Left to right: Celebrating the launch of the Real Deal in Greenwich are Cenred Elworthy, Trading Standards Manager Royal Borough of Greenwich, Cllr Jackie Smith and Rachid Ghailane.

You can expect the Real Deal when you visit a market in Royal Greenwich.  On 11 March, the council’s market service and the privately run Greenwich Market both signed the Real Deal anti-counterfeit charter with the borough’s trading standards service to guarantee that their markets are fair and safe places to shop and sell.

Councillor Jackie Smith, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Business, Greenwich Supports and Environmental Services, signed the charter on behalf of Beresford Square Market, and Rachid Ghailane, Market Operations Manager at Knight Frank, made the pledge on behalf of Greenwich Market.

Councillor Jackie Smith (above) said: “Markets are a great place to find one-of-a-kind items. We all love bagging a bargain, but the sale of counterfeit products undermines customer trust and often has links to wider criminal activities. We have recently made a big investment in Beresford Square, and we want shoppers to have the assurance when they come to a market in Royal Greenwich that any goods they buy meet the grade when it comes to trading standards.”

Rachid Ghailane (top) said: “Greenwich Market is known for offering unique, high‑quality products, and we’re committed to protecting the trust our customers place in us. By signing the Real Deal Charter, we’re reinforcing our promise that all items sold in our market meet proper trading standards, ensuring a safe and reliable experience for everyone who visits the market.”

Patricia Lennon, Real Deal Campaign Manager, added: “I am thrilled that these two historic and vibrant markets are coming aboard the Real Deal. By signing the Real Deal charter, the markets’ operators are joining with their local trading standards service to demonstrate their shared commitment to providing safe, pleasant, fake-free markets, in which local shoppers can buy with confidence and hard-working, law-abiding businesses can flourish.”

As part of the council’s revamp of Woolwich town centre, Beresford Square Market has undergone a glow up.

The council has invested £54,438 of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), a grant provided by central government to revitalise the high street, in branded lamppost banners and gazeboes that will be rolled out to all stalls this Spring, along with tables and chairs for a better al fresco dining experience.

The branding takes inspiration from the chartered market sign above the entrance in Spray Street of Beresford Square, paying homage to the market’s heritage.

Established in 1619, Beresford Square Market boasts an array of stalls selling fruit and vegetables, flowers, clothes and shoes, toys, homeware and luggage at bargain prices. There is also a mobile barber plus an array of food trucks offering authentic cuisine from around the world. From Nepalese momos to Somali samosas to Caribbean patties, there is plenty of tasty choices for lunch and dinner.

Beresford Square Market is open Monday to Sunday, 8am to 4pm.