NEW MALDEN FARMERS’ MARKET

 

New Malden Farmers’ Market will be having it’s Evening Christmas Market

On Saturday 21^st December 13 from 5.30pm – 9.30pm

The Market is situated at the Fountain Pub car park (by the Fountain round about in New Malden, Surrey)
 

New Malden Farmers’ Market will be holding a charity presentation at 7pm. A cheque for £500 will be presented from the Market to Lin and Iain Bowman of The Fountain Pub, New Malden (on behalf of the NSPCC).

All of our usual fantastic artisan stalls will be present plus extra Christmas guest stalls

for all of those last minute Christmas gifts!

Come and enjoy a glass of hot mulled wine, mince pies, roast chestnuts and delicious hot sausages whilst we entertain you from 6.30pm with ‘Carols around the Tree’ by Christ Church Community Choir.

And for the little ones, Santa will be visiting to take everyone’s Christmas lists accompanied by the infamous ‘Amy’ the sheep!

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Big Wheel arrives at Bolton

A huge travelling fairground wheel will be spinning into Bolton town centre this Christmas. Bolton Council will be bringing a 100 foot Ferris wheel to Victoria Square as part of a bumper festive package to attract thousands of shoppers over the festive period. The giant wheel will be in town from Thursday, December 12th and it is thought that it will be the only one located in Greater Manchester during winter. The ride, which can seat 144 people, will offer a bird’s eye view of the rolling Pennine countryside when people reach the top of the wheel and it will be lit up brightly in the evening. Other highlights of the town centre festive programme include the return of the popular 200 square metre ice rink and a free Santa’s grotto on Victoria Square from November 30th. A speciality market on Newport Street from December 12th to 15th, a chance to meet real reindeer, and street entertainment will also be laid on to pull in the crowds. Leader of Bolton Council, Councillor Cliff Morris, said he is confident that the ride and other attractions will be a hit. “The giant wheel is a fantastic addition to the town centre and something that is sure to appeal to people of all ages. “We know how popular these attractions are from places like Manchester and Liverpool. This particular wheel is one of the biggest of its kind which travels around the country and it has visited locations including Leeds and the Etihad stadium in Manchester. “Together with everything else we’ve got happening, it really will be a winter wonderland experience not to be missed,” he added. Crompton Place Manager, Malcolm Angus, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the council to deliver a healthy dose of festive fun and Christmas cheer for the town. “Crompton Place is at the heart of the community and we are always keen to lend our support to events like this which encourage people to come and make the most of all the great shopping which Bolton has to offer. “While parents are doing their Christmas shopping with us, there will also be the opportunity to bag one of 300 family tickets for a free ride on the giant wheel and skating for an hour on the ice rink when shoppers spend £30 or more in one go at the participating Crompton Place retailers.” From December 12th, the wheel will open: Thursday to Saturday from 11am to 7.30pm; Sundays 11am to 5.30pm; Monday to Wednesday from 11am to 5.30pm. The wheel will be open on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day from 11am to 4pm. It will be closed on Christmas Day. The ride costs: £3.50 for adults; £2.00 for under- 16s, and £2.50 for senior citizens and students. Family tickets at £7 cover two adults and two children or one adult and three children. Joint tickets for the giant wheel and ice rink can also be purchased. Discounts apply and prices vary. Tickets can be bought online from www.visitbolton.com from Monday, October 28th and in person from box offices on Victoria Square when the attractions open. Bolton Market is also looking for quality festive crafts, gifts and decorations traders for a four day specility market taking place from Thursday, December 12th to Sunday, December 15th. Opening times vary and deadline for traders to apply is October 30th. Contact bolton. markets@bolton.gov.uk for more information.
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Here’s to getting paid wherever you do business

Every business wants to win every sale. Yet countless traders are in effect holding up a huge ‘closed’ sign by not taking credit and debit card payments. It’s understandable. Taking card payments has been expensive and inflexible for years. If your sales vary, you don’t want to commit to a long term contract and hefty fees. Yet if you don’t take cards, you risk your customers going to a rival that does. PayPal Here is an affordable way to take cards. The new PayPal Here app and card reader lets you accept credit card, debit card and PayPal payments wherever you do business. There are no monthly fees, just a oneoff charge of £99 for the card reader and then a small fee when you take a card or PayPal payment. You connect the card reader to your iPhone, iPad or Android phone via Bluetooth to accept payments, making PayPal Here ideal for traders who visit customers or trade at markets and exhibitions. The PayPal Here card reader includes the highest standards of Chip and PIN technology. And it carries PayPal’s name, providing reassurance to your customers, who are likely to be very familiar with PayPal. To find out more, please visitwww.paypal.co.uk/here
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The new NABMA team elected in Torquay

Councillor Kevan Wainwright of Halton Borough Council was unveiled as the new Nabma President at the Annual General Meeting. At the AGM the new president spoke of his delight at becoming President and highlighted the huge success of the past year, particularly Love Your Local Market and Market of the Year.

