Manchester trader handed hefty fines for flogging hundreds of ‘potentially dangerous’ fake poppies
Manchester City Council wants the fines to "send a firm message" to other traders who think they can "skirt the law" and "disregard safety regulations".
A trader who flogged hundred of fake poppies and other items deemed “potentially dangerous” has been handed some hefty fines.
Thanks to an early warning tip-off by a member of the public back in April 2022, Manchester City Council‘s Trading Standards team was alerted that a consignment of toys imported by Miku Accessories and Gifts Limited had arrived in the country, and by choosing to act on supplied intelligence, carried out an inspection at a premises on Derby Street, just outside of Manchester city centre.
During this inspection, samples were taken from a range of items on sale.
Seized items by the Council’s Trading Standards team during the inspecting included 422 ‘poppy’ pins – which were confirmed to be fake, and not authorised by the Royal British Legion – 110 items of jewellery, 200 light up toys, 136 suspected-counterfeit ‘Marvel’ toys, and a further 73 toys that were all lacking the correct labelling.
“Dangerous levels” of heavy metals were also found in the samples of jewellery seized and inspected, while issues with the light-up toys were also detected too, while other elements were found to be too small and therefore posed a potential choking hazard.
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Manchester seller handed hefty fine for flogging hundreds of ‘potentially dangerous’ fake poppies / Credit: Manchester City Council
When interviewed by Trading Standards, the company’s director – who has been named as 49-year-old Ling Bin Li, from Sale – stated that items were imported from China, and that he relies on “verbal confirmation that goods are compliant with laws” in the country they are shipped to.
He also stated that items are tested on his family members to “ensure their safety”, before being sold onto to the public.
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After claiming not to be aware of REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) Regulations, as well as the Toy Safety Regulations and the Trade Marks Act, prior to a hearing at Tameside Magistrates Court last Monday (3 June 2024), Mr Li pleaded guilty to offences under the REACH Act, Toy Safety Regulations, and the Trade Marks Act.
Mr Li accepted that he did not conduct due diligence over the products which were being sold, and that he did not check the relevant regulations, according to Manchester City Council.
Because of this, he was subsequently fined £2,000, as well as a victim surcharge of £190, and costs of £2,000, while his business was ordered to pay a £6,000 fine, a victim surcharge of £190, and additional costs of £2,340.
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Derby Street in Manchester city centre, where Miku Jewellery is located / Credit: Google Maps
A forfeiture order was also granted for the items seized by Trading Standards, the Council has confirmed.
Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, who is the Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods at Manchester City Council, says she believes Mr Li’s fines should “send a firm message” to other traders who think they can “skirt the law” and “disregard safety regulations”.
“We are entirely committed to ensuring that people in Manchester are able to shop safely,” Cllr Igbon added.
“The work of our Trading Standards team is invaluable in making sure that dangerous products do not make their way into the homes of ordinary people.”
Featured Image – Google Maps
Business
Popular online beauty retailer LOOKFANTASTIC to open new ‘concept’ store in Altrincham
Emily Sergeant
One of the UK’s most popular online beauty retailers is set to open a brand-new ‘concept’ store here in Greater Manchester.
That’s right, Altrincham‘s getting itself a shiny new resident, as LOOKFANTASTIC is moving in.
Gearing up to open its doors in the heart of the Trafford town’s centre in just a couple of months time, the exciting new store is set to offer shoppers a “unique opportunity” to explore and discover products from some of the world’s most renowned and best-loved beauty brands – with more than 90 big names on offer.
Sol de Janeiro, Color WOW, and Yves Saint Laurent are just some of the world-leading and designer brands set to be stocked on the shelves of the new concept.
Popular online beauty retailer LOOKFANTASTIC to open new ‘concept’ store in Altrincham /
The new 5,392 sq ft Stamford Quarter space – which will take up two units on George Street – is the first time the company has ever opened a physical store.
It’s expected to be an extension of LOOKFANTASTIC’s “digitally native authority in beauty” and will provide a “customer-centric” and “experiential” retail experience when it officially throws open its doors this September.
“We’re excited to bring the LOOKFANTASTIC experience to life with our concept store,” commented Lucy Gorman, who is the Chief Executive Officer at THG Beauty.
“This innovative retail space goes beyond products, offering a unique and immersive beauty destination… as customers can discover and purchase from their favourite brands, and also enjoy beauty services, bringing digital beauty into the third dimension in a whole new way.”
Further details about the new concept store will be released nearer to the time of opening, LOOKFANTASTIC has confirmed, so keep your eyes peeled.
Featured Image – Supplied
Business
Chester Zoo is hiring a new keeper to look after its penguins and parrots
Emily Sergeant
Chester Zoo is currently hiring someone to look after its penguins and parrots, and you can get your applications in the for role now.
If you’re after a career change in 2024, then it surely can’t get much better than this?
The UK’s biggest charity zoo currently has a vacancy open for a Lead Bird Keeper to join the Penguins & Parrots team on a permanent basis, and according to the description of the job on its website, it’s looking for a “dedicated and hardworking individual” with extensive knowledge and a proven track-record in delivering the highest standards of avian husbandry and exhibitory.
The role will involve supporting the Assistant Team Manager in the daily management of the section, along with leading, training, and working closely with other team members to “ensure the highest standards are met”.
Chester Zoo needs a new keeper to look after its penguins and parrots / Credit: Chester Zoo
The ideal candidate will have “substantial” experience working as an aviculturist in a zoological or conservation–breeding facility, a HND or degree level qualification in a zoological related science, and must be able to deliver an excellent level of care for all birds, while ensuring that all enclosures and facilities are properly maintained.
According to the zoo, the role may also involve representing Chester Zoo and the team for media interviews and internal and external meetings workshops and conferences.
The job description emphasises that excellent communication skills are “essential”.
Some of the additional qualities the zoo indicates will make you stand out from the crowd include having a strong work ethic, the ability to demonstrate good leadership qualities, outstanding observational skills, and excellent attention to detail.
Applications for the role are now open / Credit: Chester Zoo
Ultimately, you’ll need to be an “enthusiastic, dynamic, and motivated team player”.
The role of ‘Lead Keeper – Parrots and Penguins’ is 40 hours per week, with the working week including some weekends and Bank Holidays, and the salary on offer being £28,612.83.
Working at Chester Zoo comes with an “excellent benefits package” and loads of perks too, including a generous pension scheme, 33 days paid holidays per year, a healthcare plan, a staff pass so that you can visit the zoo for free, and complimentary tickets for friends and family.
You’ll even get a load of discounts on gym memberships, cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops, and so much more.
Emily Sergeant -
10th June 2024 
