A call to market for young entrepreneurs

Durham Outdoor Market is inviting young entrepreneurs to bring their ideas and products to market at Durham City’s first ever Youth Market.
The Youth Market, which will take place on Sunday 19th May, is an opportunity for budding entrepreneurs aged between 16 and 23(ish) to book a stall either to market test their money spinning idea, or if they are further along the line, to sell their product.
Colin Wilkes, Managing Director of Durham Markets commented: “Like many well-known entrepreneurs, taking a market stall to develop and sell your product can be the first step on the road to success, it being a cost effective and practical way of getting any prospective entrepreneur in front of the public with their product.”
Young traders can book a traditional canopied market stall for just £10 per stall, a special price for this market only. Any young person interested in a stall should call Karen Wilkes at Durham Markets on 0191 384 6153 or email durhammarkets@yahoo.co.uk for an application form, or for further information.
Colin Wilkes added: “We’re really excited about our first Youth Market. This is the opportunity for young people to put their ideas and products, whatever they may be, in front of a buying public in the heart of Durham City. I’m sure there will be a lot of talented individuals out there and we hope we can give them some encouragement by providing the opportunity to take this important next step. We’re looking forward to discovering a whole host of new talent, the entrepreneurs of the future.
“The ‘stall for a tenner’ idea was part of the Mary Portas’ review of High Streets. It’s one of her ideas to encourage new independent businesses into retail and is especially aimed at young people. We’re sure there are many young independent traders in the region who will jump at the chance to promote their idea at Durham’s Youth Market.”
The Youth Market is part of Love Your Local Market (LYLM) fortnight, a national celebration of markets running from Wednesday 15th to Wednesday 29th May, 2013, which was launched in the House of Commons by Eric Pickles MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, in November 2012.
Graham Wilson OBE, Chief Executive of the National Association of British Market Authorities, commented: “It’s great to see young people getting involved in markets. They have so much to offer with their enthusiasm, freshness and new ideas and they are an important part of Love Your Local Market 2013.”
As well as the Youth Market, for LYLM Durham Markets will be holding a Nostalgia and General Market on the Bank Holiday Weekend, Sunday 26th and Monday 27th May 2013. The cost of a stall for this market will be £15 per stall per day and priority will be given to new traders, or traders who have not traded previously in Durham City. Interested traders are invited to phone 0191 384 6153 for an application form, or to email durhammarkets@yahoo.co.uk.

Whats on at Stockport Market

Stockport Market is going all out this May with a staggeringly diverse range of events to tickle the taste buds of nearly everybody! It all kicks off on the 4th of May with the Sausage Festival in the Stockport Victorian Market Hall. Stockport Sausage Festival 2013 will be a celebration of hand-held happiness, combining beers, bangers and bands.
The following weekend, Sunday 12 May sees the ‘Hand in Glove Fair’, marking the 30th anniversary of the release of the first Smiths' single. As a World Exclusive, there will be a display of recently discovered, never-before-seen authentic Smiths documents from 1983 on show at Room at the Top Vintage Goods, a few steps away from the Market Hall.
The 15 – 29 May sees national Love Your Local Market. In Stockport, the celebrations start for real on Friday 17 May. From 4pm you will be able to taste the best of Greater Manchester's gourmet street foods till 9pm, courtesy of Guerrilla Eats. Guerrilla Eats is a collective set up by a group of street food traders in who just love the food they make. You’ll also be able to the best of market shopping till 7ish and High Peak Beer's Pop-Up Bar till 9. This is the perfect opportunity for people who work in the town centre to stay a while and appreciate the hidden gems in Stockport.
Saturday 18 May is Funky Weekend, with a marquee on the Market Mile showcasing the Sunday event market, along with live music from Raised by Radio AND Le Funk, as well as classic 70s and Northern Souls sounds from the DJ. It is also the day of Big Dance, so expect some flash mobs too.
Last but not least, Bank Holiday Weekend (24-26 May) sees a 70s Roller Rink come to Stockport Market, complete with DJ, balloon modellers, free showings of Grease, pop up bingo and even a Carpenters tribute act! More is being added each day, so watch for the posters and flyers around town and put the dates in your calendar – you won’t regret it.



http://www.stockport.gov.uk/services/leisureculture/visitstockport/stockportshopping/stockportmarket/
http://highpeakbeer.webs.com/events.htm
http://www.thevintagevillage.co.uk/events/the-vintage-village-hand-in-glove-fair
http://www.guerrillaeats.co.uk/
http://www.robinsonsvisitorscentre.co.uk/times

OCR Loves All Your Local Markets

In these tough socio-economic times, it is hard enough for the big high street retail names to survive, never mind your local market traders. Oriental Carpets and Rugs has origins in the market, and now as a high quality, branded rug wholesaler, we pride ourselves on our continued and loyal relationship with market traders throughout the country. In fact, supplying to market traders is the life blood of the company, and as such, we as a company would like to fully throw ourselves behind the excellent movement that is ‘Love your Local Market.’
OCR urges the Great British public to go along to their local events and support their indigenous economy. By organising regional events, this is a great way to not only raise awareness of the markets, but to celebrate the uniquely British traditions and trades and to encourage younger generations to experience the hustle and bustle of market life. In this post-modern world we are so used to shopping in soulless, nondescript shopping centres which could be anywhere in the world. Now is the time to go outside and shop in colour; to feel the goods, to socialise, to haggle. All these are forgotten charms from another age pre-internet. Don’t sit in front of a computer to do your shopping, interact with other people in your area, try the local delicacies, touch the regional goods on offer  and come home feeling satisfied in the knowledge that you have supported your local people.
Go to Dewsbury Market, Llanelli Market and all the way to Birkenhead…Local Markets…we salute you!!