The President is very keen to visit Nabma markets during the year and if you have a special event then please contact the Nabma office. Nabma’s 2013 Annual Conference was held in Torquay once again, five years after previously visiting South Devon’s beautiful bay. All who attended were treated to the amazing views the Puma Imperial Hotel had to offer and the fantastic services of their staff. The two day conference played host to a range of quality speakers, all sharing their ideas, experiences and information with regards to their markets or services. As well as the days being packed with events, the evenings were just as eventful, with a Caribbean themed evening and Buffet on the first night and the Nabma Awards Dinner on the second. The Awards Dinner sees Nabma make a series of awards in recognition of achievement in the market sector in 2013. Blachere Illumination sponsor the Market Officer, Market Team and Market Innovation of the Year Awards and also, for the first team, Market Trade News sponsored the Nabma/ MTN Award 2013 in recognition of Outstanding Service to the Market Industry. The first award of the evening went to Andy Ward, Head of Markets at Sheffield, who was awarded the Market Manager of the Year title. Andy was one of many nominations for this top accolade and it recognises his reputation in the sector, his leadership of the new Sheffield Market development and his long standing help and support to the training and professional development of the industry.

Other awards were: 
Nabma/Blachere Award for the Markets Team of the Year went to - London Borough of Bromley.

Nabma/Blachere Award for the Market Innovation of the Year went to - The MyBarnsley AP

The Nabma/Market Trade News Award for an outstanding contribution to the markets industry went to – Ann Coffey MP, Chairman of the All Party Parliament Group. Unfortunately Ann could not make it to the awards ceremony, however the award will be presented to her at a later date.

Also at the Awards Dinner, Nabma and all in attendants, celebrated a number of student successes with presentations of their Diploma in Markets Management. The Awards and Diploma receive sponsorship from Market place Europe, to which Nabma are thankful to Allan Hartwell and Ian Hill for their investment in providing quality training to the industry. 

The successful candidates were: Lisa York of the London Borough of Bromley Tracey Harnett of Kirklees MBC Sarah Sweeting of Kirklees MBC Joanne Reagan of Calderdale MBC Annette Lebreton of Medway District Council James Peart of Leeds City Council Marie Shaw of Burnley District Council Stephen Wooley of Peterborough City Council The Nabma Conference also saw the ‘End of an Era’ with Training Officer Dennis Wardle retiring from his position. True testament was paid to Dennis when he received a standing ovation from all in attendance upon his acceptance of a gift on behalf of the Association to recognise his retirement. Dennis enjoyed a long standing career as Head of Markets at Derby Council, was a staunch member and Officer with the Institute of Market Officers and over the last few years fulfilled the Training Officer role with Nabma, leading on the launch and delivery of the Diploma in Markets Management. The Nabma Annual Conference was a huge success and all the hard work put in to running the event really paid off, with everyone attending having a brilliant time and creating a fantastic atmosphere for all.

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Altrincham Christmas Programme showcases Town’s unique offer

With a little over six weeks until Christmas, Altrincham’s Christmas Programme is swinging into action with the launch of the Altrincham Forward Christmas website – www.altyxmas.co.uk

Altrincham at Christmas is even more exciting this year with the launch a fantastic new Great British Christmas Market on Sunday’s and the popular Thursday Twilight markets are back!

Altrincham Town Centre Manager, Paul Armstrong said: “There’s a jam packed programme of events and shopping experiences taking place in Altrincham this year meaning local people don’t have to go far to find those unique gifts or to simply absorb some festive cheer.  With late night shopping on Thursday’s throughout December in the Stamford Quarter until 8pm and the market a hive of festive entertainment and treats from 14^th November, there’s no other place to visit – Altrincham truly has a unique offer.”

Paul paid a visit this week, along with the Mayor of Trafford Cllr Dylan Butt, to the Village Toy Company on Stamford New Road - Altrincham’s magical independent toy shop, which has been trading in Altrincham for nearly a year.  

