Photograph of Robert BriggsRob is a Trading Standards professional with 35 years of experience as a regulator in various Local Authorities (Linkedin profile).

He has a passion for helping people to avoid getting ripped off and for rooting out fraud and corruption, with significant expertise in the area of brand protection, intellectual property and Trade Marks legislation.

Over the years he has worked to provide a level playing field for businesses to encourage fair competition. Finding ways to help change the culture of trading to one of compliance and celebrating ethical trading.

He used the National Intelligence Model to make local authority trading standards services more responsive to the local communities they served. Drawing on his experience of leading volunteers during 20 years Lifeboating service with the RNLI, he introduced volunteering opportunities and recognised the significant power that informed volunteers can have on the trading culture.

An extremely thorough, professional individual who seeks to understand the client’s needs

Robert is an extremely thorough, professional individual who seeks to understand the client's needs and provides a very quick and efficient service.

I have worked with Robert over a period of years and I am pleased to recommend their services.

Simon Frost Chief Executive of Parity Trust

Crimson Crab
2019-11-22T12:47:08+00:00

Simon Frost Chief Executive of Parity Trust

Robert is an extremely thorough, professional individual who seeks to understand the client's needs and provides a very quick and efficient service. I have worked with Robert over a period of years and I am pleased to recommend their services.

Highly skilled professional manager with good people management skills and astute business acumen

Robert is a focused, dedicated and results-driven manager. I worked with Robert primarily establishing a new business which was an exciting and challenging project. Robert was always keen to share his skills and expertise whilst remaining open to new and innovative ways of working. In my opinion, Robert is a highly skilled professional manager with good people management skills and astute business acumen.

Claire Wood Strategy Adviser Portsmouth City Council

Crimson Crab
2019-11-22T12:42:15+00:00

Claire Wood Strategy Adviser Portsmouth City Council

Robert is a focused, dedicated and results-driven manager. I worked with Robert primarily establishing a new business which was an exciting and challenging project. Robert was always keen to share his skills and expertise whilst remaining open to new and innovative ways of working. In my opinion, Robert is a highly skilled professional manager with good people management skills and astute business acumen.

Demonstrates a very high level of professionalism

Whilst serving as the Cabinet member for Community Safety I dealt with Robert on a regular basis concerning Trading Standards issues.

He is an extremely capable officer who at all times demonstrates a very high level of professionalism.

His expertise in Trading Standards is top class and I could always rely upon him to deliver required reports and reach the targets that the Service had set. 

I have no hesitation in commending him to anyone looking for an expert in Trading Standards or local government.

Jason Fazackarley City Councillor at Portsmouth City Council

Crimson Crab
2019-11-22T12:44:31+00:00

Jason Fazackarley City Councillor at Portsmouth City Council

Whilst serving as the Cabinet member for Community Safety I dealt with Robert on a regular basis concerning Trading Standards issues. He is an extremely capable officer who at all times demonstrates a very high level of professionalism. His expertise in Trading Standards is top class and I could always rely upon him to deliver required reports and reach the targets that the Service had set.  I have no hesitation in commending him to anyone looking for an expert in Trading Standards or local government.

Patient, supportive and thorough

Crimson Crab was recommended to me by a business colleague when we were faced with the task of completing registration for the Care Quality Commission.

Being a new business, only 6 weeks into our trading, we needed a strong structure on which to base our quality systems and processes.

Not only did Rob give us the structure, methodology and detail we needed to get through registration, he has enabled us to begin trading with a comprehensive quality management system which we will continue to build on.

He is patient, supportive and thorough and I would have no hesitation in seeking support from Rob again.

Kim Way, Managing Director Changes Clinic

Crimson Crab
2019-11-22T12:45:22+00:00

Kim Way, Managing Director Changes Clinic

Crimson Crab was recommended to me by a business colleague when we were faced with the task of completing registration for the Care Quality Commission. Being a new business, only 6 weeks into our trading, we needed a strong structure on which to base our quality systems and processes. Not only did Rob give us the structure, methodology and detail we needed to get through registration, he has enabled us to begin trading with a comprehensive quality management system which we will continue to build on. He is patient, supportive and thorough and I would have no hesitation in seeking support from Rob again.

Has a strong commitment to improvement and protecting the public from rogue traders and counterfeiters.

Robert is a committed and passionate leader with great knowledge within his area. He is involved in the national agenda and is open to new ideas and a believer in continuous learning. He regularly attends learning events with his team thus enabling collaborative learning and developing his team's capacity. Robert actively seeks out new ideas to improve his team's capabilities and listens to and is open to influence by others. He has a strong commitment to improvement and protecting the public from rogue traders and counterfeiters

Paul Summers Corporate Programme Manager Portsmouth City Council

Crimson Crab
2019-11-22T12:38:16+00:00

Paul Summers Corporate Programme Manager Portsmouth City Council

Robert is a committed and passionate leader with great knowledge within his area. He is involved in the national agenda and is open to new ideas and a believer in continuous learning. He regularly attends learning events with his team thus enabling collaborative learning and developing his team's capacity. Robert actively seeks out new ideas to improve his team's capabilities and listens to and is open to influence by others. He has a strong commitment to improvement and protecting the public from rogue traders and counterfeiters

Many thanks for your help

Just wanted to say many thanks for your help recently with your expertise in compliance, legislation and contracts.  Your knowledge and input was invaluable in helping resolve my issue.