Ruth Oxley
Marketing and Branding at Oriental Carpets and Rugs
www.ocr-rugs.co.uk
info@ocr-rugs.co.uk
01782 747713

HRH visits Kirkby Lonsdale’s Thursday market

Visitors and local residents in Kirkby Lonsdale gave a warm Cumbrian welcome to the Prince of Wales when he visited the town on a weekly market day at the end of March. Those accompanying Prince Charles said afterwards that he had been delighted at the enthusiastic welcome accorded him.

The Prince spoke to almost every one of the traders who gather each Thursday for the town’s Charter market, which dates back to the 13th Century.

Community manager, Jane Richmond, said “Prince Charles had indicated a wish to see the market for himself when told how the town council had saved it from closure by the local district council by taking over its management.”

Jane had been contracted a year ago to rebuild the market, which was now said to be helping to increase business throughout the town each market day.

Adam Corbally talks Market - May 2013.

In these difficult times for the whole of the retail sector, I think too many sales people and retail outlets are forgetting the power of negotiation and how, letting customers haggle for discounts, can actually boost overall sales and revenues. I was at the first BBC One Show Roadshow in Sheffield, in the Money Zone feature, talking about negotiation and the five ways to negotiate.

The basic rule is to negotiate every single day. Negotiate everything that you do in life. For example, I went into a Marks & Spencers store with my partner to buy a suit bag, some new shoes and a shirt and tie. I like the store because it’s quality, it’s reasonably priced and you get the selection as well. But my partner warned me that I’d never get money off in the shop, so I asked the assistant for a 10% discount as a regular customer. When I was told they couldn’t do a discount, I asked to see the manager, the decision maker. My partner was, by now, obviously cringing and wanting the world to end because of my cheek.

At this point I usually skip into ‘secret shopper’ mode and try to see that if they think I am a secret shopper, how far would they go to keep me happy, because, let’s face it, everyone’s up against it in terms of retail sales at the moment. So after being told they would still not offer a discount, my last ditch pitch was to ask for added value, maybe give me the little portable shoeshine gratis. But the reply was still a firm ‘no’!We left the store and my partner was mortified and told me an iconic brand like M&S do not need to give discounts because of their standing in the high streets. Well, this was a challenge and two weeks later I walked into Hugo Boss, picked up three pairs of jeans at £89 each and asked the salesman “what discount are you going to do me?” This is important because you let the seller make the decision based on his known profit margins, and the discount can often be bigger than you expect.

As it was, he took £30 off each pair of jeans explaining the shop had jeans as low as that in its sale and that he could put these three through at the same price, saving me £90! My partner had to eat her words in that Hugo Boss is a much bigger global brand than M&S and I had used the same tactics and got a totally different result.

By this time I had a rapport with the sales guy, he knew I was there to spend money and it was a sale he may not have made otherwise, so then I went on to choose a Hugo Boss suit at £370 and I walked out of the store with it for £250. The lesson is that regardless how ‘big’ a brand is there should always be a deal to be done.

So who, beyond me, are the winners in this story? Well, Hugo Boss and particularly that salesman, because I will go back to him again and have since recommended many of my friends to him who have boosted his sales figures by buying lots of merchandise from him! The losers are M&S because, if I’m looking for a quality piece of clothing, I’m now more likely to try Hugo Boss first, even if, like-for-like, I’m paying more for it.  Essentially there are five rules of negotiating:

• Make sure the seller knows you’re ready to buy.

• Never be shy in asking for a discount right from the off.

• Let the seller believe he is leading the negotiation by

asking ‘what can do this for?’

• As a last resort go for the added value option to

get something out of the deal.

• Keep that port of call open, letting him know you’ll

be dealing with him in future and recommending him

to others.

Sales is a numbers game, so the seller has to be open to allowing the customer to negotiate and his best result is to come in on the added-value level and be able to manipulate the margins he can do deals with easier than those that are immoveable.

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Nabma News May 2013

We are almost at the starting line. Love Your Local Market 2013 will be launched at Portobello and Golborne Market on the 15th May 2013, when we will be looking to involve over 500 markets and provide an opportunity for up to 3000 new traders to try their hand at market trading.The enthusiasm for this year’s campaign has been evident at all the Roadshows we have held this year and, since the last edition of Market Trade News, we have taken Roadshows to Loughborough, Bolton, Horsham and Carmarthern and seen examples of some wonderful markets.All the planning is now complete and between the 15thand 29th May lets celebrate what is good about markets and why markets are such an important part of local communities. Next month I will be reflecting on the success of LYLM 2013 and providing some of the highlights from the fortnight.Of course, it is important that in celebrating LYLM 2013 we do not take our focus away from other important market issues. I am grateful to colleagues from Kettering who drew my attention to the Land Registry Practice Guide 18 on Franchises, which is relevant to all market operators who rely on Market Charters.I have written previously about the continuing importance of market rights and the role played by Market Charters in preserving such rights. Previously a Market Charter was not capable of separate registration. This changed in 2003 and it was possible, from that time, to voluntarily register Market Charters. While the situation remains the same in terms of voluntary registration in the context of the provisions of Practice Guide 18, if registration is not undertaken then there could be an impact on the status of a Market Charter.At the moment, if you have a Market Charter then the Charter creates an overriding interest which binds the owner of the land. So, for example, if you have a Market Charter which gives the right to hold a market in a particular location, then the owner of the land is required to make the land available for use as market on the days and the times specified in the Market Charter.Under Practice Guide 18, unless the Market Charter is registered by the 12th October 2013 then there will be a loss of their overriding status. What this means for markets that operate under a Market Charter is not entirely clear, but the provisions of Practice Guide 18 do not take away the right to hold a market under the Market Charter and if the market has been held in a particular location for many years, then it is assumed that rights to use the land have arisen in a variety of different ways through, for example, custom and practice and long user.Currently I am looking at the requirements of the registration process to see what needs to be done to ensure that Market Charters are fully protected. Full information will be provided to Nabma members shortly on this important issue, but any market operator using a Market Charter need to be aware of this important issue and seek advice on how it affects their particular market.We are just about to start on the Annual Survey of Retail Markets. Nabma has conducted this survey for the last two years and it has provided a very useful barometer of the state of the markets industry. Last year we had around 300 markets included in the survey. We are hoping that we can significantly increase that number this year. If you want to participate please let me know at nabma@nabma.com.Information on the results from the last two years can be found on the Nabma website at www.nabma.comReturning to Love Your Local Market, I want to express thanks to colleagues all round the country who have staged Roadshows and worked hard to promote LYLM 2013. When we started on the first LYLM campaign in 2012 we were keen to show that markets could play a significant role in helping revitalise the High Street. We have succeeded beyond expectations. If only the other elements of the Portas Review were as successful as LYLM then we would be looking at a very different prospect for the future of the High Street.Graham Wilson OBEChief ExecutiveNabma

