I managed to dial into the OPSS Business Reference Panel on Tuesday this week , I’m glad I did.

It was interesting to be attending the panel through the lens of a business and hear the very latest news from the CEO along with agenda items that included: deep dive into the Product Safety review, changes in the machinery of government opening up a raft of business support offerings as well as the results of OPSS’ first horizon scan.

1)     Graham Russell kicked off by highlighting how OPSS has tackled the recent run of gas hob incidents that have caused explosions in caravans and domestic premises with at least one person having to be hospitalised for serious burns. This made for a solid example of how a regulator can work with business to support any corrective actions needed whilst also holding those to account who put people at risk.

2)     The machinery of government changes over the last 6 months should be on every business’ radar as it might just lead to the step change that has been very much needed for a number of years.

OPSS was built brick by brick on the better regulation agenda/ensuring regulation works to create an environment where business can thrive so this brand new Department for Business and Trade has the potential to develop that concept further ensuring that business is enabled to grow and invest in activity across both domestic and international markets….and through a single front door so they say. It was good to hear about some forward-thinking taking place around the ongoing threats to the supply chain and what has happened in Ukraine. Something I have been be taking a keen interest in.

3)  With the Product Safety Review consultation in full flow, the policy team presented what they called a speed dating segment that headlined the key aspects covering: quick wins, data, e-labelling and derogations asking for thoughts.

I have many Q’s one being around the merits of e-labelling especially for cosmetics but with the caveat of some thought being given to those with accessibility issues (I refer you to a recent post around electric vehicle smart meters). Another around how OPSS is going to cover the re-educational of consumers piece used to having information in plain sight on purchase? Also, having come across clients working hard to innovate across various sectors, it is vital that the UK government flexes around this and doesn’t suffocate progress before it has had time to breath.

4)  Which then segways neatly into the results of OPSS’ horizon scanning and what the areas of focus are moving forward in relation to product safety and regulation: internet of things, digital twins (I’ve written about these before) and batteries all got a mention. Think sensors and devices that embed technology, think virtual representations of physical products and think the technology that has gone into creating lithium ion batteries.
If any of this, resonates with you and your business let’s talk…