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, who welcome thousands of visitors each year, have 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 at 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.