National Association of British Market AuthoritiesThe Guildhall, Oswestry,Shropshire SY11 1PZ.Tel: 01691 680713

Email: nabma@nabma.com

 

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Development moves forward at Bolton Market

Work has begun on transforming the indoor market hall at Bolton Market as part of a £4.5 million redevelopment. Contractor Willmott Dixon has started to strip out the old market stalls within the East Hall, which was occupied by non-food traders. Work will also commence this week on refurbishing the hall’s roof. The internal work to strip out the stalls is expected to last around two weeks, while the roof refurbishment will take approximately 12 weeks. After the stalls are removed, preparation work will commence on replacing the internal roof lights. Externally, scaffolding has been erected around the hall to enable the replacement of roof tiles and waste will be disposed of in skips. Shoppers may notice increased activity around the East Hall as the works are taking place, but the market is operating as usual and there should be no disruption to traders. Traders from the non-food section of the indoor market moved in to temporary units on the outdoor market in February and are still offering the usual mix of footwear, bags, make-up, hair accessories, knitwear and electrical goods. 
Shoppers are being reassured that throughout the work the fruit and veg, the fish section of the market, and shops attached to the market will remain open for business. Other improvements that will take place to the market include: introducing additional indoor food stalls and a seating area; refurbishing the roof on the fish market; and repairing the roof over the hall which contains the fresh fruit and vegetable traders. 
Traders are expected to move back in the East Hall before Christmas, and work to the car park and servicing area will finish in 2014. The car park on Moor Lane will also be open as usual but the car park on New Street is no longer operational due to the construction work.
Leader of Bolton Council, Councillor Cliff Morris, said: “Traders from the non-food section of the indoor market have been established in their temporary outdoor units for some weeks and the East Hall has been out of use during this time.
“Shoppers will start to notice more activity around the hall while the roof is being refurbished and the internal section is gutted. However, we would like to reiterate that the market is still open for business while the refurbishment is underway.”
Willmott Dixon was appointed as the main contractor for the project through the North West Construction Hub which aims to deliver a long-term collaborative approach to developments. Since being appointed, the company has held a successful sub-contractors’ open day which attracted interest from a number of local firms. They are currently in the process of appointing a range of sub-contractors for the project. Bolton Market opened in the 1930s and is one of Britain’s oldest food markets. The market has a growing reputation as the premier food market in the north of England, and it was also recently showcased on BBC Inside Out for a project that it runs on getting people to eat healthily. It has won a number of awards including Best Food Market in the BBC Radio 4 Food and Farming Awards 2011; Best Indoor Market 2010; and Tourism Retailer of the Year 2009.  Up to three million people visit the market annually. The indoor and outdoor market is open Tuesday and Thursday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm. The car boot market is open Sunday, 7.30am to 2pm.
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Penkridge Market joins the Love Your Local Market Campaign

Penkridge Market, near Stafford, announced today that it will be participating in the high profile, national 2013 Love Your Local Market campaign in May, led by the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) & backed by Central Government & the wider market industry.

The campaign aims to attract new market traders and highlights the importance that markets play in the heart of their local community, not only for retail but as a valuable community asset, providing the focal point of many town centres. Eric Pickles MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government announced in the House of Commons in November that LYLM 2013 will run from 15th May to 29th May. He welcomed the support of the markets industry, which has set a target of 500 markets getting involved in this year’s events, in addition to 3,000 new traders. To support this national campaign, Penkridge Market will be leasing stalls to local entrepreneurs during the fortnight (15th May to 29th May), at a reduced rate of £10 per stall, to allow them to ‘try out’ their business ideas and to attract more people to visit the town centre.

Matt Williams, Manager at Penkridge Market said:

“We know how tough it is to set up a business, especially during this difficult economic climate, so a market stall is a great way to try out ideas and get customers feedback, without it costing very much. The Market attracts up to 5,000 people from around the Region every Market day, so it’s a great place to start a new business.”

Matt has also kindly agreed to provide an Information Point on the day where prospective stall holders, can find out everything they need to know about setting up a business as a market trader. Information on everything from insurance and trading standards, to suppliers and carrier bags, will be available.

