Staff at Shrewsbury Market Hall are celebrating after being crowned Market Team of the Year by the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA).
The accolade is one of three new awards launched by NABMA this year which also included; Market Manager of the Year and Market Officer of the Year.
The market team, which includes Outdoor Recreation & Asset Manger Mike Cox and Market Officers Rob Miles and Andy Hill, has been recognised for ‘breathing new life’ into the shopping venue since 2010 when the Town Council took over the running of the canopied section of the market from Shropshire Council.
Awards were presented at NABMA’S national conference on September 19.
Helen Ball, Town Clerk said: “Both Rob and Andy, under the leadership of Mike Cox, maintain a can do attitude and are well respected by our market traders and our regular shoppers. While having very different personalities, they work well together and with their respective strengths and weaknesses complement well.
“The Markets Officers were appointed in April 2010 at a time when the Market Hall was in the doldrums, trader apathy was evident and it was not the “hip” place to be. Since their appointment they have both breathed new life into the market, seizing opportunities to promote the Market Hall and the individual traders, encourage a younger clientele to shop and visit and support the traders in their endeavours to run viable businesses.
“We have seen our traders wanting to become more involved in the running and promotion of the Market Hall, the consequence of which we have seen an increased footfall. This award is well deserved and we hope the team enjoy this moment in the spotlight.”
Shrewsbury Town Councillor David Farmer, former NABMA president, added: “I am absolutely thrilled that we have received this award for our market team. It’s fantastic to see how everyone works together and the future certainly looks bright as we are bucking the national trend with a waiting list for vacant stalls. We are becoming a model of success that other markets are looking to and the council will continue to support Shrewsbury Indoor Market and contribute to its vitality.”
For more information on the Market Hall log on to www.markethallshrewsbury.co.uk
For further information contact Suzi Wilkinson, Marketing & Promotions Officer on: 01743 257654 or email suzi.wilkinson-stc@shropshire.gov.uk