John Grantham, Managing Director Presland Care Ltd

Crimson Crab
2019-11-22T12:47:17+00:00

John Grantham, Managing Director Presland Care Ltd

Just wanted to say many thanks for your help recently with your expertise in compliance, legislation and contracts.  Your knowledge and input was invaluable in helping resolve my issue.

Very knowledgeable and professional

I have worked with Robert in his capacity of Trading Standards Manager for a number of years through the provision of RIPA training services by The Training Consultants Ltd to Portsmouth City Council. I have always found Robert to be very knowledgeable and professional. He seeks to develop himself and his team and keen to get involved in the training with his peers, his managers and his staff, which I think shows the importance that he places on this development and I enjoy working with him.

Adrian C. Ramdat Director of The Training Consultants Ltd

Crimson Crab
2019-11-22T12:40:02+00:00

Adrian C. Ramdat Director of The Training Consultants Ltd

I have worked with Robert in his capacity of Trading Standards Manager for a number of years through the provision of RIPA training services by The Training Consultants Ltd to Portsmouth City Council. I have always found Robert to be very knowledgeable and professional. He seeks to develop himself and his team and keen to get involved in the training with his peers, his managers and his staff, which I think shows the importance that he places on this development and I enjoy working with him.

best practice exemplars

Rob's team at Portsmouth City Council delivers some of the most imaginative and community-focused services in Trading Standards. That they are able to do this with limited resources is a testament to their determination and to the vision of their Manager. I regularly hold his Service up as best practice exemplars and I would always, if possible, arrange for some of my employees to spend even a short period of time with Rob's team to see for themselves just what can be achieved.

Nigel Strick Head of Community Safety and Trading Standards Oxford County Council

Crimson Crab
2019-11-22T12:36:07+00:00

Nigel Strick Head of Community Safety and Trading Standards Oxford County Council

Rob's team at Portsmouth City Council delivers some of the most imaginative and community-focused services in Trading Standards. That they are able to do this with limited resources is a testament to their determination and to the vision of their Manager. I regularly hold his Service up as best practice exemplars and I would always, if possible, arrange for some of my employees to spend even a short period of time with Rob's team to see for themselves just what can be achieved.

If you wish to Trademark your business, then Crimson Crab are the experts you need to make it happen

After applying to the IPO and being refused to register A Winning Attitude Trademark in 2013 I was fortunate to meet with Robert and Wendy Briggs from Crimson Crab Ltd who immediately pointed out why my application had failed.

Using their expertise the new application for A Winning Attitude Trademark has now been accepted.

If you wish to Trademark your business, then Crimson Crab are the experts you need to make it happen

Rosie Hamilton McGinty, Director, A Winning Attitude

Crimson Crab
2019-11-22T12:53:02+00:00

Rosie Hamilton McGinty, Director, A Winning Attitude

After applying to the IPO and being refused to register A Winning Attitude Trademark in 2013 I was fortunate to meet with Robert and Wendy Briggs from Crimson Crab Ltd who immediately pointed out why my application had failed. Using their expertise the new application for A Winning Attitude Trademark has now been accepted. If you wish to Trademark your business, then Crimson Crab are the experts you need to make it happen

A strong emphasis on client satisfaction.

I worked with Robert on many occasions and found him to be one of the most conscientious, focussed, professional managers I have worked with. He always works hard to address any issues fairly and to the best of his ability, with a strong emphasis on client satisfaction.

Claire Wood, Strategy Advisor, Portsmouth City Council

Crimson Crab
2019-11-22T12:33:30+00:00

Claire Wood, Strategy Advisor, Portsmouth City Council

I worked with Robert on many occasions and found him to be one of the most conscientious, focussed, professional managers I have worked with. He always works hard to address any issues fairly and to the best of his ability, with a strong emphasis on client satisfaction.
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Crimson Crab

Rob is an experienced investigator, both in criminal and employment matters. As a final resort taking regulatory action against cowboy and rogue traders and prosecuted infringements of legislation, helping many consumers get money back and protecting others from falling foul of ripoffs and scams. He is also an experienced investigation manager, having produced a number of aids to help investigating officers including operations manuals. He has taken the role of Disclosure and Authorising Officer under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act for Covert Surveillance and acquisition of communications data.

He introduced the Proceeds of Crime Act powers to the Local Authority environment and was qualified as the Senior Authorising Officer for the purpose of financial investigations and asset recovery under the Act.

Having had extensive experience of working with and developing the regulatory compliance of all types of businesses, he initiated and developed a Trading Company for a Local Authority to reduce the burden on Council Tax Payers and has a particular interest in Social Enterprise.

