Glasgow City Council has become the first local authority in Scotland to introduce the Real Deal charter. On 26 May the council’s trading standards service signed the Real Deal charter with City Property Markets, which operates Blochairn Sunday market in Glasgow, the largest car boot sale in Scotland.
Councillor Martin Rhodes, Chair of City Property (Glasgow) LLP, signed the charter on behalf of City Property Markets saying,“It is our responsibility as the market operator to protect both the consumer and legitimate trader. The signing of the Real Deal charter is a symbol of this commitment and we are proud to be the first market operator in Scotland to achieve this seal of approval.
Furthermore, it is our intention to continue to lead the way in Scotland and achieve the Real Deal status for all of our market operations. These markets provide opportunities for small, local business to trade and grow throughout Glasgow. Through working closely with Trading Standards our aim is to eradicate the risk posed by unscrupulous traders and enhance the reputation of the markets and that of the genuine, hard-working traders so that consumers can continue to shop with confidence.”
Liz Bales, Director General of the Industry Trust for IP Awareness, which initiated the Real Deal campaign, commented, “On behalf of all the stakeholders in the Real Deal, I am delighted that Glasgow City Council has adopted the Real Deal charter and its principle of fake-free markets. By introducing the charter, Blochairn Market is sending out a clear message that this is a safe, fair venue for shoppers and for traders. At the same time, it also issues a strong warning to counterfeit con-men that they are not welcome at this market.
“The enthusiasm and dedication to the Real Deal, shown by the council’s trading standard team and City Property (Glasgow), is a shining example and one that we are sure will be replicated by other councils across Scotland who have the same commitment to fair trading at markets and car boot fairs. We encourage all markets in Scotland to work with their councils to achieve Real Deal status and the benefits it offers.”