Owner of the Village Toy Company and Altrincham resident, Lisa McCarthy, said: “This will be our first full Christmas period in business and will be by far the busiest time of year for us. We have worked hard to establish ourselves as a destination toy shop over the past year and, as an independent retailer, give customers something a little bit different. On Saturday 30 November we will be celebrating our first birthday by offering a 10% discount to shoppers.”

The website is a ‘one-stop-shop’ of information and listings showcasing what Altrincham has to offer this Christmas – with new events and offers being added all the time. Visit www.altyxmas.co.uk or follow @altrinchamFWD on Twitter.

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Pudsey goes to Market

Shoppers on Blackburn Market had fun posing for photos with Pudsey Bear in aid of BBC Children in Need.  The famous furry fundraising bear paraded round the stalls collecting loose change, whilst families were offered face painting and teddy bear themed crafts. The event raised £130 towards this year's appeal.

The event was part of an exciting new programme of free activities aimed at families in the lead up to Christmas which will include theatre sideshows, choir performances, a community art wall as well as make and take craft sessions.  The next events will celebrate Lancashire Day with a Lancashire folk group and a community mural in the style of the iconic Lancashire artist, L S Lowry.

Councillor Maureen Bateson, Executive Member for Regeneration at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council says she wants the market to become a hub for the community where people enjoy more than just shopping.  

‘We want to create a vibrant space which will attract a younger profile customer who will be enticed by the quality service and interaction with the traders, value for money prices and the great atmosphere.  Our events will be free, create a buzz in the market and give added value to the shopping experience.’

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A cut above the rest, Godiva Barbers

If you have passed the little kiosk in Coventry’s Precinct lately (you know the one, located between Waterstones and Marks and Spencer), you will have noticed it’s taken on a new bright look. That’s because it’s home for a brand new venture by 22-year-old Connor Evans. 
This is Connors second venture in the city, recently turning around the fortunes of the market barbers and handing the now successful traditional barbers on to his younger brother Ciaran .
The brothers come from a family of Coventry hairdressers , their late father Mark Evans was a well-known personality and had several local award winning hair salons along with his wife Moira. Moira ‘s renaissance hair salon in Broadgate continues to be a top Coventry hairdressers and the hub of the family businesses.
Connor looks at it like this. 
“I started off training in salons in Coventry even working alongside my mum in renaissance and then I got the opportunity to take over the Market Barbers on the Market’s start-up scheme,
The Market was a great place to build up my customers and experience running my own place. Then when I got the opportunity to come up in to the city centre,  I thought it would be a good to expand the businesses with something a little different. 

So how is business?
“I have been open now for about 3 weeks  and I can’t believe the reaction ,  Godiva barbers is going really well. We want to develop this in to a long standing barber’s shop . It’s a great location to get your hair cut right in the city centre and we wanted to bring something a little quirky  into Coventry, something a little different and up to date which will attract people to the city centre as well”.

So what has the feedback been like, so far?
“We have had great feedback, people coming up chatting and taking pictures, I have my regular clients from down in the Market and Ciaran down there is building up his new barbers with new customers, We are  opening 7 days a week, so come along and try it out, we cater to all styles of hair, we can even book you in for a traditional cut throat shave”. 

Crowds turn out for the launch of Morpeth’s new Market

Hundreds of people turned out to see the brand new market being launched in Morpeth at the weekend along with the town’s first ever Food and Drink Festival.

Star of the BBC’s Apprentice, Adam Corbally, joined traders and civic dignitaries at the event which was held in Morpeth town centre on Saturday October 5th.

After an official civic launch of the new market cooking demonstrations, competitions and games were held throughout the day with both the Town Hall Food and Drink Festival and the new stalls on the market place pulling in the crowds throughout the day.

Declaring the new market open, the Mayor of Morpeth Cllr Joan Tebbutt read from the original market charter which was granted to Roger de Merley in 1199 for the cost of thirteen pounds, six shillings and eight pence – allowing the town to hold a weekly market and an annual fair.

Cllr Tebbutt added: “There has been a market held on this spot for all those years and it’s fantastic to see the new market here today.

“We’ve had a number of changes over the years in the town, the Sanderson Arcade development, the brand new supermarket on the edge of the town centre – rather than on the edge of the town itself. And now this fantastic new market, which we really hope will bring many more people into the town and help to keep the town centre viable.”

The team at Sanderson Arcade, Morpeth’s award winning shopping centre, are working with Morpeth Town Team, Northumberland County Council and Morpeth Town Council on the new project with the aim of putting the weekly Wednesday Market and monthly Farmers’ Market on the map.

