Get the ‘Real Deal’ at a Cheshire East market

Cheshire East’s Council have joined a campaign to cut out counterfeiting in local markets ahead of the busy Christmas shopping period.

The authority has signed the ‘Real Deal’ charter, announcing their refusal to allow fake goods to be bought and sold at Cheshire East markets.

The ‘Real Deal’ charter is the brainchild of the Industry Trust for Intellectual Property (IP) Awareness which helps, local authorities, tackle the sale of counterfeit goods on markets and car boot sales.

The campaign will offer support and advice to local traders and urge both retailers and shoppers to report any concerns they may have regarding the sale of fake products.

Cheshire East Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cabinet member with responsibility for safer and stronger communities, said:

“The sale of counterfeit goods takes away vital trade from our many, legitimate traders here in Cheshire East as well as having a wider impact on those who own the trade mark for such products.

“The aim of this campaign is to ensure we can all do our Christmas shopping with peace of mind – safe in the knowledge that we are buying a genuine gift. This is about protecting our traders and consumers. I would urge anyone who has concerns about illegal trading to contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.”

Liz Bales, Director General of the Industry Trust for IP Awareness, added:

"Well-run local markets provide real benefits to shoppers and businesses alike and are an important asset for local communities.  Unfortunately, unscrupulous traders can be attracted to markets and car boot sales as an easy opportunity to trade illegally, particularly in counterfeit and pirated goods.

“It is a major problem across the UK and is often linked to organised criminal groups. By signing up to the Real Deal charter, Cheshire East Council is sending a clear 'keep-out' message to counterfeit conmen. The Consumer Protection and Investigations team and its market managers have embraced the principle of fake-free trading and we hope that other councils across the country will follow their lead."