What others have said:

Innovative working

Innovative working in communities and neighbourhoods which has provided a model for other authorities.
Crimson Crab
2019-11-22T17:29:09+00:00
Innovative working in communities and neighbourhoods which has provided a model for other authorities.

Flexibility and adaptability

Being able to juggle several things at once – both mentally and physically finding time to communicate and therefore making others feel valued – whether by phone or in-person encourages initiative and ideas – makes others feel their ideas are useful/good
Crimson Crab
2019-11-22T17:30:11+00:00
Being able to juggle several things at once – both mentally and physically finding time to communicate and therefore making others feel valued – whether by phone or in-person encourages initiative and ideas – makes others feel their ideas are useful/good

Good listener

Good listener and explains situations well, forward thinker, excellent at strategic planning, gives opportunities for development.
Crimson Crab
2019-11-22T17:31:17+00:00
Good listener and explains situations well, forward thinker, excellent at strategic planning, gives opportunities for development.

Forward thinking

Forward-thinking and has the ability to visualise how the service needs to develop for the future
Crimson Crab
2019-11-22T17:31:41+00:00
Forward-thinking and has the ability to visualise how the service needs to develop for the future

Good strategic analysis

Able to see the bigger picture

Takes time to build relationships

Aware of good ideas and how they might be transferred
Crimson Crab
2019-11-22T17:32:38+00:00
Able to see the bigger picture Takes time to build relationships Aware of good ideas and how they might be transferred

Chair of Trading Standards South East

As chair of TSSEL [Trading Standards South East Ltd] has had some very tricky meetings ………. Rob kept the atmosphere at a level where communication could still flow. He dealt with a regional issue I presented extremely professionally, expediently & represented our region exceptionally well
Crimson Crab
2019-11-22T17:33:41+00:00
As chair of TSSEL [Trading Standards South East Ltd] has had some very tricky meetings ………. Rob kept the atmosphere at a level where communication could still flow. He dealt with a regional issue I presented extremely professionally, expediently & represented our region exceptionally well

Approachable

Clear & concise report writing, delivers to timescales, approachable for [Elected] Members
Crimson Crab
2019-11-22T17:34:05+00:00
Clear & concise report writing, delivers to timescales, approachable for [Elected] Members

Politically astute

Highly insightful demonstrates creative and innovative thinking and is politically astute
Crimson Crab
2019-11-22T17:34:28+00:00
Highly insightful demonstrates creative and innovative thinking and is politically astute

Pushing boundaries

Robert will push the boundary of any new idea that will progress the working practice of the trading standards department for the betterment of [the Local Authority], he is always open to new ideas and works tirelessly to implement them if he feels they are of an advantage to the City and its people
Crimson Crab
2019-11-22T17:35:13+00:00
Robert will push the boundary of any new idea that will progress the working practice of the trading standards department for the betterment of [the Local Authority], he is always open to new ideas and works tirelessly to implement them if he feels they are of an advantage to the City and its people

Key strengths

Key strengths are:

1) providing a level playing field where all heads of service from whatever background can talk in a free, non-judgemental way,

2) valuing everyone’s opinion and giving people a chance to express themselves freely,

3) creates a relaxed working environment where the work gets done but people also feel supported in times of crisis e.g. budgets etc
Crimson Crab
2019-11-22T17:35:55+00:00
Key strengths are: 1) providing a level playing field where all heads of service from whatever background can talk in a free, non-judgemental way, 2) valuing everyone’s opinion and giving people a chance to express themselves freely, 3) creates a relaxed working environment where the work gets done but people also feel supported in times of crisis e.g. budgets etc

completer finisher

Knowledge and experience of his field, knowledge and experience of the City and how things work, he is a completer finisher
Crimson Crab
2019-11-22T17:36:32+00:00
Knowledge and experience of his field, knowledge and experience of the City and how things work, he is a completer finisher

Untangles issues

Excellent communication skills, very clear and logical thought processes, can untangle an issue and get to the nub of the issue quickly and come up with good solutions, personable and empathetic
Crimson Crab
2019-11-22T17:37:23+00:00
Excellent communication skills, very clear and logical thought processes, can untangle an issue and get to the nub of the issue quickly and come up with good solutions, personable and empathetic

Having dealt with Rob from the objectiveness of another agency he;


  • has shown the ability to conduct himself in advance of his employed status with integrity when placed under pressure;

  • is prepared to use initiative to apply relevant legislation where key benefits of doing so impact favourably for his local authority.


He acts from a position of strength and integrity understanding that although employed by a local authority he raises himself above the politics to apply lawful reasoning and decision making for the benefit of the community which he serves
Crimson Crab
2019-11-22T17:39:05+00:00
has shown the ability to conduct himself in advance of his employed status with integrity when placed under pressure; is prepared to use initiative to apply relevant legislation where key benefits of doing so impact favourably for his local authority. He acts from a position of strength and integrity understanding that although employed by a local authority he raises himself above the politics to apply lawful reasoning and decision making for the benefit of the community which he serves
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Crimson Crab