New stalls and branding as well as anchor points and a local marketing campaign have been introduced as part of the unique public-private partnership initiative, Saturday’s Farmer’s Market and Food Festival was the first opportunity to see the new stalls and layout.

Adam, who started his working life as a market trader kicked off the cooking demonstrations after the official opening and hosted the demonstration kitchen on the market place throughout the day as local chefs showcased some of their own favourite dishes.

He said: “”It really is a breath of fresh air to see an initiative like this and to see everyone working together and realising that High Street shopping isn’t just about one thing or the other, it’s about the whole town coming together and the community working together – making it an ideal place to shop. It’s great to be part of a project like this and fantastic to see what has been achieved here in Morpeth.”

Centre Manager at Sanderson Arcade Medi Parry said the feedback from Saturday’s market has been really positive – the new stalls will next be used on the Wednesday weekly market.

She added: “Everyone has really worked together to make this a fantastic celebration of what can be achieved, the town was really buzzing on Saturday.

“We are delighted to be involved with the new market in Morpeth and are confident it will continue to grow and thrive, we are already planning on making the Food and Drink Festival an annual event in the town.”

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Nabma News - October 2013.

I am writing this article the week before the Nabma Conference so it is difficult to make an assessment of how things will go but the build up has been good and I am anticipating that we will have a great time.

In the weeks prior to Conference I have had the pleasure of joining the judging panel to decide awards for what has now become the “Oscars Night”of the markets industry. It has been humbling to see so many fantastic entries promoting the work of market officers and markets all around the country. The panel had a number of difficult decisions to make before agreeing a list of recipients.

The award for outstanding service to the markets industry goes to Ann Coffey MP. Ann works tremendously hard to support her local market in Stockport and also the markets industry nationally through her chairmanship of the All Party Parliamentary Markets Committee. In recent years we have seen unparalleled support by government for markets and Ann’s role has been crucial in securing this support.

The market industry is blessed with many dedicated market officers and the award of Market Officer of the Year gives us an opportunity to recognise one of these officers. Andy Ward of Sheffield is an elder statesman among market officers readily giving of his time and experience to help others. His contribution to Nabma has been tremendous with support for benchmarking, health checks, the buddy scheme and the Diploma. He is also presiding over the move to Sheffield new Indoor Market which will be a tremendous boost for markets generally.

A successful market team is crucial to any market and we have many such teams around the country. Bromley Market Team has demonstrated its success by embracing Love Your Local Market , the Diploma and managing a mixed markets portfolio. The award also recognises the efforts of Peter Turvey, the Manager, for his dedicated work with the London Benchmarking Group which has been a great support to Nabma in connection with a number of initiatives.

The largest number of entries came in the markets innovation category and what a joy it was to see so many different ideas. Many were connected with social media and this year’s award goes to the Barnsley MarketApp. Barnsley have one of the biggest and most successful open markets in the country and the market app was launched as part of their Love Your Local Market campaign. It promises to make a significant difference to the promotion of the market.

In addition to these awards the “Oscars Night” also gives us a chance to present the latest batch of Diplomas in Market Administration. Launched two years ago the Diploma is now recognised as the professional qualification of the markets industry.

Much of the credit for the Diploma must go to Dennis, Nabma Training and Development Officer, who will be retiring after Conference. Dennis has made a tremendous contribution to markets both in Derby and nationally through Nabma and the former Institute of Market Officers. He deserves the recognition of the whole markets industry for what he has achieved. He will leave an important legacy.

Aside from Conference Nabma is starting a twelve months review in September . While the last few years have seen Nabma enjoy great success it is important that our services and structure are kept under review and the first stage in the process will be a comprehensive questionnaire about Nabma services. This will be followed by three regional meetings in October and early November to discuss the future in more detail. It is intended to complete the process and introduce any changes by next year’s Conference.

The last few weeks have been very busy with lots of members raising issues about registering market charters and questions such as where do I find a Latin translator and what do we do as we have found our charter is not relevant to our current market service . It has proved a “wake up” call to many members but hopefully most have now taken the required action. One member reported that the registration procedure is ‘straight forward’ provided you have the relevant information. The deadline is fast approaching so do not delay if you need to take action.

Prior to writing this article I boarded a train. I was greeted at the station by a large advertisement hoarding with the strap line ‘Love Your Local College’ with the heart shaped motif alongside. What do they say about imitation?

Graham Wilson OBE

Chief Executive,

Nabma

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Hitchin market team gets a shocking new addition

Hitchin Markets Manager Tony Howes said, “We are delighted that we will be here for another 5 years and we hope to continue to run a thriving market”.

