From 1 October 2018, we will be offering Primary Authority on a pre-paid package basis and all new Primary Authority partnerships from that date will be subject to these fees.
| Annual package | What’s included | Prices, paid in advance. No VAT applicable. |
| First Year Set-up Package | Application fee, to include an initial visit* | £405 |
| Minimum Package (after year one) | Two hours of business advice and support** | £170 |
| Small Package | Three hours of business advice and support | £242 Includes 5% discount, saving £13 |
| Medium Package | 12 hours of business advice and support | £918 Includes 10% discount, saving £102 |
| Large Package | 24 hours of business advice and support | £1,734 Includes 15% discount, saving £306 |
| Bespoke (as agreed) | For bespoke packages of more than 24 hours we can offer discounts. The amount of discount will depend on the quantity of hours purchased. | Discount negotiable on our standard £85 per hour fee. |
*In the first year of partnership the initial fee includes three hours of advice and support to enable an initial assessment of the business by nominated officers.
**After the first year an annual minimum fee of £170 will apply, which includes a minimum package of two hours.
We can also provide additional services, some at a discounted rate, including:
- Buy With Confidence approved trader scheme membership
- Food/product safety sampling
- Bespoke staff training
- Metrology Laboratory
Travel expenses
There is no charge for travelling time within Devon or Somerset. Travel to premises outside of the Devon and Somerset area will be charged from the border at the current HMRC rate (45 pence per mile).
If more convenient and cost-effective modes of transport are applicable, this can be agreed as part of the Primary Authority agreement.
Chargeable time for advice and support in excess of the prepaid package
Time will be charged when a visit commences or as part of delivering Primary Authority business support/advice outside of the time remaining (the business will be notified from the outset if this is likely). Standard fees are calculated on a cost recovery basis at £85 per hour, which is VAT exempt.
Dealing with complaints or unplanned events
If business advice and support is necessary as part of dealing with unforeseen circumstances such as a product safety recall, food safety alert or other serious issue, the business will be notified that the work undertaken will be recorded against the time remaining.
Primary Authority businesses will be notified when nearing the end of their packaged time and an agreement as to how the business wants to proceed will be finalised and reviewed where necessary.
Packages
The package will be reviewed annually, and additional packages can be purchased including a bespoke option as agreed.
Unused time
Unused time will not rollover to the following year.