Graham Wilson OBE, Chief Executive of the National Association of British Market Authorities says:

"Love Your Local Market is the biggest market event in a generation. It gives people the chance of a new career and demonstrates how important the market is to the local community. With the financial backing of the Government and our headline sponsor HMY Radfords we intend to make Love Your Local Market 2013 the biggest & best market campaign the UK has ever seen"

Stan Carty, Commercial Director HMY Radfords says:

“HMY Radford are delighted to be the sponsors for the 'Love Your Local Market 2013’ campaign. We feel honoured to be associated with such a prestigious and national community focused drive. We look forward with great anticipation and endeavour to providing wholehearted support to NABMA, local markets and traders alike”.

Penkridge Market is situated in the centre of Penkridge, and is signposted off the A449. It is just three miles from Junction 12 of the M6 and is also easily accessible from the A5. It is 6 miles from Stafford; 7 miles from Cannock and 10 miles from Wolverhampton (postcode ST19 5AP).

For further information and to book a stall on the Market please call Matt Williams on 01785 714221. Please book early to avoid disappointment.”

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Bristol City Council gives the go ahead for street food night markets

The StrEAT Food Collective will be hosting a series of three street food night markets on Corn Street in the Old City area starting on Wednesday 1st May between 5pm and 9pm.

StrEAT is a global street food collective serving food from all over the world. Hot and delicious dishes from countries like Vietnam, India, France and Peru as well as pizza and gourmet burgers will be served. Local residents and workers, students and tourists will be gathering together to enjoy music and food in an upbeat mardi gras atmosphere.

The collective consists of between six to eight stalls. Vendors are people from local communities who are passionate about food and will be serving up ‘the real deal’. The vendors are encouraged to stick to food portions costing around £6 or under and there will be smaller portions for children.

Bristol Mayor, George Ferguson, states;
“I welcome new initiatives such as StrEAT to Bristol. The StrEAT Food Collective underpins Bristol’s drive to promote eating fresh, locally sourced food and supporting independent traders. These new evening food markets bring vitality and complement the city’s cultural offer.”

StrEAT will host three pilot markets on the first Wednesday in May, June and July and if successful, the night market will be rolled out on a weekly basis. St Nick’s traders are invited to stay open and local food businesses will be encouraged to showcase themselves.

John Hirst, Chief Executive of Destination Bristol states;
‘’We are very keen to promote all aspects of street food here in Bristol. The 'StrEAT in Old City’ night market is an innovative initiative which will bring this beautiful part of our city to life in the evenings. Gourmet street food, cooked outdoors by local food entrepreneurs will be a big attraction. This will give us another great opportunity to showcase Bristol as a thriving tourist destination."

The street food scene in London is very well established now and the trend is spreading across the UK. StrEAT only works with the BEST street food vendors in the SW. Some of these vendors can be found operating during the daytime in Bristol including VeeDoubleMoo on Brandon Hill, Meat and Bread at the bottom of Park Street, Wooly Cactus on Victoria Street and Cupp Tea in Quakers Friars.

The Bristol Pound, Destination Bristol and Bristol Junior Chamber are backing the initiative.
For more information on locations and to read the blog visit www.streatfoodcollective.com
You can also follow StrEAT on twitter www.twitter.com/streatuk

Major investment earmarked for Swansea Market

MORE than £1 million has been earmarked to upgrade Swansea Market’s roof.

The roof, which has exceeded its expected lifespan by more than 20 years, has experienced a number of leaks in recent years.

Plans being considered include upgrading the roof with energy-efficiency measures like integrated solar panels and rain water drainage.

The proposed scheme will include the replacing of the roofing sheets to the iconic market dome, the renewal of roof lights and the treatment of all flat roof areas. Glazing will also be upgraded and the roof will be strengthened.

Swansea Council’s Cabinet is now being asked to approve the spending and the submission of a planning application in future.

Cllr Nick Bradley, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “Swansea Market is a vitally important feature of our city centre that helps strengthen our reputation for top-quality independent traders. It attracts visitors from far afield and even the Prince of Wales was enormously impressed when he made a visit in December.

“The market helps Swansea city centre stand out from the crowd and that’s why it’s important we invest in its future during these enormously competitive times for traders.

“But it’s also vital we minimise disruption to the market hall when any works are ongoing. Limiting the impact of the works and maintaining regular contact with market traders will be key to our planning as this proposal moves forward.”

If Cabinet approves the spending, it will also give Swansea Council the opportunity to match-fund the scheme from other sources under the Waterfront City programme. This could lead to other improvements at the market including more floor space, better signage and improved entrances.

The Waterfront City Convergence Programme has provided more than £32 million of funding for city centre and waterfront improvements. The funding is largely from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) with match-funding identified from the Welsh Government’s Regeneration Area and Transport Plan programmes, the private sector and Swansea Council.

Have a look at www.swanseaindoormarket.co.uk for more information about the market.

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Scream Wholesale

Scream is a leading wholesaler and distributor of Minimoto Pocket Bikes and RC Toys and they recently lauched their new catalogue at the Spring Fair in February.

Over the years Scream Wholesale has been going from strength to strength. Their continued growth has seen them move into a purpose built warehouse with a state of the art dispatch system to ensure an unrivalled service is provided to you, the customer.

Scream have invested vast time and resources into their dedicated online ordering system where you can comprehensively manage your account with themselves. It has LIVE up to date to the second stock levels, so you can see exactly what they are carrying at any specific moment in time.

The site also has numerous hi-res pictures for all the products, which means you can lift any images you require for your own use. Scream also have a LIVE MSN chat option here, which allows you to talk to the sales staff who will be able to help you with any enquiries.

The wide range of products available at Scream include; Radio controlled helicopters, Boats, Toy cars, Pro and electric cars, trucks and truggys, Nitro cars, trucks and truggys, Brushless pro, Trains and slots, Ride on toys, Scooters, Electric quads and bikes on and off road, Petrol bikes and quads and Large petrol quads.