In other news, Market users who end up fighting for life in Hitchin are in for a shock, with staff now having been trained by Maggie Hackney, who has an MBE for services to healthcare, market staff are now ready for action if someone has a heart attack in the market.

Training the team as part of the British Heart Foundation’s Heartstart initiative, Maggie also secured the market its own defibrillator as part of her efforts. Market manager Tony Howes said: “Hopefully we never have to use it, but if we have to it could save somebody’s life.

It’s not easy to learn but then it wasn’t hard either because Maggie is a very good trainer. “We all went round to Maggie’s house for a two-and-a-half hour training session on heart attacks and how to use the defibrillator. “There’s between 30 and 40 things we have to remember to do, like we have to try and wake them up first and make sure they aren’t wet. “Because of where we are and the older people within the market this defibrillator is vital.” He added: “What we are thinking of doing is offering use of it to market traders who want to be trained too. “What Maggie is doing is a wonderful thing and we are so grateful.”

“There’s between 30 and 40 things we have to remember to do, like we have to try and wake them up first and make sure they aren’t wet. Because of where we are and the older people within the market this defibrillator is vital.”

He added: “What we are thinking of doing is offering use of it to market traders who want to be trained too.

“What Maggie is doing is a wonderful thing and we are so grateful".

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John and Sue Shaw they retired after 60 years in the market selling ladies fashion and knitwear.

John Shaw's father had the business when John was introduced on to the market at the tender age of 12 years helping to set up his father's stalls.

They attended markets at South Elmsall, Pontefract, Barnsley as well as here.  Their business in Mexborough market hall commenced in the late 1940's with John starting in 1952 (year I was born cough!).
Shaws also had a shop for many years in nearby Conisbrough near the famous (Ivanhoe) Conisbrough castle until John became ill about 10 years ago and had to close the shop along with his markets other than Mexborough in which his wife Sue continued however John has helped out.

John & Sue have family living in Greece and their retirement will consist of visiting them more often than they could do previously.  

Mexborough Market raise money for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Mexborough Market presented Yorkshire air ambulance with a cheque for £2365

Attending the presention were (from left to right in the photo) Sandra Deans NMTF branch Vice Chairperson and cosmetics stall holder, Wendy Bailey NMTF "Branch" chairperson & clothing alteration stall holder, Ralph Lowery Mexborough Market Supervisor Doncaster markets, Mark Perry South Yorkshire Regional Fundraiser Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Phil Toon Pet foods and First responder who introduced air ambulance fundraising to the market.

Initially the fund raising was started August 2009 with a display stand, background to photographs, with collection bucket and a number of collecting tins on various market stalls. Total raised and donated to date is £5365
Mexborough market has also been nominated for an award from Yorkshire air Ambulance for the length of time we have been promoting this worth while service.

Bow wow! National award for Bury Market trader

It’s anything but a dog’s life for a Bury Market trader who has won a national award in her first year of business.

Diddy Dapper Dogs was awarded ‘Highly Commended’ in the UK Pet Retailer of the Year category in the first Petquip awards.

Business owner Tracy Robinson began trading as a casual trader on Bury Market in May 2012, taking a three-day stall in October 2012 when her husband Nigel was made redundant. They now have a regular customer base at their Garden Block stall, and have a great relationship with other stall holders and customers.

Tracy said: “The market management have always been supportive and encouraged us each step of our journey, even when it has been through one of the coldest, hardest trading winters! It is less than one year since we opened our first shop premises, so when we put ourselves forward to be considered for this we never imagined that we would win an award.”

The stall sells everything a dog could need, from health products to treats and harnesses to coats. The couple also have a shop in Morecambe.
The first PetQuip Industry Awards were sponsored by Westland, Group 55/Animology, Symply Pet Foods/Canagan, Petface and PATS.

The awards were presented at a gala dinner in Harrogate by PetQuip’s director general Amanda Sizer-Barrett. Compere was Paul Huggins, CEO of JLM Global Foods.

“These first awards have been a great success,” said Pat Flynn, PetQuip’s trade association manager.

“We had a huge amount of high calibre entries and some well deserving winners. We have also had some great feedback with everyone enjoying themselves at the gala dinner and dancing well into the night thanks to a great band, the New Amen Corner.”

Najma's win the ‘Best Takeaway & Delivery’ in the Time & Leisure Food & Drink Awards 2013.

