A new campaign to stop the trading of counterfeit goods has been launched at some of Manchester’s much-loved markets.
Gorton Market, Longsight Market and the Sunday Market at New Smithfield Market each welcome thousands of visitors each year. They've now joined around 500 markets in the UK as part of a dedicated campaign to ensure businesses and customers are protected from the harm of fake goods being sold.
The reinvigorated Real Deal campaign aims to reinforce the message that Manchester has zero tolerance for the sale of counterfeit goods at its markets and set the precedence for quality trading standards in the city.
In November 2009, Manchester was a founding member of the Real Deal when it became one of the first local authorities in the UK to sign and introduce the Real Deal Charter across the city’s council-run markets.
Only four years after its launch, the former Manchester City Council Market Manager, Tony Sproston, and Trading Standards Officer, Nicola Bray were presented with a special commendation award from the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT).
The highly-anticipated campaign re-launch also aims to tackle the funding of terrorism in the UK from the sale of fake goods and reassure market shoppers the products they purchase are safe and ethical.
Officials, traders and customers celebrated the first re-launch of the Sunday Market at New Smithfield Market (4 August).
Eager crowds are expected to gather again for the re-launch at Gorton and Longsight Markets (7 August).
Greater Manchester Police officers from Operation Vulcan, representatives from the National Association of British Market Authorities, Trading Standards and Councillors will also be in attendance to mark the occasion.
Patricia Lennon, Real Deal Campaign Manager, said: “Back in 2009, Manchester City Council was the first local authority to adopt the Real Deal Charter and it is wonderful to see that fifteen-year commitment is still going strong today.
“All credit to the markets team and their colleagues in trading standards who have worked hard to maintain the Real Deal ethos of fake-free markets. Their joint efforts will ensure that consumers are protected from untested, poor quality, potentially unsafe counterfeits and that law-abiding traders can build their businesses on a level playing field at the city’s markets.
“That such large and diverse markets in Manchester can implement Real Deal procedures and maintain this standard over 15 years, goes to show that running a fake-free event is something that can be achieved by all market and car boot venues working in partnership with their local trading standards service.”
Lee-Ann Igbon, Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods, said: “I am thrilled to see the launch of the Real Deal campaign at some of our most popular markets in Manchester to stamp out the sale of fake goods and to ensure businesses and customers are protected.
“The fantastic markets apart of the campaign, including Gorton and Longsight Markets, showcase the best of Manchester where hard-working traders and loyal shoppers come together to give back to their local communities and highlight the quality, local produce on offer.
“We aim to reinforce that Manchester’s markets do not tolerate the sale of fake goods in any form and that we will work with our partners to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice and that local businesses and visitors can enjoy the market safely and ethically.”