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Brixton Market - Community at the Heart of the Market

The origins of Brixton Market can be traced back to 1870, where the original market was located on Atlantic Road next to Brixton Rail Station. In the 1880s the market expanded up and along Electric Avenue, so named as it was the first market street to be lit by electricity. In the 1920’s and 30’s Brixton established itself as a leading shopping destination; the main road was widened and the covered markets such as Reliance Arcade, Brixton Village and Market Row were built.

Following World War II, during the 1940s and 50’s Brixton saw an influx of immigration from the West Indies which greatly influenced commodities offered in the market place.

Today the Market is spread over three locations, Electric Avenue, Popes Road & Brixton Station Road. Brixton Market remains a melting pot of cultures, which form a diverse customer base

Although these are testing economic times, the market’s traders continue to offer a varied range of commodities that offer real value to customers.

There have been a number of initiatives undertaken by the Council and Stakeholders to ensure that the markets throughout the borough maintain their popularity, create fertile business environments to contribute to the growth of local economies and deliver much loved amenities to local communities.

Brixton Market offers a diverse range of all types of goods and produce and the vibrant market has a great atmosphere with a real sense of community.

Trevor Virtue Lambeth’s Market Development Officer said “We seek to deliver on the Council’s cooperative ambitions by ensuring that communities are at the heart of our market strategy. It is essential that that the community has a buy-in with regard to their local market as this ensures sustainability and the main focus is on the market reflecting a developing dynamic rather than simply a regulated entity. There are challenges to be met with regard to meeting the requirements of a licensing framework while delivering on stakeholders expectations; however, these are challenges that we continue to meet.”

In Brixton Market, the local Traders’ Federation (Brixton Market Trader’s Federation), has formed itself into a Community Interest Company and now manage Brixton Station Road bringing a variety of themed events to the market. This initiative has given both the Traders and the Authority the opportunity to develop a progressive and collaborative relationship that will deliver long term benefits to the market and local community.

Stuart Horwood, Chairman of the Brixton Market Traders’ Federation said, “Brixton Market is a meeting place for members of Brixton’s established and diverse communities. The market is also potentially a valuable resource for community initiatives, charities, campaigns and organisations; one of the core engagement activities undertaken by BMTF is to facilitate such groups and organisations to rent stalls in the market and become one of our key ‘customers’.

“It is the aim of Brixton Market Traders’ Federation CIC to establish partnerships with local community groups and statutory bodies, to ensure that Brixton Station Roads development is sustainable and contributes to the local economy and social cohesion.”

The Authority has also embarked on a programme to deliver cooperative markets across the borough. It is envisaged that this will deliver the provision of a local amenity for residents, a fertile business environment for experienced and budding traders as well as promote local areas as a destination.

Mr Jamie Akinola, Lambeth’s Enforcement Manager said “Two such projects have been undertaken in Herne Hill and Streatham. Herne Hill Market is managed by the Herne Hill Forum, a community group that are working with the council to deliver a pleasant and sustainable environment. In Streatham, there has been the establishment of a new Food and Artisans Market, following consultation with the local community; depending on the outcome of an imminent Business Improvement District ballot, the Authority would also seek to partner this body in relation to Street Trading in the area”.

“The Authority believes that as we move into 2013, that our focus should be on our customers and their experiences within Lambeth’s Street Markets; therefore, the views of our customers and neighbouring retailers are paramount to the delivery of pleasant and relevant markets that can contribute to local economies. This will indeed deliver on the Authority’s commitment to deliver Quality, Value and Choice.”

Brixton Market stands six days a week from Monday to Saturdays between 8.00am to 6.00pm and Wednesday is a half-day, closing around 3.00pm. Casuals are welcome and once the necessary documentation has been completed, they can be trading within three to four days.

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Where’s the beef? On Bury Market!

Traders on Bury Market are keen for shoppers to whet their appetites during

British Beef Week (21 to 27 April).

As usual, the award-winning market is an excellent source of quality and value for British beef products.

Among many treats, connoisseur carnivores might like to try a 5-8 week dry aged, Lancaster farmed British steak. This epicurean delight is available on Albert’s on Bury Market or from their website at www.albertmatthews.com

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Tributes are paid to ‘unique’ trader

Friends and colleagues have paid tribute to a “unique character” who died in February after nearly 50 years as a trader on Royston Market. John Sims, who was 73, died following a battle with leukaemia.  The Hitchin resident, who ran a kitchen supplies stall with his wife, June, was a well-known face in the town having been working on the market since 1964.

Fellow traders set up a book of condolences and left flowers on a stall in Market Hill the following week. Stallholder Anthony Whiteman said at the time: “He was a unique character and you don’t get many people in any walk of life who stay in one place for so long.

“The stallholders wanted to do something in his memory.  So many people have been coming up and signing the book or leaving flowers.  I’ve already taken one lot over to June and will be dropping some more off this week.”

Andy Tucker, of the fishmongers stall, said: “I’d known John since I was three years old.  He was a good mate and really one of the old school, you don’t get people like him anymore.

“He told it like it was and I think people appreciated that.  He’ll be sadly missed by everyone.”

Mrs Sims said her husband became a market trader because he wanted to be his own boss. She said: “He loved the freedom of it and we ran the stall together.  The market has changed a lot over the years, but he still really enjoyed what he was doing.

“My phone hasn’t stopped ringing since the weekend because he knew so many different people and we had a lot of regular customers.”

The couple have no children. Mr Sim’s funeral took place at Luton Crematorium on February 28th.

Wellingborough’s market could be on the move

Wellingborough Market could be moved further into the town centre as part of plans to improve it. The council met with traders last month and discussed a range of ideas to develop the market, and is now recommending that stalls be moved down onto Market Street and Orient Way for a four month trial period.

