.jpg)
Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market is delighted to announce that it has
been presented with the 'Real Deal' Charter.
This self-regulatory code aims to create a fake free, fair, and legitimate shopping
environment at markets. The campaign is a cross-sector, partnership initiative,
bringing together local authority trading standards services, market operators and
traders, industry groups, and copyright and trademark owners, all of whom are
united with a common commitment to ensure fake-free and fair shopping
experiences.
Welcoming the development, Shauna McFall of Naturally North Coast & Glens
Community Interest Company, said:
"Our Trader Product Standards and Code of Conduct naturally meet the requirements of the Real Deal Charter, so this is a fantastic additional standard for safe, fair markets. It gives shoppers that extra confidence that goods purchased are safe and legal"
“As well as counterfeit items, the Real Deal charter covers all laws and regulations
that would be enforced by trading standards including copyright infringements,
weights and measures and product safety.”
Offering his congratulations, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough
Council Councillor Richard Holmes said:
“Council is very proud to work with Naturally
North Coast and Glens Artisan Market at many events in our Borough. The local
produce and crafts made by the stallholders are second to none, and the market is a
great asset for the area. I am very pleased that its commitment to upholding the
highest trading standards has now been officially recognised in this way, and I would
like to congratulate all those who have contributed towards this.”
Patricia Lennon, National Manager of the Real Deal campaign, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Naturally North Coast and Glens into the Real Deal. It is
fantastic that the market’s organisers, their traders, and the Trading Standards
Service in Ballymena are uniting under the Real Deal banner to keep this event fake-
free, protecting shoppers and supporting legitimate, hard-working businesses.”
Damien Doherty, Chief Inspector of the Trading Standards Service, added:
“Fake items may appear attractive, but consumers should be aware of the wider
implications and the risks to their own safety. There has been a worrying increase in
potentially dangerous fake goods being sold to consumers such as electrical
equipment, toys, personal care products and medicines.
“Counterfeit goods are big business, a drain on the economy, cost jobs and are
closely linked to organised crime both in Northern Ireland and abroad. Counterfeiting
and piracy also cause considerable damage to legitimate businesses.”
“This partnership with Naturally North Coast and Glens is a positive example of how
organisations can work together to promote law-abiding market activity providing
benefits for customers, traders and communities and reducing opportunities for
criminal activity.”
You can find out more about the Real Deal Campaign