It’s been quite a year of trading! We have braved the snowy winter and stood on muddy grounds selling our hot curries and biriyanis. We have faced the gusty winds which almost had our gazebo taking off the ground! We stubbornly held our ground as the torrential rain threatened to wash out our stall on a seemingly summer’s day. But alas! Much fun was to be had in the sweltering heat dishing up our stall favourites to our curry lovers in and around South West London and Surrey.

I couldn’t be more thrilled for Najma’s to have won the ‘Highly Commended’ award for the ‘Best Takeaway & Delivery’ in the Time & Leisure Food & Drink Awards 2013.

Watch out for Najma’s Meatballs as will be return to our much favoured Windmill Market in Wimbledon during October and the much anticipated Christmas Market in New Malden!

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Oswestry Indoor Market – Celebrates 50 Years as the Powis Hall

Markets have been a major part of the trading and historical importance of Oswestry and have existed for many centuries. The first known Charter was granted during the reign of Henry II when the Town was known as Whiteminster. In 1262 a Charter was granted by John FitzAlan, Lord of the Manor To our Burgesses of our village of Oswaldestree.

The Powis Hall Indoor Market Hall was originally maintained by the Lord of the Manor, and was the Town Hall or Guildhall until premises adjacent were built in 1782. From this date until 1960 the building was used as a corn exchange, then as a butter and cheese market, and during the Second World War for emergency storage and for auxiliary fire service purposes. On the 11^th September Oswestry Indoor Market celebrated 50 years old at its current location.  The hall was reconstructed in 1963 to its present design and is open every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday throughout the year.  Recently the market undertook an ambitious refurbishment and was awarded Best Local Council Market 2013.  The Mayor, The Earl of Powis and the Chairman of Markets all helped celebrate the occasion with both the traders and customers of the market.  This the newly reopened market back in 1963. 

Teresa Jones who has been in our market for 33 years and was recently awarded a long serving award by the Mayor Chris Scolfield and Chairman of Markets Mrs Cynthia Hawksley

The Off Price Show 2013

With little more than a month until the doors are opened to the UK’s leading fashion stock event, esteemed wholesale companies and a wave of exciting new exhibitors will display unrivalled offers over two days of invigorating trading.

Following the growing success of past events, the 23rd successful edition of the Off-Price Show has been expanded to incorporate a bigger and better range of stock, including high quality apparel, footwear, accessories with major brands, exclusive lines, sportswear giants, ex-chainstore ranges and niche labels at a massive 70% off normal wholesale prices.

The show is held over the two days on 22nd-23rd September 2013, and in addition to a comprehensive trading platform, there are additional benefits for buyers who attend. FREE Business Improvement seminars will help visitors to fight the current challenges, stay ahead of competitors, gain knowledge and advantageous tips from our expert speakers. There are also quality catering facilities where a selection of food and beverages will be served, enabling a relaxed forum for meetings between visits to the show floor.

Event Director, Buzz Carter, told MTN, “The Autumn show will be excellent for buyers as we have a number of new companies alongside show favourites. We will have the largest sportswear selection for a few years alongside traditional casual and formal fashion wear, together with great designer brands, denim and outdoor wear.”

Other suppliers showcasing this September include Eles Clothing and Trafford Wholesale who can provide a vast range of ex-chainstore stock from the biggest names on the high street.

Leading manufacturers such as Design House have the capacity to supply additional end of season stock, cancelled orders, returns and surplus high fashion apparel that are developed for some of the biggest names in the industry such as M&S, Topshop, Next and Austin Reed.

Major wholesalers will be supplying current and past season stock, from top designer names such as Armani, Gucci and Calvin Klein, while at the sporting end of the spectrum, casual wear giants including Nike, Adidas and Reebok will be made available by long standing experienced suppliers such as Topgrade Sportswear and Ski and Sport.

Award winning, up-and-coming companies such as Room 31 Wholesale prove that with the right stock at the right prices, businesses can continue to flourish despite challenging times, with other successful companies such as Q Clothing expanding.

An expanded edition of the Off-Price Show set to be the best yet its lines to include more childrenswear, and consistently adding exciting new brands. Top quality unbranded imports and cut-label products will also be available as well as companies’ own labels.

This wide variety of products creates an ideal environment for retailers, market traders, wholesalers and ebayers to increase their profit margins and source collections from the best suppliers in the market. The majority of the products will be available from stock or short order. This flexibility means buyers do not have to place large forward orders and can adapt their offering to the seasons’ latest trends at a moment’s notice, while larger retail buyers will also be able to source substantial orders with pieces supplied by the thousands.