Wellingborough’s long tradition as a market town dates back to the granting of its market charter in 1201. In recent years the facility has been declining and often has less than half of its 87 stalls occupied. An independent review of the market, undertaken at the end of last year by the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA), showed that although the market’s location is very central, and close to local amenities such as the library, public toilets and free car parks, people were not turning off the main thoroughfare of Burystead Place and Market Street to visit it.

The review also advised that the market should be better publicised, and that more work could be done to improve the variety of goods on offer. The council discussed the review with traders and came up with six recommendations, which will be formally considered by the council’s development committee next week.

Chairman of the committee, Cllr Tim Allebone, said: “We have a proud history as a market town. Even though markets all over the country are struggling, we believe we can do more to make ours more vibrant and successful than it is at the moment. The NABMA review confirmed that the market in its current position is not easily visible, and suggested it needed to be addressed as a priority. We met with the traders and they expressed a desire to relocate the majority of the stalls down into the main part of the town centre. We are happy to give this a go and are recommending to the committee that we try the move for a few months, starting as soon as it’s feasible.

“We have lots more planned, such as ways to attract new traders and a wider variety of traders, but the main thing we want to achieve initially is to help people realise that the market is there and that there’s already a lot on offer. The market is an integral part of our town and we want to protect it. Reviving it will not happen overnight, but the recommendations and plans we have in place are a positive start.”

Government Backs Love Your Local Market

The Markets industry was taken by surprise at the Nabma January Seminar when Communities Minister The Rt Hon Don Foster MP outlined the Government’s support for the 2013 Love your Local Market scheme with significant financial support .

The Minister began by acknowledging that the last few years have been a tricky time for markets and his department have been keen to help the sector meet the challenge. The Minister acknowledged that over the last two years help had been provided but in the absence of finance. The Minister paid tribute to Nabma for its endeavours in Love your Local Market and presented the Nabma President, Council Mrs. Geraldine Carter with a cheque for £25,000 with the aim of helping Nabma help turn the passing interest of a wannabe trader into a fulfilling career.

The Nabma President, Councillor Mrs. Geraldine Carter admitted that Nabma was stunned by the presentation.
“We are overwhelmed by this generous support from Government. This is a huge endorsement for the work that we have been carrying out and clearly shows that we are making an impact with our commitment and investment. Love your Local Market 2013 will now be even bigger and better”.

Nabma Chief Executive, Graham  Wilson OBE, told MTN, " Love Your Local Market provided a great boost to the markets last year with research showing that markets that took part experienced a 10% increase in footfall. With the government's financial backing and support from our headline sponsor Radfords, we aim to make it bigger and better this year. Every market in the country should be getting involved"

Also at the conference, Nabma delegates were overwhelmed with a presentation by Joe and Tom Barrett, the creators of the Stockport Teenage Market.

The Teenage Market was described as a creative space for young people to connect and collaborate in, giving a platform to young creative entrepreneurs who become market traders for the day as they sell their products to customers.  It also gives young performers, musicians, singer songwriters, dancers etc the chance to show their skills to an audience.  The first even was held in April 2012.

The young people have developed a very positive relationship with Stockport Market and also Stockport Council.
Over 70 applicants were received for the first market and 20 local musicians wanted a platform to showcase their own talent.

The event has attracted huge media interest and importantly thousands of people visiting the Teenage Market on the day.

Adam Corbally talks Markets.

Whilst at the Airport on a recent trip to Amsterdam, I couldn’t help but get lost in the maze of perfume, pen shops and Pharmacists, not to mention being approached with the golden opportunity of winning a supercar, which is only fit for driving on a grand prix circuit as it is so low to the floor, not to mention the cost of insurance, fuel and, of course, you can’t exactly throw a sack of spuds into the back of Lamboghini!

Whilst trying to find my way out of the shops and make my way to my terminal, it set me to thinking how all of these over priced perfume shops were making it pay?

It seemed that the airport I was in, namely Manchester, had, like every other I have visited in many parts of the world, all had one thing in common, they were BUSY. I mean, these places have every single inch of retail space utilised.

I asked myself the question, what is to be learnt from this experience? Is it to open 10 over priced perfume and pen stalls on markets nationwide? No, certainly not, there is one reason that Airport retail space is, in my opinion, the only retail space in the world that is recession proof, lets face it when was the last time you saw a “closing down sale” or an empty shop in an airport? That reason is FOOTFALL, plain and simple. The retailers are pretty much guaranteed passengers or, more importantly, customers on a daily basis with money to spend and just as important, time on their hands.

OK, so how can we learn from our Airports success and create footfall for our markets and, more importantly, get them to hang around and spend money!?

There are lots of answers out there, although a great one is host an Event! I’m sure by now every market has someone running their social media marketing and advertising campaign, which is a fantastic free way to reach a direct target market and let them know what you have planned. In the early stages of planning an event you can even ask for ideas from your friends/followers on what THEY would like to see on their local market?

Once you have pulled together a few positive like minded people from your market to organise and host an event, it is surprising how this sort of thing can gain momentum and support very quickly. When your market managers see you making the effort they will be more willing to provide support and I dare say you might even be able to squeeze a few quid out of them too.

As I have said before, it is the longevity and viability of markets which is key, so please do make sure that any event compliments the existing traders and more importantly falls on a usual trading day, as the idea is the extra footfall of customers on the day see the market in all its glory and make a return trip the week after, attracts some new regulars and maybe even inspires some new traders!

