Stockton Market is the Real Deal

Cabinet Members Cllr Steve Nelson and Cllr Nigel Cook with market traders signing the ‘Real Deal’ charter.
Dave Charnley Photography

Stockton market traders have signed up to a national charter to keep stalls free of fake goods.

Every single trader at the 700-year-old market has signed the ‘Real Deal’ pledge, which gives shoppers an assurance that they can buy with confidence.

And joining them in signing up were Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Cabinet Members, Councillors Steve Nelson and Nigel Cooke.

Councillor Nelson, Cabinet Member for Access, Communities and Community Safety, said: “We’re delighted to see all of the traders supporting the ‘Real Deal’ charter, which gives shoppers peace of mind and sends out a clear message that the sale of fake goods will not be tolerated.

“The Council has also signed the pledge, which will see Trading Standards officers working closely with traders to help the market stay fake free.”

Councillor Cooke, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing, added: “Stockton is a proud market town and our regular market is a popular year round feature at the heart of our award-winning High Street.

“The Real Deal logo will be on display throughout the market, and can only enhance its reputation while encouraging people to spend with local traders.”

Recognition for Staffordshire Trading Standards as more market organisers come on board to ensure goods are the Real Deal

Left to right: Councillor Gill Heath and Trading Standards Officers Mark Wilson and Nigel Cotton with the Real Deal Award

15 November 2017

Five popular Staffordshire markets and two car boot sale events have now joined a national campaign to ensure goods sold at their events are legitimate and that visitors aren’t ripped off.

In the run-up to Christmas Staffordshire County council’s trading standards team, which coordinates the Real Deal campaign locally, is urging more to get on board and give customers peace of mind.

The campaign aims to promote a fair and safe trading environment, including ensuring markets are free from counterfeit goods. The campaign brings together councils, market operators, traders, industry groups and copyright and trademark owners. Event organisers signing up to the Real Deal charter are demonstrating their commitment to tackling counterfeit goods sales and keeping visitors safe.

Markets in Cannock (indoor and outdoor), Penkridge, Tamworth, Lichfield and Burton are all signed up to the initiative in addition to car boot organiser at Ashwood near Kinver and Stourbridge Rugby Club.
Now the county council has received recognition from the national campaign organisers as a result of its successful running in Staffordshire.

Staffordshire County Council’s communities leader Gill Heath said:
“The Real Deal campaign has been a huge success in Staffordshire thanks to the hard work and commitment of event organisers and our trading standards team. This is undoubtedly creating a better business environment at these events, making them more attractive places to go and giving customers peace of mind when they shop. Event organisers are working hard to ensure theirs are fake free and are sending out a clear message that they will not tolerate irresponsible traders.

“Counterfeit goods can cause real harm, for example if they are cosmetic or electrical items and they also damage our economy. It is in everyone’s interests to combat the sale of such goods and it is important we all work together to do this. We’re now asking other market and car boot event organisers across the county to get on board and sign up.”
Continue reading