All who visit the Off-Price Show will see first hand the great bargains and discounts that are on offer, with an unmissable opportunity to meet new suppliers, network with colleagues and enhance business. Conveniently located at London’s Olympia, the event is situated very close to the M4 (with M25 interchange not far away), and easily reached by overground, underground and bus connections.

Things are looking good at Tameside

Tameside Markets are going from strength to strength. Ashton’s famous indoor and outdoor markets still cater for all shoppers, offering a wide range of foods – including hosting the North West’s biggest Farmers’ Market on the last Sunday of every month. Other popular items include clothing, hardware, groceries and many household items both indoor and out.

Moving with the times this proud Victorian Market Hall has recently established a communal seating area where shoppers can stop, rest, eat, drink and chat and keep in touch via the new wi-fi system that has been installed.

A major new project is also due to take place as £4.5m has been committed by Tameside Council to enhance the outdoor historic market square with work forecast to start on site in 2014.

The new Hyde Market now also proudly boasts 48 brand new, covered outdoor stalls with costs starting at just £12 a stall.

If you are interested in becoming a trader at either Ashton-under-Lyne or Hyde Markets please contact: 
0161 342 3268.

Bolton Market hits the mark for festival chefs

Proud northerner Paul Hollywood, co-presenter of The Great British Bake Off, likened it to the famous Borough Market in London and said he would definitely be back to pay the Ashburner Street site a visit in the future.

He said: “I am very impressed by Bolton Market. It’s important to me to be able to source fresh, local ingredients for my dishes and here I can find excellent quality fish, fruit and vegetables, which is very satisfying. The market rates among the best and its at least as good as, if not better, than the famous Borough market in London.”

Paul was joined at the food and drink festival by fellow presenter Mary Berry, and together they demonstrated their expert baking skills at three sold-out shows in Victoria Square.

Many thousands of people visited the festival over the four days (Aug 23-26) of the bank holiday weekend. They were able to sample culinary delights from more than 80 stalls; watch celebrity and regional chefs in a series of demonstrations; enjoy the activities at the new children’s food and fun emporium and sit back and relax while being entertained by live bands and street performers, and the sunny weather was a bonus.

Four free cookery demonstrations were staged at Bolton Market. Asian chef Aazam Ahmad provided an entertaining display on Friday morning cooking a salmon curry and on Saturday Sean Wilson from Channel 5’s Great Northern Cookbook performed twice and Harry Yeung from 

Manchester’s Yang Sing restaurant provided a Cantonese twist at his lunchtime show. 
Chef Sean Wilson, ex-Corrie star, made Lancashire cheese and onion pie, oven bottom muffins and Eccles Cakes. He said: “The Bolton Food Festival is a great northern festival for great northern people.”

Michelin-starred chef Michael Caines launched the festival on Friday 23 and provided two enthralling cookery demonstrations for free in the Festival Marquee and then in the Market Place Shopping Centre.  

Michael Caines said: “It is a pleasure and privilege to be back at this event for the third time. Over the last few years I have seen the Bolton Food and Drink festival grow and develop from a local to a national event, with new additions each year.

The festival shows that there is a real appetite for local and regional food and it is crucial in bringing the community together and also boosting the local economy. The festival is a credit to Bolton and it is an honour to be asked to launch it again this year.”


In addition to the free cookery demonstrations in Bolton Market, many more regional chefs performed in the Market Place Shopping Centre, including Andrew Nutter, Anjali Pathak, and Chris Yates. 

Local chef Anjali Pathak who was a big hit in the Market Place demonstration kitchen said: “This is my fifth year at the Bolton Food & Drink Festival and I am delighted to be back , as its an opportunity to come back to my home town . The festival is growing year on year and provides a showcase for the market, local producers and local chefs.”

Anjali made caramelised lamb masala with spiced flatbreads  and for dessert she made sticky peaches with vanilla and lime cream. 


Two new features this year proved to be big hits - the children’s food and fun emporium at Crompton Place which provided a packed programme of entertainment, games and hands on food activities to entertain youngsters and live performances by local bands in the Beer Keller and the KRO Bar where Shandy South, the Dolly Birds and Our Fold were just a few of the bands who struck a chord with customers.

Free shows by performers including the Ski Band and the Bourbon Street Roof Raisers also entertained the crowds.

Coach parties came from the North East, Hull, Huddersfield, Wakefield, North Wales, Lancashire and Warrington. Teresa Wade from Hull said: “We came to the festival last year and thoroughly enjoyed it, so came back again.  We want to come again next year and will be making it a regular fixture in our calendars.”