Ideas for events can be anything to attract footfall, hold a crowd and you needn’t worry about a budget too much as there are lots of people you could attract to perform and use the event as free publicity for themselves and a chance to showcase their product/service. A couple of ideas are - get in touch with your local dance troop and ask them to do 3 performances on the day for nothing in return, to be included in all of the publicity before the event and the chance to sell themselves on the day. Ask your local bouncy castle/face painter/ kids face painter along on the same deal and why not even ask your local beauty college shop to attend and all have fun having taster sessions of treatments? Im sure you may even be able to entice the fire brigade down, use the Fire Brigade as a massive attraction for the kids and in return they get to promote fire safety and prevention. You could involve Schools, Youth Clubs, Martial arts Do Jos, Army cadets and Scouts on the day.

After all the list of opportunities for an event is endless, especially if you have empty stalls. There are so many ways to FILL them!

I can pretty much guarantee that your local newspaper/ radio station would love to promote the event for free if you make sure the most enthusiastic member of your team gets in touch with them with the agenda and as we know, a story gets more attention than an advert and costs nothing!  

I rarely use or like clichés, but it is true to say “If you build it they will come” so start building and please do get in touch via my website as I am keen to hear news of everyone’s ideas and events.

Adamcorbally.co.uk

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NABMA NEWS April 2013

NABMA The Voice of Local Authority Markets.

The Love Your Local Market campaign is now in full swing and we have already had five excellent Roadshows as we build momentum towards the fortnight of the campaign between the 15th -29th May.
Our first call was at Borough Market where a packed audience were able to see the redeveloped market at first hand. It is clear that the redevelopment has enhanced the visual appearance of the market and also Borough's reputation as one of the leading markets in the country. There was tremendous enthusiasm for getting involved and over half the audience were new to LYLM, which is a theme that has continued throughout the Roadshows.
Next stop was Darlington where we heard about the success of the Peoples Market which was a new Sunday Market launched on the back of LYLM 2012. The presentation illustrated lots of new ideas for using social media to engage with your audience and get new traders. The Peoples Market continues to thrive and achieves significant increases in town centre footfall when it is held in the town.
Part of the attraction of LYLM is looking at ideas to launch new markets and Nabma has produced a publication “Getting Started” which has lots of tips to help in setting up new markets. You can download a copy from the Nabma website at www.nabma.com

A central feature of the Roadshows is taking the Nabma offer to more people and providing information about what is happening in the wider markets world. This was a key feature of the Roadshow at Wisbech where the Town Council has recently taken over the running of the market and is already implementing a number of initiatives to engage more effectively with traders and stakeholders.  The BIS consultation on pedlars featured significantly on the agenda and a number of people spoke about the problems they faced in their own areas. This was a consistent theme throughout the Roadshows with no support at all for what BIS is proposing. Hopefully they will listen to the representations.
The two most recent Roadshows were held in Barnsley and Leeds and it is was great to hear of the success stories in both towns and the enthusiasm and skills of the market officers.
Barnsley is one of the biggest markets in the country and the occupancy levels remain consistently high. It is clear that Barnsley has a very proactive approach to stall and shop lettings and this policy has paid dividends. Barnsley is intending to launch a market app during LYLM 2013 and we look forward to featuring this as one of the highlights of this year's campaign.
Leeds was the venue for the next Roadshow and a full house in the conference facility at the Kirkgate Market heard about the Council's proposals for a £12m redevelopment scheme of the market. Leeds is clearly witnessing exciting times and the market redevelopment is a key element of the overall programme. Leeds also told us about the opening of the Marks and Spencer Shop in the Kirkgate Market which brings the company back to their original roots. Perhaps the opening in Leeds might be a first for a new approach from the major High Street retailer. We will watch with interest.
A key part of Nabma's approach to LYLM has been to provide resources to help markets celebrate LYLM in the most effective way. We have produced a media pack, best practice guide and merchandising material. All these resources can be downloaded from the Nabma website at www.namba.com

LYLM 2013 will be launched at Portobello and Golborne Road Market on the 15th May at 10.30 and  prior to that date Nabma will be hosting a Parliamentary Reception on the 29th April to create further interest among parliamentarians and the wider markets industry.
So far over 200 markets have signed up for LYLM 2013. What is encouraging is that over half of these markets  did not take part last year. This year our targets are 500 markets and 3000 new traders. We need your help to achieve these targets. If you have not already signed up please do so now. If you want any information please contact me. Everything you need is on the Nabma website at www.nabma.com

Graham Wilson OBEChief Executive,Nabma

National Association of British Market AuthoritiesThe Guildhall, Oswestry,Shropshire SY11 1PZ.Tel: 01691 680713

Email: nabma@nabma.com

 

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Birmingham’s Wholesale Markets on the Move

Bimingham City’s Wholesale Markets are on the move with two locations on the edge of the City currently being looked at, The Hub, Witton, north west Birmingham and LDV, Washwood Heath, north Birmingham. There are many traders who have some fear about the move, however it will provide a secure future for all the markets.

Birmingham City Council’s Deputy Leader, Councillor Ian Ward, said: “The future of a wholesale market in Birmingham will be secured for the next 60 years, if Cabinet agrees the recommendations of officers on 25th March. I do not believe that there won’t be a wholesale market in the city and I made a commitment to secure its future many months ago when I first came into office and spoke to the traders.

“The indication is that we simply cannot afford the investment needed to continue with a wholesale market on the current site. Any solution needs to be affordable to both the city council and the traders, which is why the report will recommend moving the wholesale market to Witton or Washwood Heath.

“I know this is not what the traders want to hear, but we are in challenging financial times and the difficult choice is simply that if we want a wholesale market in the city of Birmingham then we need to consider the relocation proposals.

“I understand that there is a close relationship between the wholesale and retail (open, indoor, rag) markets and believe these recommendations, to be considered by Cabinet, will secure the future of all markets.

