This week, NABMA proudly launches Real Deal Week 2025, a celebration of a national campaign that has protected UK markets from counterfeit goods and unfair trading for more than 15 years.
Each day, we’ll highlight why the Real Deal campaign is vital for market operators, traders, and communities. Chelmsford City Council is one of the latest markets to sign the Real Deal Charter, and their story highlights just how accessible and impactful joining the campaign can be. We’re inviting all markets—whether indoor, outdoor, or car boot sales—to promote themselves as safe, fair, and trusted spaces for shoppers and a level playing field for genuine traders.
Start Your Real Deal Journey
If you want to discover more about the Real Deal campaign and how to begin your own Real Deal journey, don’t miss our Free Virtual Event on Thursday.
Real Deal and Its Importance to Your Market and Your Community
Thursday 17 July | 10:00–11:30am
Register for the event
This session will offer practical guidance on:
- Spotting counterfeit goods
- Understanding toy safety risks
- Creating a safer, more trusted trading environment
NABMA has supported the Real Deal Charter since its launch more than 15 years ago. We believe it is vital in maintaining the integrity of UK markets by promoting honest, safe trading environments.
Yesterday, we began our week-long celebration of Real Deal with a call to action for all markets that have yet to join the campaign. Today, we shine a spotlight on one of the newest members: Chelmsford City Council.
Chelmsford’s Real Deal Story
Chelmsford’s journey began at the NABMA Annual Conference in Harrogate in September 2024, where Markets Manager Pauline Rider visited the Real Deal stand to learn more. Chelmsford’s Indoor and High Street Markets already operated with a code of practice prohibiting counterfeit products, and Pauline saw the Real Deal as a clear way to signal their commitment to best practice.
“Having this nationally recognised accreditation is a great way to bring peace of mind to shoppers who can easily recognise the Real Deal logo as a symbol of safe and fair markets.
Of course, we would never endorse the sale of counterfeit goods, and we have an exemplary record when it comes to ensuring that only genuine traders join our high street and indoor markets.
Signing up and becoming part of the Real Deal campaign is a great way for us to show our support to the cause and to make ourselves easily recognisable as a trustworthy and genuine marketplace.”
Just five months later, in February 2025, Chelmsford officially signed the Real Deal Charter at a public event. The code they committed to includes working with Trading Standards, protecting shoppers from counterfeit goods, and publicly demonstrating the market’s commitment to fair, safe trading.
Councillor Donna Eley, Cabinet Member for a Safer Chelmsford, added:
“By joining this national initiative, we are reinforcing a clear and unwavering message that Chelmsford Market has zero tolerance for stolen and counterfeit goods.
“This commitment ensures that our market remains a trusted, safe and fair place for traders and shoppers alike.
“We take great pride in supporting genuine businesses, protecting consumers and upholding the reputation of our vibrant market as a place where customers can shop with confidence.
“Thank you to everyone who has contributed to making Chelmsford’s market stronger, safer and a place where quality and integrity thrive.”
Since gaining Real Deal accreditation, Chelmsford Markets have gone on to win recognition at the local BID Awards for their support of small independent businesses.
Today, both markets proudly display the Real Deal logo on-site and across materials—offering clear reassurance to shoppers and traders.
“We are committed to spreading the positive Real Deal message, which continues to reinforce the value of supporting our small, local, independent traders.”
If Chelmsford has inspired you, now is the perfect time to take the next step. Over 500 markets have joined—yours could be next.
📧 Email: info@realdealmarkets.co.uk
🌐 Visit: www.realdealmarkets.co.uk
Free Online Event: Thursday 17 July
Real Deal and Its Importance to Your Market and Your Community
Thursday 17 July | 10:00–11:30am
This free session will offer practical guidance on:
- Spotting counterfeit goods
- Understanding toy safety risks
- Creating a safer, more trusted trading environment
Let’s work together to promote integrity in markets.