On November 24th 2009, Staff of the Fair Trading Commission presented “Compliance with Competition Law: Competing Equitably in the Market Place” to the members of the Small Business Association at their monthly meeting. The Commission staff also distributed to the members of the SBA present, a short publication to assist them in their understanding of competition policy in Barbados.

• The presentation focused on:
• The objectives of competition law and how it relates to small businesses
• What is anti-competitive conduct
• How the Commission investigates a complaint and makes decisions on the matter
• Why small businesses must be aware of the Act and the various anti-competitive practices ie. How they can become victims or perpetrators
• Tips for recognising unfair conduct

The presentation is part of an overall programme aimed at sensitising small businesses as to the importance of competition law and policy in Barbados. It is also seeking to identify and address the competition concerns of local small businesses.

From all accounts the presentation was very informative and there was much feedback and discussion on the presentation. The Commission has plans on following up on all the queries where potentially anti-competitive conduct may have been identified and will continue to work closely with the SBA so as to identify and eradicate any unfair business practises in these sectors.

A copy of the presentation is available here...