“I have talked to traders from both the wholesale and retail markets, not only about these proposals, but also about doing what I can to develop the city centre site for the retail markets and increase the footfall from the Bullring.

“And I have committed to the traders to visit the site next week to further understand their business.

“We have no statutory duty to provide a wholesale market, but we recognise that it is important to the local economy and the food supply chain, which is why the report will propose relocation to either The Hub, in Witton, or LDV, in Washwood Heath.

“Years of tradition will be upheld by providing a modern and fit-for-purpose wholesale market, but the traders have to work with us to secure its long-term future. The current wholesale market has reached the end of its economic life and it is recognised by everyone involved that it is too big for current and future needs.

“I know this isn’t the traders’ preferred option, but neither did they rule it out. Refurbishment or redevelopment of the current site simply isn’t affordable in the current financial climate. Whatever Cabinet chooses to do will be supported by taxpayers’ money so we have to ensure value for money, and as well as being affordable to the city council, it has to be affordable and sustainable to the traders themselves.

“However, we need to understand that wholesale markets across the country have been in decline over the last 20 years – here in Birmingham occupancy has declined to a 30 per cent vacancy rate in just the last few years.

“Yes, there is still a demand from both tenants and customers for these facilities, but they have to adapt to meet the changing market place. For example, no other wholesale market in the UK is co-located with its retail food markets and very few are based in city centres. Having the market outside the city centre would provide better transport links, particularly considering that the majority of the traders’ business comes from either outside of Birmingham or from the suburbs rather than the city centre.

“While a number of options have been carefully considered and costed, following extensive consultation with traders and customers, I believe this is the best option for both the survival of the wholesale market and for the continuing transformation of the city centre.”

Five options were taken forward for full evaluation:

15 year refurbishment;

30 year refurbishment;

redevelopment to include a new wholesale market;

relocation to Witton;

and relocation to Washwood Heath.

Detailed evaluation has considered: financial impact on the city council; job creation; whether it was fit for purpose; location and relationship with wider city regeneration.

The City Council have listened to the traders about how a new market should be designed and, subject to the Cabinet decision, they intend that as the two schemes are developed as part of the full business case they will involve them in that process.

The two relocation options are:

The Hub, Witton, north west Birmingham

The proposed new market would be constructed on a site of about 15 acres. Incorporated alongside the new 190,000 sq ft market would be 400 car parking spaces, warehousing and waste management facilities. The city council would continue to manage the markets but would consider ways in which it can involve the wholesale traders in its management to reduce costs. The new market would be expected to be operational by April 2016.

LDV, Washwood Heath, north Birmingham

The proposed new market would be built on a site of 14.5 acres. In addition to the new market the site would include warehousing, waste management facilities and extensive car parking. Whilst the city council has the option to manage this facility, the developer has offered to undertake this as well and this is something to be consider, taking into account the traders’ views.

Food festival line-up revealed

Britain’s favourite baking duo, Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood, are to return to the Bolton Food and Drink Festival.
The Great British Bake Off judges are back by popular demand after selling out their baking demonstrations and proving a hit at last year’s festival. This year’s four-day foodie spectacular will take place once again over the August Bank Holiday weekend, from Friday, August 23 to Monday, August 26.

Mary and Paul will perform their demos together on Saturday, August 24 in a dedicated marquee on Victoria Square. Mary said: “I received such a warm welcome from the people of Bolton last year that I was only too happy to return to the food and drink festival in August. “Everyone was so friendly and it was heartening to see so much interest in the art of baking.” Paul added: “I was very impressed with Bolton and in particular their award-winning market. “There was an abundance of fresh, local produce on offer and I am thrilled to be making a return visit. I look forward to seeing people at our demos.”

The festival, which attracted more than 102,000 visitors last year, will be launched by the two-Michelin starred chef Michael Caines on the Friday, and fellow festival favourite James Martin will take centre stage on Bank Holiday Monday, August 26. Sunday’s star attraction will be top Italian chef and restaurateur, Aldo Zilli. Specialising in Italian and vegetarian cuisine, Aldo founded his own chain of restaurants, has written more than 10 books and has appeared on numerous television shows. He has recently launched a new PR and marketing company, Zilli Media, and is currently Chef Consiliere to the award-winning San Carlo group, which includes restaurants in Manchester and London. Aldo said: “I’m really looking forward to coming to the Bolton Food and Drink Festival and cooking up some delicious Italian food. I’m passionate about fresh and local produce, so I can’t wait to see what Bolton has to offer.”

The Leader of Bolton Council, Councillor Cliff Morris, said: “There is no doubt that the Bolton Food and Drink Festival is firmly on the map as one of the best events of this type, and it just gets better and better each year.

“Last year’s festival beat all previous records in terms of visitor numbers and we are determined to make this year’s event one to remember. The fabulous Michael Caines will launch the festival once again and we have firm favourite James Martin entertaining the crowds on Monday. “We were impressed with the impact Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry made on the audiences, so we were delighted they agreed to return again this year. And with the Italian flair of Aldo Zilli, the festival is bound to appeal to all tastes.”

More detailed information about the celebrity chef demos will be released soon and tickets will go on sale in May.

To keep up to date with the latest festival news, log on to the website www.boltonfoodanddrinkfestival.com, visit Facebook and search for Bolton Food and Drink Festival or search for #boltonfoodfest on Twitter.

Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2013 is organised by Bolton Council and sponsored by Bolton College, Bluemantle, Crompton Place, The Market Place Shopping Centre and Stateside Foods.

Their partners this year are The Octagon Theatre, Kro Bar, the Marriott Worsley Park Hotel, Bolton Market, Harvey Nichols and The Albert Halls.

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