can provide advice on all aspects of trading standards law.

Councillor Andrew Lee, Executive Member for Open for Business, said: “Our Trading Standards offer is about doing as much as we can to support businesses at this time.”