Chelmsford Market awarded Real Deal accreditation
Chelmsford Market has received the Real Deal accreditation, joining a national network of hundreds of markets committed to reducing the sale of counterfeit products in the UK.
Real Deal’s campaign for ‘fake-free markets’
Established in 2009, the Real Deal campaign is an awareness initiative by the National Markets Group for IP Protection, a multi-agency body focused on eliminating counterfeit products from UK markets and car boot fairs.
Since its launch, around 500 markets have signed the Real Deal Charter, declaring their commitment to fake-free trading.
Chelmsford’s Indoor Market and High Street Market have a well-established code of practice that forbids the sale of counterfeit products, but markets manager Pauline Rider believes that joining this nationally recognised scheme will send a clear message to customers and potential traders that Chelmsford upholds the highest standards:
““Nationally speaking, markets are not uniformly regulated, and this can lead to customers being exposed to illegal traders and scams. Having this nationally recognised accreditation is a great way to bring peace of mind to shoppers who can easily recognise the Real Deal logo as a symbol of safe and fair markets.
Pauline Rider, Chelmsford Markets & Shopmobility Manager
“Of course, we would never endorse the sale of counterfeit goods, and we have an exemplary record when it comes to ensuring that only genuine traders join our high street and indoor markets. Signing up and becoming part of the Real Deal campaign is a great way for us to show our support to the cause and to make ourselves easily recognisable as a trustworthy and genuine marketplace.”
Protecting shoppers and supporting genuine businesses
At an event on Wednesday 19 February, Chelmsford Indoor Market and Chelmsford High Street Market officially signed the Real Deal National Markets’ Charter and committed to uphold the Real Deal Code of Practice. The code includes pledging to work with and support Trading Standards, protect shoppers and legitimate traders from illegal goods, and communicate the market’s commitment to fair trading.
Councillor Donna Eley says this accreditation strengthens the market’s already sterling reputation:
““By joining this national initiative, we are reinforcing a clear and unwavering message that Chelmsford Market has zero tolerance for stolen and counterfeit goods. This commitment ensures that our market remains a trusted, safe and fair place for traders and shoppers alike.
Councillor Donna Eley, Cabinet Member for a Safer Chelmsford
“We take great pride in supporting genuine businesses, protecting consumers and upholding the reputation of our vibrant market as a place where customers can shop with confidence. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to making Chelmsford's market stronger, safer and a place where quality and integrity thrive.”
Cllr Donna Eley and the Chelmsford Market management team at the Real Deal Launch event
Now that the market has committed to the Real Deal Charter, it can display the Real Deal logo to give reassurance to shoppers and law-abiding traders that it is a safe place to buy and sell – and to send a strong warning message and deterrent to any illegal traders who might be thinking of applying to trade there.
Recognised by National Association of British Market Authorities
The National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) has hailed the Real Deal as “vital in maintaining the integrity of UK markets by promoting honest, safe trading environments.” At last year’s NABMA Awards, Real Deal Campaign Manager Patricia Lennon was recognised for her efforts to ensure that markets are trustworthy spaces for shoppers and traders alike.
Welcoming Chelmsford Market to the Real Deal campaign, Patricia said receiving the accreditation is a significant achievement:
““We are delighted to welcome Chelmsford City Council’s markets to the Real Deal. All credit to the market team who have worked steadfastly to achieve this. By signing the Real Deal Charter today, they are demonstrating their commitment to providing a safe, pleasant, fake-free environment, in which local shoppers can buy with confidence and hard-working, law-abiding businesses can flourish.”
Patricia Lennon, Real Deal Campaign Manager
Strengthening our award-winning markets’ reputation
Chelmsford Indoor Market was recently named among the top ten markets in Britain by NABMA and, along with the High Street Market, has received multiple awards in recent years. Signing the Real Deal Charter is a demonstration of Chelmsford City Council’s commitment to providing a safe and fair shopping environment to Chelmsford’s residents, visitors and traders.
The Real Deal project is funded by businesses comprising IP rights owners and their representatives, which means there is no cost to markets or local authorities to participate in the scheme. It is endorsed by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, Trading Standards Scotland, the National Trading Standards e-Crime Team, the IPO and by industry groups representing the interests of market operators (NABMA) and market traders (NMTF). It has been cited as best practice by UK IP Ministers and the EUIPO.
To learn more about the Real Deal, visit www.realdealmarkets.co.uk
To learn more about Chelmsford Markets and their traders, visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/chelmsford-market/
Molly writes stories about public health, community safety, leisure, community sport, parking and Chelmsford Market.