Shrewsbury Market Hall received a visit from the president and chief executive of the National Association of British Market Authority (NABMA) today. [DEC 23]
The tour was arranged by Shrewsbury Town Councillor, and former NABMA president, Councillor David Farmer as an example of best practice in markets.
Councillor Jeff Clarke and Graham Wilson spent the morning browsing the venue’s many stalls and met with traders, site facilities manager, Kate Gittins, and representatives from Shrewsbury Town Council.
The importance of markets to the UK retail landscape has recently been highlighted in the national report by television presenter, and retail expert, Mary Portas to help revive Britain’s crisis-stricken high streets.
Shrewsbury Market Hall is bucking the national trend with a waiting list of more than 60 and is already carrying out many of the recommendations outlined by Ms Portas’ report, which was commissioned by Prime Minister, David Cameron.
Today’s visit comes as Shrewsbury Market Hall vies for the top accolade in NABMA’s annual market awards.
Members of the public are being encouraged to vote for the indoor market to win Britain’s Favourite Market online at www.nabma.com
Mike Cox, Outdoor Recreation & Asset Manager for Shrewsbury Town Council said: “We are delighted the president and chief executive of NABMA were able to visit Shrewsbury Market Hall and see for themselves what a bustling and vibrant place it has become. Councillor Clarke and Mr Wilson got to meet some of our traders who are incredibly proactive and determined to keep the market thriving.”
Kate Gittins, site facilities manager at the market added: “We were really pleased to welcome NABMA to the Market Hall, especially in light of the recent Mary Portas report which solidifies everything we have been implementing here in Shrewsbury such as reasonable deposits, affordable rents and a simple licence agreement. We are proud to be a shining example of the Portas report.”
NABMA is the country’s leading markets organisation. Membership is open to any organisation which has control of retail, wholesale, livestock markets, public abattoirs and pleasure fairs.
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