Alwyn Johnston, visiting the festival from Macclesfield Cheshire for the first time this year said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the day – the stalls, the demonstrations and tasting all the food.  And when we got to the market we couldn’t believe the quality and range of fruit and veg at such low prices. Everything’s been fabulous and I can’t wait to bring my friends next year”

Visitors even came from as far away as Australia. Tina and Dennis from Victoria in Australia said: “We are doing a three-week tour of the UK. We researched what was on and we saw the Bolton Food and Drink Festival and just had to come. It is excellent, we are enjoying it very much and the free parking is a bonus!”

Organisers have calculated that visitor figures reached nearly 130,000 over the four days, a big increase on last year’s figure of 102,000.  Councillor Cliff Morris, Leader of Bolton Council said: “We are delighted with the visitor figures at this year’s Festival, which show it has been a massive success. 
We have had great feedback from all the chefs who provided cooking demonstrations and the feedback from traders was really positive, with many of them having to call for extra stock as their stalls were so popular!

“Visitors to the Festival came from as far away as Hull, the North East, Essex and even Australia and all seemed to enjoy their visit, which has a really positive impact on the town. The children’s emporium, which was new this year was also really popular, with queues for all the activities. We’d like to thank everyone who took part in the festival, from the chefs to the traders and also all the visitors who came and made it an amazing success.”

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.

Adam Corbally Talks Markets with MTN.

I am lucky enough to have just returned from a weeks holiday in an affordable paradise a lot of us Brits have made our annual escape, Egypt.

The day I arrived back in the good old green land I love to call my home, tragically, as we all know too well, there are the troubles in Cairo, although where we stayed far away in Hurgarda it was so peaceful and relaxed you wouldn’t have a clue that you were in the same country, that was until you happened to walk past a shop, or anyone selling anything for that matter, when all of a sudden you were bartering with one of the locals whether you liked it or not and being plain rude was sometimes the only way to say no.

Now don’t get me wrong it was my first time in Egypt and I fell in love with the country immediately, striking me as a place blessed with 365 days a year of sunshine, amazing history and tourist attractions. Even hosting one of the seven wonders of the world along with a coast line that rivals that of the Caribbean and to top it off at a recession friendly price with an all inclusive deal that left me musing over it like a countdown numbers game of how the tour operators even made it pay?

Then it all became clear, on arrival at the Airport the Egyptian humidity hit me almost as hard as the sellers at the Airport, just after we had landed, who on earth tries to sell something to you on arrival when all you want to do is get to your Hotel, throw some shorts on and jump in the pool? The Egyptians, that’s who, as they are desperate for the sale.

The next morning we were met with the same aggressive sales tactics whilst making our way from the restaurant area to the pool, “My friend, come and buy” and “English” was blurted out by a row of shop keepers simultaneously whilst each one tried to usher us into their market arcade style shop. I hate this style of hard sell and the truth was we were actually looking for a lilo, but were put off by this aggressive approach.

The next day we visited the harbour and looked around the shops for that all important souvenirs (and of course the lilo we still hadn’t bought) and were met with the same hard sell time after time with pushy stall holders trying to sell us mainly counterfeit goods at inflated prices. This time, ready and willing to buy, I did just that at about 20% of the price that they first stated and whilst I was at it tried to make them realise that the hard sell isn’t always the best way and sometimes actually alienates people into not wanting to buy off you at that moment or worse still, ever again or even walk past the place. As you can imagine my Egyptian is not great and a lot of what I was trying to say was lost in translation, although what was unmistakable was the raw thirst in their eyes for a sale, which seemed to override anything else, the raw thirst that I had on my first day trading at 19, the one that didn’t see going home empty handed that night as an option.

This thirst for a sale is the type of motivation that is key to maintaining a healthy bottom line and for me is maintained by constantly setting myself new targets. Although of course, like anything, it has to be controlled and used wisely, to be on the buying end of the deal instead of a selling for a change did me the world of good and made me realise that there is a very fine line between being persuasive and being pushy, being a bit of a maverick and being a mither.

Our Markets are a great place to shop, visit and just have a good old walk round, it is our job to make sure that we continue to make everyone’s trip to see us an amazing customer experience. Promoting the atmosphere Great British Markets are famous for and ensuring people visit our markets again and again, week after week, year after year, getting value for money on amazing products with a customer service to match. In doing so, spurring on our next generation of traders for the long term and of course our valued regular customers.

You can catch up with my own brand at www.Adamcorbally.co.uk Twitter @TheAdamCorbally