Visitors to the Black Isle Show on the 3rd and 4th August will once again be assured of getting the ‘Real Deal'. Last year Highland Council and the Black Isle Farmers Society made a commitment to keep the show free of fake goods by signing up to the Real Deal markets' charter.
The nationwide initiative encourages local authority Trading Standards and market operators to work closely together and share information so that local markets, car boot sales remain free from counterfeit goods and are a safe environment in which to shop and trade. The agreement signed in July 2015 was the first of its kind in the Highlands and the furthest North for the Real Deal Scheme.
David MacKenzie, Trading Standards Team leader at The Highland Council, said:"Last year was a great success and there were no incidents of illicit goods such as clothing, tobacco and DVDs been sold at the show. The Black Isle Show organisers continue to work with us to promote fair trading by those who operate at the show and we are therefore delighted that they have agreed to further demonstrate their commitment to protecting consumers by signing up to the Real Deal for a further year. In the past few years we have seen an increase in the sale of fake goods throughout the Highlands; so we need to work with business to ensure consumers can continue to have a high level of confidence when buying from our markets and car boot sales."
Rod MacKenzie, Secretary and Treasurer of the Black Isle Show Farmers Society added:
"As a committee we are constantly striving to improve not only the Showground and its facilities but also the overall experience for reputable traders/exhibitors and members of the public. By signing the Real Deal Charter last year, we assured visitors and reputable stall holders that this was a fake-free zone. This also sends clear message to counterfeit sellers who may visit the area that they are not welcomed on the Showground."
Stringent vetting procedures introduced last year by Highland Council's Trading Standards service and the Black Isle Farmers Society to ensure counterfeit goods were not sold at events organised by the Society have continued. The Real Deal logo is a sign for good practice and will be displayed on banners and posters at the Black Isle Show. This will indicate to visitors and the traders selling at the Show that the Society abides by the terms of the charter and in agreement with Highland Council Trading Standards.
Consumers or businesses can also report fake goods and those who are supplying to Highland Council Trading Standards online by going to the Council’s website at: www.highland.gov.uk/counterfeits
Link to the Real deal website - www.realdealmarkets.co.uk