Illicit Tobacco is thriving in the shadows of crime. Behind every packet sold under the counter, there’s a darker story to be told of vulnerable people trafficked, children targeted, and criminal networks thriving.

Every raid, every seizure, every counterfeit cigarette removed from circulation is a strike against a system that profits from misery.

This week’s post is all about the importance of taking a break.

We’re diving into why rest matters, how we can find balance in a demanding role, and how to truly switch off—because let’s be honest, switching off isn’t always easy.

Our role as Trading Standards Officers allows us to engage with many different organisations, brands and partner agencies. But it is important to remember that there are strict limitations when it comes to engaging with the tobacco industry.

Our main goal as Trading Standards Officers is to ensure compliance, and we can do this by building trust, protecting consumers and creating a level playing field for businesses. Yes, enforcement is a tool we possess, but how much compliance could we also achieve if we also used education?

As Trading Standards Officers, we spend our days protecting others from fraudulent scams, but how often do we stop to consider our own vulnerability?