The recent APMO Forum at Covent Garden covered a wide ranging agenda with NABMA President Councillor John Gareth Jones, pictured with leading APMO members, in attendance.

The positive meeting reviewed the first few months of the joining together of the two organisations and the satisfaction voiced by APMO at the new arrangement and the service delivery as now provided.

Of particular concern to APMO is the disparity across the country in the enforcement of trading of fake goods. APMO confirmed that they had always tried to take a strict position in the matter and highlighted the need for some form of national guidance.

NABMA Chief Executive Graham Wilson confirmed that NABMA shared the concerns as it had tried unsuccessfully to date to encourage a trading standards organisation to work in partnership to address the matter. It was also pointed out that the problem fitted within the NABMA agenda of pursuing change to pedlar and illegal street trading. “We share a common agenda as at stake is the credibility of our markets and consumer safety issues. Addressing these concerns has to become a priority in 2008 and NABMA will welcome further dialogue within trading standard interests and other potential retail partners.”