Pictured receiving the Award from Lavinia Carey BVA Director General (far left) and Charlie McAuley BVA Chairman (far right) are Liz Bales Director General of the Industry Trust for IP Awareness and Susie Winter Director General of the Alliance Against IP Theft. Comedian Simon Evans (second left) hosted the Awards event.

Recognition of the work of the Real Deal was marked in May when it received the prestigious Industry Initiative of the Year Award from the British Video Association (BVA).

The BVA commented, ‘The Real Deal provides resources and consumer education materials to local authorities, trading standards and market operators and facilitates information sharing and best practice in enforcement of IP rights to keep markets clear of fakes to protect rights owners, legitimate retailers and shoppers. It is a very positive expression of the Big Society, a self help initiative that wins the industry brownie points at a political level, especially in times of spending cuts.’